Gonzaga takes over No. 1 ranking in the USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll

The hot potato that is the No. 1 ranking in the USA TODAY Sports men’s basketball coaches poll changes hands yet again this week.

Gonzaga becomes the fifth team to occupy the top spot with the season not even at its midpoint, promising a wide-open tournament come March. The Bulldogs received 23 of 32 first-place votes. They replace Kansas, which lips to No. 5 after a one-point loss at Villanova.

Ohio State checks in at No. 2. The Buckeyes picked up seven first-place nods after a solid week that included a win against Kentucky. Duke stays put at No. 3, followed by fourth-ranked Louisville. The Cardinals claimed the remaining two No. 1 votes.

The rest of the top 10 has a new look as well. Baylor’s upward trajectory continues as they vault five places to No. 6. Oregon climbs three slots to No. 7, followed by unbeaten Auburn. Villanova jumps to ninth after upending the Jayhawks, with Memphis claiming the No. 10 position.

TOP 25:Complete USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll

Some of the sport’s other traditional powers didn’t fare nearly as well in the rankings. Defending national champion Virginia slides six spots to No. 13 following its second loss of the season to unranked South Carolina. Kentucky falls 13 places all the way to No. 19 after a two-loss week. North Carolina, struggling with a 7-5 record due to a spate of injuries, is out of the Top 25 altogether for the first time in five years.

Joining the poll this week are No. 23 West Virginia and No. 25 Wichita State. VCU, one of the teams tied for 25th last week, drops out along with the Tar Heels and Tennessee.