NCAAB 2025 Week 16 Power Rankings: Auburn Tigers Lead the Pack

As the 2025 college basketball season intensifies, teams are jockeying for prime positions ahead of March Madness. The latest Week 16 power rankings showcase programs that have hit their stride and others facing critical challenges.

Auburn maintains its stronghold at No. 1. Close on their heels, Duke, Houston, Florida, and Alabama are making compelling cases for top seeds. Some teams are trending up, while others must make adjustments fast to avoid slipping when it matters most.

Auburn Tigers Keep Their Grip on No. 1

Auburn remains at the top, playing high-energy basketball that wears down opponents over 40 minutes. John Broome and Tahaad Pettiford continue to dominate the paint, giving Auburn a physical edge on both ends.

Their ability to control the glass and dictate tempo has made them one of the most feared teams in college basketball. Particularly, Broome has been a force inside, altering shots and finishing through contact, while Pettiford has turned into a defensive nightmare for opposing guards. Their play has been impossible to ignore, with NBA scouts keeping a close watch on their development.

With March Madness looming, oddsmakers like FanDuel Sportsbook consistently list Auburn among the top favorites for a deep tournament run. If they stay efficient from beyond the arc, they’ll remain one of the most dangerous teams in the country heading into March Madness.

Duke Blue Devils Hold Firm

Duke has held serve at No. 2, bouncing back from a tough loss to Clemson with back-to-back wins over California and Stanford. The Blue Devils have relied on Cooper Flagg, who continues to make a case as one of the best two-way players in the country. In their latest win over Virginia, he dropped 17 points and 14 rebounds, showing his ability to impact both ends.

Flagg’s numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re historical. He became the first Duke freshman to reach 500 points, 100 assists, and 30 blocks in a single season, proving he’s more than just a scorer. His defensive instincts and rebounding make him a nightmare for opponents.

Duke’s guard play has also stepped up, with Tyrese Proctor and Isaiah Evans leading the offense. They’ll remain a serious contender heading into the final stretch as long as they keep controlling the pace and executing late in games.

Houston Cougars Keep Climbing

Houston has been red-hot since December, with only one loss in that stretch. The Cougars are proving they can grind out wins on the road, setting a Big 12 record with 12 straight victories away from home. That kind of toughness travels well in March.

Their latest win against Arizona State showed why they’re tough to beat. Guard Emanuel Sharp broke out of a shooting slump and put up 17 points, while L.J. Cryer added 18. Houston’s offense has been streaky, but its defense continues to carry them, forcing bad shots and controlling possessions.

The Cougars have proven they can win close games and handle adversity. The offense still needs to become more consistent, but the defensive identity and road resilience give Houston a shot to climb even higher in the rankings.

Florida Gators Surge into the Top Five

Florida has cracked the top five, riding a four-game win streak and coming off a statement victory over Auburn. The Gators have used depth and strong rotations to wear teams down, with different players stepping up in key moments.

Junior guard Denzel Aberdeen has given Florida an extra scoring punch off the bench, showing his ability to impact games when called upon. Coach Todd Golden has kept the team locked in, making sure every player stays ready when their number is called.

Alabama Crimson Tide Stay in the Hunt

Alabama took a hit against Auburn but remains inside the top five thanks to its explosive offense, which leads the nation with 90.3 points per game. This team can score with anyone, but defensive lapses have kept them from climbing higher.

The Tide’s next six games could be crucial for their tournament seeding. A strong finish could put them in position for a higher placement in March, but losses could send them sliding down the bracket. Alabama’s remaining matchups include Tennessee, Florida, and Auburn, making this a defining stretch for their season.

The offense will keep them competitive, but fixing the defense is the key to a deep run. Opponents have been scoring too easily inside, and Alabama needs to show it can get stops in crunch time.

Final Thoughts

With conference play winding down, teams must lock in defensively, execute in key moments, and stay sharp in high-pressure situations. One misstep could shake up the rankings, and no team can afford to take their foot off the gas.