Hold onto your seats, basketball fans, because the 2025-26 college basketball season is shaping up to be a thriller! For the first time ever, Purdue claims the No. 1 spot in the Associated Press preseason Top 25, marking a historic moment for the program and cementing their rise to college basketball’s elite. But here’s where it gets controversial: are they truly the team to beat, or is this ranking setting them up for a fall? Let’s dive in.
While preseason rankings are often taken with a grain of salt, Purdue’s ascent is hard to ignore. Under Matt Painter’s leadership, the Boilermakers have spent 13 weeks as the nation’s top team over the past three seasons, more than any other program. This isn’t just a fluke—it’s a testament to their consistency. With All-American contenders Trey Kaufman-Renn and Braden Smith (who’s on track to shatter Bobby Hurley’s NCAA assists record), Purdue is poised to make a deep run, possibly even ending the Big Ten’s 26-year championship drought. But is this the year they finally cut down the nets, or will the pressure prove too much?
And this is the part most people miss: Purdue’s rise isn’t just about talent—it’s about opportunity. With a favorable schedule and a seasoned roster, they’re in prime position to dominate. Yet, questions linger: Can they handle the target on their backs? And what about the rest of the Big Ten, which boasts six teams in the Top 25? Could this be the year the conference reclaims its glory?
Rounding out the top five are No. 2 Houston, No. 3 Florida, No. 4 UConn, and No. 5 St. John’s. Houston, led by Kelvin Sampson, returns three starters from last year’s national championship game, including defensive powerhouse JoJo Tugler, and adds three top-20 recruits. Florida, the reigning champs, lost their backcourt but retained a formidable frontcourt and added transfer guards Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee. If these newcomers gel by March, the Gators could become the first men’s program to win back-to-back titles multiple times. But is their roster rebuild enough to repeat, or will they fall short?
Further down the list, North Carolina sneaks in at No. 25, just edging out rival NC State, which missed the cut despite hiring Will Wade. The ACC could be in for a rebound year after a lackluster 2024-25 season, but will it be enough to challenge the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC, which dominate with six teams each in the Top 25?
Now, let’s stir the pot: Is Louisville, ranked No. 11, criminally underrated? Some argue they have the most talented roster in the country, yet they’re outside the top 10. Conversely, is St. John’s at No. 5 a reach? While Rick Pitino’s frontcourt is formidable, their perimeter players are unproven. Are voters overhyping them based on last year’s success?
Finally, a thought-provoking question for you: Which conference will reign supreme this season? The Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC are neck-and-neck, but which one will have the most teams in the final Top 25? And more importantly, does Purdue have what it takes to stay at the top, or will another program steal the spotlight?
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, the debate is wide open!
