Purdue, Houston, Florida Top AP Preseason Men’s Basketball Rankings for 2025-26

The 2025-26 college basketball season is just around the corner, and the Associated Press has released its much-anticipated preseason Top 25 poll. For the first time in program history, Purdue opens the season as the No. 1 team in the nation, signaling lofty expectations for the Boilermakers. Houston and Florida follow closely behind, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting campaign across the NCAA landscape.

The Top Five Teams

1. Purdue Boilermakers (35 first-place votes, 1485 points)
Purdue’s ascent to the top spot marks a historic moment for the program. The Boilermakers, coming off a 24-win season and a Sweet 16 appearance, are poised to contend for the national title. Their core includes All-American guard Braden Smith and All-Big Ten forward Trey Kaufman-Renn, who averaged 20.1 points per game last season. Purdue’s combination of experience, depth, and leadership has impressed poll voters, earning them the top preseason ranking.

The Boilermakers kick off their season with high expectations and a target on their back, as other elite programs look to knock off the new No. 1. Coach Matt Painter’s veteran squad will lean on its returning stars while integrating new contributors eager to make an immediate impact.

2. Houston Cougars (16 first-place votes, 1459 points)
The Cougars open the season at No. 2 after narrowly missing out on last year’s national championship, falling 65-63 to Florida. Houston’s ranking represents their highest preseason AP poll position since the 1967-68 season. With a veteran roster returning, the team is focused on redemption. Key players from last season’s championship run are back, including guards Jalen Green and Marcus Sasser, providing stability and leadership.

Houston’s depth, experience, and championship pedigree make them one of the most dangerous teams in the nation. Coach Kelvin Sampson will emphasize a balanced attack on both ends of the floor, with an eye on correcting the narrow mistakes that cost them the title last season.

3. Florida Gators (8 first-place votes, 1382 points)
The reigning national champions begin the season at No. 3, their highest preseason ranking since the 2006-07 campaign. Florida returns core players Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh, who were instrumental in last year’s title run. The team also adds high-profile transfers, including Boogie Fland from Arkansas and Xaivian Lee from Princeton, bolstering both depth and versatility.

Florida’s repeat bid will hinge on maintaining continuity while integrating newcomers. The Gators’ ability to defend at a high level and execute in clutch situations makes them a formidable contender for back-to-back championships.

4. UConn Huskies (2 first-place votes, 1299 points)
UConn comes in at No. 4 after an impressive offseason and the return of several key players. With a roster led by Andre Jackson and Ethan Thompson, the Huskies are positioned to compete in the highly competitive Big East. Poll voters recognized UConn’s balanced mix of veteran leadership and young talent, earning them two first-place votes despite not topping the overall rankings.

5. St. John’s Red Storm (1203 points)
Rounding out the top five, St. John’s relies on dynamic wing Zuby Ejiofor, who could emerge as one of the Big East’s premier players. The Red Storm have shown steady improvement under Coach Mike Anderson, and their position in the top five signals respect from the national media for both the program’s talent and its coaching.

Notable Rankings and Storylines

Several other programs merit attention in the preseason poll. Duke, despite being a perennial powerhouse, comes in at No. 6, just missing the top five. The Blue Devils return key players like Tyrese Proctor and E.J. Liddell, hoping to challenge for ACC supremacy and a deep NCAA tournament run.

Meanwhile, last season’s Final Four participant Auburn is surprisingly ranked No. 20, reflecting questions about roster turnover and the team’s ability to replicate last year’s success. Teams like Kentucky (9), Texas Tech (10), and Louisville (11) are also in positions to make an immediate impact, with experienced lineups and top-tier recruits ready to contribute.

Several other programs receiving votes include NC State, Oregon, San Diego State, Texas, Ohio State, and Kansas State, highlighting the depth of talent nationwide. Early-season matchups and conference play will be crucial in shaping the midseason AP poll, as teams jostle for positioning ahead of March Madness.

Takeaways from the Preseason Poll

1. Purdue’s rise – The Boilermakers’ No. 1 ranking underscores the strength of their returning core and the confidence in Coach Painter’s program. It’s a historic moment that will define the team’s early-season narrative.
2. Houston seeks redemption – After last season’s narrow loss in the championship game, the Cougars are highly motivated to return to the title game. Veteran leadership will be key in navigating the challenges of the American Athletic Conference and the NCAA tournament.
3. Florida aims to repeat – The Gators’ combination of returning champions and impactful transfers makes them a serious threat to defend their title, a rare and challenging feat in modern college basketball.
4. Depth in the top 25 – Several programs outside the traditional powerhouses have the potential to surprise, including St. John’s, BYU, and Texas Tech. The 2025-26 season promises exciting storylines and potential upsets throughout the country.

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