After Bucky McMillan took his Texas A&M Aggies to the top of the SEC standings, it still wasn't enough for the AP to give them a nod inside the top 25.
After the Aggies' loss against SMU, they have won nine of their past 10. McMillan has turned the Aggies into one of the hottest teams in the nation, but the AP knows they may not be able to ignore it for long.
If it weren't for Florida and Alabama's tough early-season schedule, and Miami (Ohio) going 20-0, the Aggies may be in the AP top 25. They have a great chance to crack in eventually, but they're getting noticed.
Texas A&M basketball still receiving votes after top 25 snub
The Aggies are among the "others receiving votes" with 27. That's still underneath Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Iowa. The point is: the top of the SEC isn't ranked, and that's a problem, but it could also have to do with the Aggies' about to go through the SEC's best, and they should embrace this test as more motivation.
Georgia is next on Texas A&M's schedule, and that will be key for Texas A&M's ranking next week. Tennessee has the edge from a close 87-82 game from earlier this season, and Kentucky won't be until the end of the season.
The Iowa Hawkeyes have a similar new-look team thanks to new coach Ben McCollum, and they are looking improved this season. It's going to be tougher than we think for Texas A&M to crack in, but losses from those teams would help.
Perhaps if Miami (Ohio) finally loses, or if Saint Louis gets another loss, it may open up a spot for the Aggies if they keep doing what they're doing. Right now, McMillan and the Ags don't care about the rankings, but fans are wondering how the SEC's best isn't in.