The college basketball world is buzzing with excitement as the 2025-26 season approaches, and the AP Top 25 preseason poll has everyone talking. But who's at the top? For the first time ever, it's Purdue University claiming the coveted No. 1 spot!
The Boilermakers, under the leadership of head coach Matt Painter, have earned the top ranking with 35 out of 61 first-place votes. This achievement is a testament to the program's consistent excellence, especially considering they've never started a season at the pinnacle before. But here's where it gets interesting: Purdue has some unfinished business after coming so close to the NCAA title in recent years.
The team is led by the dynamic trio of Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and Fletcher Loyer, who are ready to make their mark. But they'll have to contend with some powerhouse programs, including Houston and Florida, who finished as runner-up and champion, respectively, in last year's NCAA tournament. Is this the year Purdue finally breaks through?
The Cougars and Gators aren't backing down, though. Houston, led by Kelvin Sampson, matched their best-ever preseason ranking, while Florida, under Todd Golden, is starting the season with their highest preseason ranking since their back-to-back championship run. Will experience prevail, or will Purdue's hunger for a title give them the edge?
The top 10 is rounded out by UConn, St. John's, Duke, Michigan, BYU, Kentucky, and Texas Tech, with Louisville and Auburn making notable appearances further down the list. The Jayhawks, usually a powerhouse, find themselves at a surprising No. 19, while Auburn begins a new era under the guidance of Steven Pearl, son of the legendary Bruce Pearl.
As the season tips off, the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 conferences dominate the rankings, each boasting six teams in the top 25. Meanwhile, the ACC and Big East conferences have three teams each, and the WCC has Gonzaga at No. 21.
And this is the part most people miss: the teams just outside the rankings. NC State, with new coach Will Wade, is knocking on the door, and Oregon is poised to make a jump. Are these teams the dark horses to watch out for?
As the season unfolds, the battle for supremacy will be fierce. Will Purdue live up to the hype? Can Houston or Florida reclaim their glory? Or will an underdog surprise us all? The court is set, and the drama is about to unfold. Get ready for a thrilling season of college hoops!
