Alabama remains in top 15, set for C.M. Newton Classic against No. 1 Arizona

Alabama remains the highest ranked 2-loss team in the most recent AP Poll, staying at No. 12 when the rankings dropped Monday afternoon.

There was one big change at the top of the rankings as Arizona’s win over Auburn elevated the Wildcats to the No. 1 spot for the first time this season. Next up: a road trip to play the Crimson Tide.

Keep reading to learn more about the latest rankings + find out what you need to know before Saturday’s C.M. Newton Classic.

AP Top 25

There weren’t many changes in the latest AP rankings, at least not for the Tide and Tigers.

Alabama remains No. 12 for the second straight week as it currently rides a four-game winning streak, the team’s longest of the season so far. The Crimson Tide is 7-2 with its two losses coming to No. 6 Purdue and No. 8 Gonzaga.

Auburn fell just one spot this week despite its third loss of the season. The Tigers are one of five 3-loss teams still in the AP Top 25. Of course, the defeats have not negatively impacted Auburn’s resume as the team has now lost to No. 1 Arizona, No. 2 Michigan and No. 7 Houston.

The Tigers have three more non-conference games before starting SEC play including a trip to Indianapolis to play No. 6 Purdue on Dec. 20.

Check out where both teams sit in the latest NET rankings from the NCAA.

C.M. Newton Classic

The annual C.M. Newton Classic is set for Saturday in Birmingham as Alabama has yet another top-5 opponent on the schedule.

Arizona will be the third team already this season ranked in the top 5 while playing against Alabama. The Wildcats will be the fourth top-10 opponent and fifth top-15 opponent.

Here’s what you need to know before tip off:

• 🏆 What: C.M. Newton Classic
• 🏈 Who: No. 12 Alabama Crimson Tide vs. No. 1 Arizona Wildcats
• 🕢 When: 8:30PM | Saturday, Dec. 13
• 🏟️ Where: Legacy Arena | Birmingham, AL
• 📺 Watch: ESPN
• 🎟️ Tickets

The annual game started in 2021, honoring legendary coach C.M. Newton. During his 12 seasons at Alabama, Newton led the Tide to a 221-123 record, won three straight SEC Conference titles (1974-1976) and made two NCAA Tournament appearances.

“We are excited to return to Birmingham and face one of the premier programs in the country in Arizona. The C.M. Newton Classic provides an amazing atmosphere and we are looking forward to playing in front of Tides fans while honoring Coach Newton’s legacy and the impact he made on the University of Alabama and our sport.”

Nate Oats, Alabama coach

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