Purdue, Houston, Florida Lead AP Men’s Basketball Preseason Top 25 Rankings
Purdue University has achieved a historic milestone by securing the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press men’s basketball preseason Top 25 rankings for the first time. This achievement marks a significant shift for the Boilermakers, reflecting their rise in college basketball over recent seasons. Under the leadership of head coach Matt Painter, Purdue has become a powerhouse, having spent a total of 13 weeks ranked as the top team in the nation in the last three years.
Purdue’s Dominance and Preseason Rankings
Purdue received 35 out of 61 first-place votes in the current rankings. Houston follows at No. 2, with Florida at No. 3, UConn at No. 4, and St. John’s rounding out the top five. Last season, Purdue’s performance was bolstered by standout players like Trey Kaufman-Renn and point guard Braden Smith, who is on track to challenge NCAA’s all-time assists record.
Key Highlights from the Preseason Poll
- Purdue: 1st place, 35 first-place votes.
- Houston: 2nd place, 16 first-place votes.
- Florida: 3rd place, 8 first-place votes.
- UConn: 4th place, 2 first-place votes.
- St. John’s: 5th place.
Strengths and Challenges for Top Teams
Houston, under coach Kelvin Sampson, returns three starters from last year’s national championship game, including standout defender JoJo Tugler. The Cougars also welcome three top-20 recruits this offseason, maintaining their status as strong contenders in the Big 12.
Florida, the reigning national champion, faces challenges after losing its starting backcourt, including NBA draft pick Walter Clayton Jr. However, the team retains a solid frontcourt and has added talented transfer guards Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee. Coach Todd Golden aims to keep Florida competitive in the SEC and possibly make history with back-to-back championships.
Notable Rankings and Conference Performance
The current standings highlight the dominance of several conferences. The Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC each have six teams in the top 25. The ACC and Big East follow with three ranked teams each, while Gonzaga represents the West Coast Conference at No. 21. Key teams to watch include:
- Duke at No. 6, adjusting post-Cooper Flagg’s departure.
- Auburn at No. 20, transitioning under new coach Steven Pearl.
- North Carolina at No. 25, closely trailing NC State.
What Lies Ahead for College Basketball
The 2025-26 season promises to be exciting for college basketball fans. With Purdue leading the rankings, the school’s fans are hoping for a successful year. The rest of the top contenders will be battling for supremacy and a shot at the national championship. As the season progresses, the dynamics within powerhouse conferences like the Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC will be closely watched.
