For the first time ever, Purdue claims the top spot in the preseason AP Top 25 college basketball poll! This historic moment marks a significant achievement for the Boilermakers, who secured 35 out of 61 first-place votes, positioning them ahead of last year’s NCAA title game contenders. But here's where it gets controversial: Can Purdue maintain this momentum throughout the season, or will they face the same fate as many preseason favorites who fall short of championship glory? Let’s dive into the details.
Under the leadership of head coach Matt Painter, Purdue has steadily risen to prominence. Painter, a former player under the legendary Gene Keady, has built a program that’s knocking on the door of its first NCAA title. This preseason No. 1 ranking is just the latest milestone in a journey that includes three consecutive seasons in the top spot, most recently during the 2023-24 season when they reached the national title game led by two-time AP national player of the year Zach Edey. Yet, despite their success, the Boilermakers have yet to secure that elusive championship. Painter remains grounded, emphasizing, ‘The goal is to be No. 1 at the end of the year.’ But is this the year they finally break through?
Following Purdue in the rankings are Houston at No. 2 and reigning champion Florida at No. 3. Houston, fresh off a finals appearance, earned 16 first-place votes, matching their best-ever preseason ranking. Florida, meanwhile, starts the season with their highest preseason ranking since their back-to-back title run in 2006-07. And this is the part most people miss: While these teams dominate the conversation, UConn at No. 4 and St. John’s at No. 5 are quietly positioning themselves as dark horses. Rick Pitino’s Red Storm, in particular, has shattered their previous preseason ranking record, climbing to No. 5—their highest since 1984-85. Could this be the year an underdog steals the spotlight?
The rest of the top 10 includes powerhouse programs like Duke (No. 6), Michigan (No. 7), BYU (No. 8), Kentucky (No. 9), and Texas Tech (No. 10). BYU’s inclusion is noteworthy, as they’ve landed the nation’s No. 1 recruit, A.J. Dybantsa, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With so much talent concentrated in the top 10, are we overlooking teams outside this elite group that could make a surprising run?
One such team is Louisville, ranked No. 11, who have made a remarkable turnaround under Pat Kelsey. After a dismal 12-52 record in the two seasons prior to his arrival, Kelsey led the Cardinals to a 27-win season, catapulting them back into the national conversation. Louisville is one of five programs with a second-year coach in the preseason poll, alongside Michigan, BYU, Kentucky, and No. 14 Arkansas under John Calipari. This raises another controversial point: Are second-year coaches truly better equipped to lead their teams to success, or is this just a coincidence?
On the flip side, Kansas finds itself at No. 19, their lowest preseason ranking since 2008-09. Bill Self’s Jayhawks, perennial contenders, have rarely been outside the top 10 in recent years. Is this a sign of decline, or will they prove the doubters wrong? Similarly, Auburn opens at No. 20 following the unexpected retirement of coach Bruce Pearl. His son, Steven, takes the helm, but with no prior head coaching experience, can he lead the Tigers to another successful season?
Conference-wise, the Southeastern Conference, Big Ten, and Big 12 dominate with six ranked teams each, making up 72% of the field. The Big 12 stands out with three top-10 teams, but is this enough to secure conference supremacy? Meanwhile, teams like N.C. State and Oregon are knocking on the door, just outside the poll, ready to make their move. Will Wade’s arrival at N.C. State has already shaken up the roster, positioning them as a team to watch.
As the season unfolds, the question remains: Who will rise to the top, and who will fall short? Purdue’s historic preseason ranking is a testament to their potential, but the road to the championship is fraught with challenges. What do you think? Can Purdue finally claim the title, or will another team emerge as the surprise champion? Let us know in the comments!
