In this week’s AP Top 25 rankings, the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences stand at the forefront of men’s college basketball. Illinois beat writer Scott Richey—now in his 11th season as an AP Top 25 voter—offers insights on how these powerhouse leagues have secured their spots.

Despite not taking the field or court, Illinois saw its standing in the AP Top 25 fall by two spots. Longtime poll voter Scott Richey sheds light on how such an unexpected shift can occur—even without any new results on the schedule.