The college basketball season may still be in its early stages, but the first two weeks have already delivered plenty of unexpected developments. From shocking defeats and impressive road victories to teams exceeding preseason expectations, the opening stretch has provided an early indication of which programs could become serious contenders and which still have significant problems to address.
The latest KenPom rankings have reflected those developments, with several teams experiencing dramatic movements after just a handful of games. While some programs are building momentum, others are discovering that preseason expectations do not always translate into early-season success.
Five teams, in particular, stand out as the biggest surprises in the latest rankings.
1. OKLAHOMA SOONERS: A DISAPPOINTING START RAISES CONCERNS
Oklahoma has arguably experienced one of the most disappointing openings of the season. The Sooners entered the campaign with expectations of becoming an interesting contender in the SEC, but their performances have created more questions than answers.
Their biggest setback came on opening night when they suffered a shocking home defeat against East Texas A&M. Although Oklahoma responded with victories over Mississippi Valley State and North Alabama, neither performance completely erased concerns about the team’s overall consistency.
The Sooners entered the preseason ranked 29th in KenPom but have dropped dramatically to 67th after three games.
One of their biggest problems has been perimeter shooting. Oklahoma is converting just 30 percent of its three-point attempts while taking approximately 57 percent of its total field-goal attempts from beyond the arc.
Pop Isaacs, Xzayvier Brown and Dayton Forsythe provide offensive talent in the backcourt, but their production has not translated into the efficiency required to make Oklahoma dangerous.
The Sooners still have time to recover, but their early performances suggest significant adjustments are necessary.
2. UCLA BRUINS: A STATEMENT START PUTS THEM AMONG THE NATION’S BEST
UCLA has been one of the biggest early winners, delivering impressive performances that have quickly changed expectations surrounding the program.
The Bruins opened their season with an important victory over Arizona before following it up with two dominant performances against weaker opposition.
Their strong start has moved them from No. 25 in the preseason KenPom rankings to No. 16, and there is potential for another rise if their performances continue.
UCLA’s success has been built around excellent ball security, aggressive defense and outstanding three-point shooting.
The Bruins are turning the ball over on just 12.2 percent of their offensive possessions while forcing turnovers on an impressive 25.2 percent of opponents’ possessions.
Their perimeter shooting has also been exceptional, with the team converting 43 percent of its attempts from three-point range.
Trent Perry and Jaylen Petty have combined for 15 three-pointers in 30 attempts, while Nikola Kusturica has added six makes in 14 attempts. Backup center Sergej Macura has also contributed five three-pointers on seven attempts.
Defensively, UCLA has successfully forced opponents into difficult perimeter attempts, allowing them to shoot just 22.6 percent from three.
If the Bruins maintain this balance, they could become one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
3. KENTUCKY WILDCATS: EARLY STRUGGLES CREATE PRESSURE ON MARK POPE
Kentucky’s early-season performances have raised concerns in Lexington, particularly after a disappointing defeat against Kansas in the Champions Classic.
The Wildcats entered the preseason ranked 24th in KenPom but have fallen to 36th after opening the campaign 2-1.
Although Kentucky defeated Manhattan and James Madison, its nine-point victory over James Madison exposed defensive weaknesses. Those problems became even more obvious against Kansas, which handed the Wildcats a convincing 89-69 defeat.
Kentucky has struggled to control opposing offenses, allowing James Madison to score 1.18 points per possession and Kansas to produce 1.16 points per possession.
The defensive approach has focused on protecting the paint and forcing opponents toward perimeter shots. However, opponents have still found ways to convert those opportunities, shooting approximately 33 percent from three-point range.
Defensive rebounding has also become a concern, with Kentucky surrendering 11.7 second-chance points per game.
There are nevertheless encouraging signs offensively. The Wildcats currently possess KenPom’s 14th-ranked offense, demonstrating that their scoring potential remains significant.
Zoom Diallo and Malachi Moreno have provided efficient offensive contributions, giving Mark Pope a promising foundation to build around.
However, Kentucky must improve defensively if it hopes to challenge the nation’s elite programs.
4. MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS: AN UNEXPECTED RISE
Minnesota is quietly becoming one of the most intriguing teams in college basketball.
The Golden Gophers have opened the season 4-0, including an impressive true road victory against Cincinnati. Although three of their victories came against buy-game opponents, their performances have demonstrated considerable potential.
Minnesota began the season ranked 41st in KenPom but has climbed to No. 33.
Under head coach Niko Medved, the Golden Gophers have established an effective identity built around defensive discipline and an organized motion offense.
Their defensive rebounding and ability to force difficult shots have been particularly impressive.
Meanwhile, Isaac Asuma and Kyan Evans have emerged as an exciting backcourt combination. Together, they are averaging 28.5 points, 12 rebounds, 8.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
Even more encouraging is that Minnesota has achieved this without Cade Tyson, who is pursuing eligibility for a fifth season.
After missing the NCAA Tournament since 2019, Minnesota could finally have the ingredients to end that drought.
5. UC RIVERSIDE HIGHLANDERS: A MID-MAJOR PROGRAM MAKING NOISE
UC Riverside deserves recognition for its impressive opening performances.
The Highlanders have started 3-0, collecting victories against San Jose State and Denver while demonstrating that they could become an interesting mid-major team this season.
They entered the preseason ranked 209th in KenPom but have climbed to No. 178.
Their biggest strength has been defensive pressure. UC Riverside is forcing turnovers on 28 percent of opposing possessions, the seventh-best rate nationally.
Ten different players are averaging at least one steal per game, highlighting the defensive intensity and collective effort throughout the roster.
Offensively, Tyus Parrish-Tillman and Tony Duckett have provided the primary scoring contributions, averaging 19 and 16 points per game, respectively.
The Highlanders are also shooting 38.8 percent from three-point range, giving their offense another important weapon.
Although the season remains young, UC Riverside has already demonstrated that it deserves attention.
FINAL VERDICT
The first two weeks of college basketball have produced significant surprises in the KenPom rankings.
UCLA and Minnesota are exceeding expectations, while UC Riverside is establishing itself as an intriguing mid-major program. Oklahoma and Kentucky, meanwhile, have discovered that early-season weaknesses can quickly affect their national standing.
With plenty of basketball remaining, these rankings will undoubtedly change. However, the opening performances have already provided an exciting glimpse into the potential storylines that could define the season.
