Tennessee Men’s Basketball Holds Top-Eight Spot for 13th Consecutive Week in Major Polls
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team continues to solidify its place among the nation’s elite, securing a top-eight ranking in both the Associated Press Top 25 Poll and the USA TODAY Coaches Poll for the 13th consecutive week. As of Monday’s latest release, the Volunteers (21-5, 8-5 SEC) hold the No. 6 spot in both rankings, showcasing their consistency and dominance throughout the 2024-25 season.
Despite a slight drop—one spot in the AP Poll and two spots in the Coaches Poll—Tennessee remains a formidable force in college basketball. Their sustained presence in the top tier of national rankings reflects not only their impressive performances but also their ability to compete at the highest level against some of the toughest opponents in the country.
A Historic Streak Under Rick Barnes
Tennessee’s 13-week run in the AP top 10 now stands as the fourth-longest such streak in program history, further cementing the Volunteers as a powerhouse under head coach Rick Barnes. Remarkably, four of the six double-digit streaks in school history have come in the last seven years under Barnes, emphasizing his role in transforming the program into a perennial contender.
Since taking over in the 2015-16 season, Barnes has guided Tennessee to the AP top 10 an incredible 71 times. For perspective, the Volunteers had appeared in the top 10 only 28 times in the 14 seasons before his arrival. His leadership has elevated Tennessee to new heights, consistently positioning the team among the nation’s best.
Additionally, Tennessee has been ranked in the AP top 15 for 49 of the last 52 poll releases, dating back to November 28, 2022. This level of consistency speaks volumes about the team’s ability to maintain high performance over multiple seasons and adapt to challenges while remaining one of the most respected programs in the country.
Tennessee’s Season at a Glance
With a 21-5 overall record and an 8-5 mark in SEC play, the Volunteers have showcased their strength on both ends of the court. Their balanced roster features elite defensive talent, explosive scoring, and depth that allows them to compete against top-tier opponents.
Key victories against ranked opponents, dominant performances at home, and resilience in tough road games have all contributed to their national standing. Despite the recent minor ranking shift, Tennessee remains firmly in contention for a top NCAA Tournament seed as March Madness approaches.
What’s Next for the Volunteers?
With the regular season winding down and the SEC Tournament on the horizon, Tennessee’s focus remains on finishing strong and securing a favorable postseason position. Upcoming matchups will be crucial in determining their final seeding, and fans can expect the Volunteers to continue their fight for a top spot in the tournament.
As Tennessee pushes forward, their 13-week streak in the top eight serves as a testament to their resilience, talent, and coaching excellence. Under Rick Barnes, the Volunteers have established themselves as one of the premier programs in college basketball, and they are poised to make yet another deep postseason run.
With history on their side and a determined squad on the court, Tennessee’s journey toward championship contention continues, and the Volunteers remain a team to watch as the season reaches its most critical stage.