Louisville Basketball Plummets in AP Poll After First Loss

The Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team fell five spots in the latest national rankings. This drop comes after the team suffered its first defeat of the season. The new Associated Press Top 25 Poll was released on Monday.

Louisville now sits at No. 11 after starting the week at No. 6. According to the AP poll data, the Cardinals earned 877 total points from voters. The shift follows a split in two high-profile games last week.

Ranked Matchups Lead to Poll Adjustment

The Cardinals faced a tough week on the court. They first lost 89-80 on the road to Arkansas. That game was part of the annual ACC/SEC Challenge.

Louisville then rebounded with a solid win. They defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 87-78 on a neutral court. The 1-1 record against ranked opponents was not enough to maintain their top-10 status.

The new poll sees Arizona holding the top spot. Michigan, Duke, Iowa State, and UConn round out the top five. Louisville remains the highest-ranked team from the ACC this week.

Road Ahead for the Cardinals

This poll movement highlights the volatility of early-season rankings. A single loss can significantly impact a team’s standing. The Cardinals’ strong start helped cushion their fall.

The team’s focus now shifts to an upcoming rivalry game. They will host the Memphis Tigers this Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EST at the KFC Yum! Center.

Conference play looms on the horizon as well. This non-conference test against Memphis is a final tune-up. The Cardinals will aim to prove their top-10 potential is still valid.

The Cardinals’ drop in the AP poll reflects the intense scrutiny of college basketball’s early season. Their response against Memphis will be closely watched by voters and fans alike.

A quick knowledge drop for you:

Why did Louisville fall five spots after only one loss?

The loss to Arkansas was their first, but poll voters also weigh performance heavily. A road loss to a ranked team, combined with other teams winning, led to the significant drop.

Who is ranked ahead of Louisville in the ACC?

No ACC team is ranked higher than Louisville. Duke is No. 3 nationally, but North Carolina is the next closest conference foe at No. 14.

What is Louisville’s current record?

The Cardinals hold an 8-1 overall record. They have not yet begun Atlantic Coast Conference play for the 2025-26 season.

Can Louisville get back into the top 10?

Yes. A win against a strong Memphis team could convince voters. Strong performance in ACC play will be the most direct path back.

Did any other teams have big poll moves this week?

Poll movement is common. Arkansas, who beat Louisville, rose several spots to No. 17. Indiana fell out of the rankings entirely after their loss to the Cardinals.