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How far will Kentucky basketball fall in AP poll after loss to Vanderbilt?

The Cats are on a 2 game losing streak, heading into Knoxville where the Vols will try to make it 3. How far will they fall in the AP poll?

ByDrew Holbrook|
Jan 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) reacts after missing the basket after a called foul against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Jan 25, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Otega Oweh (00) reacts after missing the basket after a called foul against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Memorial Gymnasium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Kentucky basketball fans are left wondering just how far the Wildcats will fall in the next AP Poll after a 74-69 upset loss to Vanderbilt. Ranked No. 9 entering the game, Kentucky failed to capitalize on its top-10 status, dropping a pivotal SEC matchup against a Commodores team that stormed the court in celebration.

How Other Top-25 Teams Performed

The Wildcats’ loss is even more glaring when compared to other top-25 results this week. Teams like No. 7 Houston and No. 3 Iowa State solidified their rankings with strong wins, while No. 15 Oregon and No. 19 UConn suffered upsets of their own. Here’s how the top teams performed:

  • No. 1 Auburn: Edged past No. 6 Tennessee, 53-51
  • No. 2 Duke: Held off Wake Forest, 63-56
  • No. 3 Iowa State: Dominated Arizona State, 76-61
  • No. 5 Florida: Blew out Georgia, 89-59
  • No. 7 Houston: Outlasted No. 12 Kansas in double OT, 92-86

Meanwhile, other SEC teams like No. 22 Missouri earned solid victories, beating Ole Miss 83-75, potentially putting them in contention to leapfrog Kentucky in the rankings.

Analyzing Kentucky’s Potential Drop

Here’s a look at the key factors that could determine Kentucky’s new position in the AP Poll:

  • Quality of Loss: Losing to an unranked Vanderbilt team hurts Kentucky’s standing, especially since the Commodores were only 3-3 in SEC play entering the game.
  • Comparative Performances: Other top-10 teams like Auburn, Duke, and Iowa State all secured wins, solidifying their positions. Meanwhile, Kentucky's immediate peers (No. 8 Michigan State and No. 7 Houston) performed well, further emphasizing Kentucky's struggles.
  • Other Upsets: Losses by No. 15 Oregon and No. 19 UConn may cushion Kentucky’s fall slightly, but those teams were ranked significantly lower.

Given these factors, Kentucky could realistically drop anywhere from No. 12 to No. 15 in the upcoming poll. Teams like Mississippi State (No. 14), and Missouri (No. 22) could jump ahead, while Kentucky may hold above Oregon and UConn after their losses.

Looking Ahead: Kentucky Must Rebound

Kentucky’s ranking isn’t the only concern after the Vanderbilt loss. The Wildcats are now 14-5 overall and 3-3 in SEC play, leaving them tied with several teams in the middle of the conference standings. Mark Pope’s squad has little margin for error as they prepare for matchups against tough SEC foes like No. 4 Alabama and No. 6 Tennessee.

If Kentucky hopes to climb back into the top 10, they’ll need to address key issues, particularly turnovers. In the loss to Vanderbilt, Kentucky committed 16 turnovers, compared to Vanderbilt’s 5, a glaring disparity that gave the Commodores the edge.

Will Kentucky Bounce Back in SEC Play?

Kentucky’s tumble in the AP Poll will undoubtedly sting, but the Wildcats have an opportunity to right the ship in the coming weeks. With marquee matchups against ranked SEC opponents on the horizon, the road ahead could either reestablish Kentucky as a contender—or cement their decline.

As fans brace for Monday’s poll release, one thing is clear: Kentucky’s loss to Vanderbilt was a costly one.

Prediction

14th in the AP poll

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