For the first time in school history, the Purdue Boilermakers find themselves at the top of the preseason Associated Press (AP) Top 25 college basketball poll. With 35 of 61 first-place votes, Purdue enters the 2025-26 season as the No. 1 team in the nation, a historic achievement that signals the program’s continued rise under head coach Matt Painter. The Boilermakers edged out the two teams that played in last year’s NCAA title game, with runner-up Houston claiming the No. 2 spot and reigning national champion Florida checking in at No. 3.
“It’s a great honor,” said Painter, entering his 21st season with the Boilermakers. “Obviously, we’re excited to get the season started. Being ranked No. 1 is a great sign of the expectations and potential of this team, but it’s important to remember that the goal is to be No. 1 at the end of the season. We’ve got a lot of work to do to make that happen.”
Purdue’s Historic Milestone
Purdue’s ascension to the top of the AP Top 25 marks the latest milestone in the school’s storied basketball history. The Boilermakers had previously been ranked as high as No. 2 in the poll back in the 1987-88 season under Gene Keady, but this is the first time they’ve sat atop the rankings to begin a season. Purdue had been ranked No. 1 in the AP poll in each of the past three seasons, with the 2021-22 season marking the program’s first-ever No. 1 ranking.
Purdue’s success has been fueled by standout performances from players like two-time AP National Player of the Year Zach Edey, who led the team to a national title game appearance last season. Though Edey is no longer with the team, the Boilermakers bring back a formidable roster led by point guard Braden Smith, a first-team AP All-American, and scoring leader Trey Kaufman-Renn, who averaged 20.1 points per game last season. With Fletcher Loyer also returning to provide additional scoring and leadership, Purdue is poised to continue its dominance in the coming year.
Houston and Florida: Strong Competition
The Houston Cougars, who made it to the national championship game last season, enter the 2025-26 season ranked No. 2 with 16 first-place votes, matching the program’s best-ever preseason ranking. The Cougars, under head coach Kelvin Sampson, are coming off an impressive run to the national title game and will be looking to make another deep March Madness run this season.
“We’re not satisfied with being No. 2,” said Sampson, “but it’s a good starting point. Our goal is to continue building on the success of last season and get back to the Final Four. We’ve got a talented group, and we’re excited to see what we can accomplish.”
Florida, the defending national champion, enters the season at No. 3 in the rankings after a memorable run to the 2024 NCAA title. The Gators, led by head coach Todd Golden, earned eight first-place votes and are poised to defend their crown. Florida is returning a strong core of players, including star guard Riley McGowan and forward Derrick Davis, both of whom were pivotal in last year’s championship run. The Gators’ strong recruiting class and experienced roster make them a formidable contender to repeat as champions.
The Gators’ ranking of No. 3 marks their highest preseason rank since the 2006-07 season, when they entered the year as reigning champions and went on to win their second consecutive national title.
UConn, St. John’s, and Duke Round Out the Top 5
Following the top three, the UConn Huskies secure the No. 4 spot in the preseason rankings, with two first-place votes. Head coach Dan Hurley’s team comes off a strong 2024-25 season and has the talent to contend for a Final Four appearance. UConn’s depth, led by forward Jordan Hawkins and guard Andre Jackson, makes them one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation.
Rick Pitino’s St. John’s Red Storm, ranked No. 5, marks the program’s highest-ever preseason ranking in the AP Top 25. With Pitino at the helm, St. John’s has experienced a resurgence, and this season’s squad is one of the most talented in years. The team features a dynamic mix of experience and youth, with standout players like guard Chris Mullin Jr. and forward John Gibson leading the charge.
Duke, a perennial powerhouse, comes in at No. 6. Head coach Jon Scheyer has a balanced team with several potential NBA prospects, including forward Kyle Filipowski and guard Tyrese Proctor. With a talented roster and a legacy of success, Duke is always a team to watch when it comes to national championship contention.
Notable Rankings: BYU, Kentucky, and Texas Tech in the Top 10
BYU, led by incoming freshman A.J. Dybantsa, lands at No. 7, and the nation’s top-ranked recruit is expected to make an immediate impact for the Cougars. Kentucky follows at No. 8, with John Calipari looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2024-25 season. Texas Tech rounds out the top 10 at No. 10, a team that has quickly become one of the most dangerous in the Big 12 under head coach Mark Adams.
Rising Programs: Louisville and Arkansas
The Louisville Cardinals, under second-year head coach Pat Kelsey, are ranked No. 11 after an impressive 27-win season in Kelsey’s first year. Louisville had struggled in the years before Kelsey’s arrival, posting a dismal 12-52 record in the two seasons prior to his tenure. However, Kelsey has quickly turned the program around, and the Cardinals are once again a national contender.
Meanwhile, the Arkansas Razorbacks are ranked No. 14 in the preseason poll, marking the second year under head coach Eric Musselman. The Razorbacks are looking to continue their upward trajectory, with a roster full of talented players and a strong recruiting class.
Kansas and Auburn: Transitioning into New Eras
Kansas, the defending national champions from two years ago, checks in at No. 19, marking the lowest preseason ranking for Bill Self’s Jayhawks since 2008-09. Despite the drop in ranking, Kansas remains one of the most consistent programs in the country and will look to make a run in March.
Auburn opens at No. 20 as the Tigers begin life after the unexpected retirement of coach Bruce Pearl, who stepped down following a Final Four run. Auburn will now be led by Pearl’s son, Steven, who has never been a head coach at the college level. It remains to be seen how the Tigers will adjust to the leadership change, but the program’s strong foundation suggests they will still be competitive.
Conference Breakdown: Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12 Lead the Way
The Southeastern Conference (SEC), Big Ten, and Big 12 each feature six ranked teams in the preseason poll, comprising a combined 72% of the rankings. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Big East follow with three ranked teams each, while the West Coast Conference (WCC) has one representative in No. 21 Gonzaga. The Big 12 stands out with three teams ranked in the top 10, solidifying the conference’s dominance heading into the new season.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches, the race for the national title promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With Purdue leading the charge, followed by powerhouses like Houston, Florida, UConn, and Duke, the stage is set for another thrilling season of college hoops. Whether the Boilermakers can hold their spot at No. 1 throughout the year or if another team will rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the 2025-26 season is bound to be a memorable one.
