AP Polls just gave Louisville the disrespect they needed for Kentucky showdown

Louisville basketball has had a dominant start to the 2025-26 season, going 2-0 in the first week with a 59-point victory over South Carolina State and a 36-point victory over Jackson State. Now the Cards turn the page and will face their biggest test of the regular season so far, and in a massive rivalry showdown against Kentucky tomorrow evening.

The Cardinals don't need much more motivation for this showdown, as it is one of the most anticipated games of the 2025-26 season. However, if they need just a little bit more, the latest AP Polls have just disrespected them and dropped them in the rankings, adding fuel to tomorrow's game.

Latest AP Poll just gave Louisville basketball extra motivation for Kentucky clash

The AP Polls were just released, and the Louisville Cardinals come in ranked No. 12. The fans are shocked, as last week they were ranked No. 11, and after two dominant performances, they didn't feel they deserved to drop.

The big switch-up in the AP Polls was Alabama jumping up from No. 15 to No. 8 after beating St. John's, and Arizona jumping to No. 5 after beating Florida. Those two upsets forced St. John's to 13, but Florida remained in the top 10, forcing Louisville to fall to 12.

Now that the Kentucky Wildcats are ranked No. 9 and Louisville is ranked No. 12, the matchup is set. The KFC Yum! Center will host a massive top 12 matchup in this intense rivalry game tomorrow at 8 p.m. Louisville will look to get the respect it deserves, as a win would put them inside the top 10 for the first time this season.

This is the earliest this game has ever been played, and while many are annoyed that the game is taking place this early, it presents a tremendous opportunity for Pat Kelsey and his Cardinals to send a message to the nation that they are a legitimate contender. Louisville opens up as 3.5-point favorites over the Wildcats, and with the whole nation tuning in tomorrow night, Louisville will look to send a massive message to the AP voters and the rest of the league.

Related: 5 under-the-radar Louisville basketball players who will shock the nation this season

For all the latest news and updates on Louisville basketball's 2025-26 season and recruiting, stay tuned.