In a dramatic reshuffling of the AP Top 25 poll, Kentucky faced a significant setback after suffering two home losses to Florida and Tennessee. The Wildcats, who had been comfortably positioned in the top 10 for the past two months, tumbled down to the No. 17 spot in Monday's poll.

Kentucky's recent struggles were evident as they conceded a staggering 197 points over the past week. This seven-spot drop marks the first time since Week 6 that the Wildcats find themselves outside the top 10 of the AP poll. It is also their lowest ranking of the season, matching their position in Week 2.

The Wildcats commenced their challenging week with a heartbreaking overtime loss against Florida, 94-91, at home. The disappointment continued as they were unable to stop Tennessee, giving up 103 points to the visiting team. With three losses in their last four games, Kentucky now faces an uphill battle to regain their momentum.

Meanwhile, Tennessee endured a slight drop in the rankings after falling to South Carolina earlier in the week. Their loss caused them to slide from No. 5 to No. 6 in the poll. However, they quickly rebounded with a resounding victory, ensuring their position among the top-ranked teams.

South Carolina's impressive performances against Tennessee, as well as a win against Georgia, propelled them from being unranked to landing at No. 15 in the latest poll. This marks the Gamecocks' first appearance in the AP poll since the 2016-17 season. Additionally, it represents their highest ranking since 1998, showcasing their remarkable rise in the college basketball landscape.

At the top of the rankings, perennial powerhouses UConn, Purdue, and North Carolina maintained their positions at the summit. UConn and Purdue both had perfect 2-0 weeks, while North Carolina went 1-1, solidifying the top three for the third consecutive week. Purdue's strong performances saw them earn three first-place votes, narrowing the gap with UConn, who received the remaining 45 first-place votes as the defending champions.

As the college basketball season progresses, the shifting landscape of the AP Top 25 poll reflects the unpredictable nature of the sport. Kentucky's fall from the top 10 serves as a stark reminder that no team is immune to adversity, while South Carolina's resurgence highlights the potential for underdogs to make their mark.