LAWRENCE — Kansas basketball dropped out of the top 25 in the latest update of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
The Jayhawks (18-9, 9-7 in Big 12) were No. 25 the last time this poll was updated. However, in the last week, they suffered a lackluster defeat on the road against BYU. A win at home against Oklahoma State that followed didn’t do enough to persuade the group of voters to rate KU higher.
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This is a glaring issue for a Kansas team that entered the season as the No. 1 team in the nation. While it might serve as a point of motivation as the Jayhawks continue their Big 12 Conference slate, it’s not a point of motivation anyone thought they would need when the season began. Games this week against Colorado on Monday on the road and No. 10 Texas Tech on Saturday at home are opportunities for KU to reach the top 25 again, but not guarantees.
Outside of Texas Tech, the top 25 also sees No. 4 Houston, No. 9 Iowa State, and No. 21 Arizona ranked. When it comes to those receiving votes in the Big 12, Kansas is also behind BYU. The Jayhawks are receiving votes, but certainly have some work to do.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: College basketball rankings: Kansas basketball falls out coaches poll
