Despite Auburn's strong case for the top ranking, it is expected that AP voters will maintain Tennessee's position due to their undefeated status and recent successes.

The decision on the top ranking may hinge on philosophical debates among voters, as Tennessee has consistently held its ranking while Auburn has demonstrated exceptional performance.

Auburn, currently ranked No. 2, boasts an NCAA-leading six Quad 1 wins and has recently secured significant victories over ranked teams, including an 18-point win against Purdue.

If rankings were based solely on current performance, Auburn would likely ascend to the No. 1 position, given its strong metrics, including top rankings in NET, KenPom, and BartTorvik.

In the upcoming rankings, Clemson, Michigan, and Memphis are projected to drop out of the Top 25, indicating a shift in the competitive landscape.

Tennessee continues to hold the No. 1 spot in the AP polls after a commanding 84-36 victory over Western Carolina, bringing their record to an impressive 11-0.