For the first time in program history, Purdue has claimed the top spot in the preseason AP Top 25 men's college basketball poll, a momentous achievement that has the sports world buzzing. But here's where it gets controversial: can they live up to the hype and finally secure that elusive NCAA championship?
As of October 13, 2025, the Boilermakers have secured 35 out of 61 first-place votes, positioning Matt Painter's team ahead of last year's NCAA finalists. Houston, the runner-up, sits at No. 2, while reigning champion Florida follows closely at No. 3. Painter expressed his excitement, stating, 'Being ranked No. 1 in the preseason is a testament to our team's potential, but our ultimate goal is to maintain that position come April.' This milestone is particularly significant for Painter, a former player under Gene Keady, who has transformed Purdue into a powerhouse during his 21-year tenure. The Boilermakers have reached the top of the AP poll three times since the 2021-22 season, most recently during the 2023-24 campaign led by two-time AP Player of the Year Zach Edey, which culminated in a national title game appearance.
And this is the part most people miss: Purdue's success isn't just about star power. They return a formidable core, including first-team AP All-American point guard Braden Smith, scoring leader Trey Kaufman-Renn, and veteran guard Fletcher Loyer, all of whom played pivotal roles in last year's Sweet 16 run, which ended with a heart-stopping loss to Houston.
The rest of the top tier is equally compelling. Kelvin Sampson's Houston Cougars, with 16 first-place votes, match their best-ever preseason ranking, while Todd Golden's Florida Gators, boasting eight first-place votes, achieve their highest preseason ranking since their back-to-back championship era in 2006-07. UConn claims the No. 4 spot, followed by Rick Pitino's St. John's Red Storm at No. 5, marking a program-best preseason ranking. Duke, Michigan, BYU (bolstered by top recruit A.J. Dybantsa), Kentucky, and Texas Tech complete the top 10.
One of the most intriguing storylines is Pat Kelsey's rapid turnaround at Louisville. After a 27-win season in his first year, Kelsey has propelled the Cardinals to No. 11, a stark contrast to their 12-52 record in the two seasons prior. Louisville is one of five programs with second-year coaches in the poll, alongside Michigan, BYU, Kentucky, and No. 14 Arkansas under John Calipari.
Here's a bold interpretation: Is the Big 12's dominance waning? Kansas, traditionally a powerhouse, sits at No. 19, their lowest preseason ranking since 2008-09. Meanwhile, the SEC, Big Ten, and Big 12 each have six ranked teams, accounting for 72% of the poll. The ACC and Big East follow with three teams each, while the WCC's lone representative is No. 21 Gonzaga. The Big 12 stands out with three top-10 teams, but is their grip on college basketball slipping?
Auburn's debut under Steven Pearl, son of the recently retired Bruce Pearl, adds another layer of intrigue. Taking over after his father's unexpected retirement, Steven faces the challenge of maintaining Auburn's success following last year's Final Four run. Can he step out of his father's shadow and lead the Tigers to new heights?
Finally, keep an eye on NC State under Will Wade. Despite being the first team outside the poll, they're just three points behind rival North Carolina. With a revamped roster, the Wolfpack could be a dark horse this season.
What do you think? Is Purdue's No. 1 ranking justified, or is there another team poised to dominate? And is the Big 12's era of dominance coming to an end? Share your thoughts in the comments!
