From OutKick · Dan Zaksheske · · 2m
CBB With Danny Z: Human Polls vs. Analytics
Kansas, Tennessee and USC lead human polls over analytics models.
In brief
Kansas, Tennessee and USC lead human polls over analytics models. Kansas, Tennessee and USC rank higher in human polls than analytics models for 2026-27 college basketball season. Originally reported by OutKick.
Quick answers
- Why the Disagreement?
- The article explains that human polls focus on past performance while analytics models project future success based on current data.
- What is the key takeaway from CBB With Danny Z: Human Polls vs. Analytics?
- Kansas, Tennessee and USC rank higher in human polls than analytics models for 2026-27 college basketball season.
Human vs. Analytics Polls
The article compares preseason AP and Coaches polls with KenPom and TeamRankings models for college basketball rankings.
Kansas and Iowa State: Computer Preference
Kansas ranks 17th in AP Poll and 18th in Coaches Poll but 5th in KenPom and 6th in TeamRankings.
Tennessee and USC: Human Preference
Tennessee ranks 8th in AP Poll and 9th in Coaches Poll while USC ranks 21st in AP and 22nd in Coaches Poll.
Vanderbilt and UConn: Split Rankings
Vanderbilt ranks 12th in KenPom versus 24th in AP Poll and 21st in Coaches Poll; UConn ranks 4th in AP Poll and 5th in Coaches Poll but 11th in KenPom.
Nebraska: Analytics Boost
Nebraska ranks 15th in KenPom and 22nd in TeamRankings versus 27th in AP Poll and 26th in Coaches Poll.
Alabama and Houston: Model Preference
Alabama ranks 20th in AP Poll and 18th in Coaches Poll but 9th in KenPom and 16th in TeamRankings; Houston ranks 10th in AP Poll and 8th in Coaches Poll but 3rd in KenPom.
Why the Disagreement?
The article explains that human polls focus on past performance while analytics models project future success based on current data.
2026-27 Season Impact
The article tracks how human and analytics rankings change as the 2026-27 season progresses.
Vanderbilt's NCAA Performance
Vanderbilt missed NCAA Tournament first round in 2026 and ranks 24th in AP Poll.
UConn's Recent Success
UConn won back-to-back national championships in 2023 and 2024.
Next Steps for Analysis
The article will update rankings throughout the season to see which model better predicts outcomes.
Conclusion: Human vs. Model
Kansas, Tennessee and USC rank higher in human polls than analytics models for 2026-27 college basketball season.
At a glance
Kansas, Tennessee and USC rank higher in human polls than analytics models for 2026-27 college basketball season.
