Purdue's Rise to the Top: A Deep Dive into the AP Top 25 Basketball Poll
The Associated Press Top 25 college basketball poll has unveiled its preseason rankings, and Purdue has taken the lead with a historic achievement. For the first time, the Boilermakers are ranked No. 1, earning 35 of 61 first-place votes. This marks a significant milestone for the team, as they surpass the two teams that competed in last year's NCAA title game, with Houston in second place and Florida in third.
"We're thrilled to be ranked No. 1, but our goal is to maintain that position at the end of the year," said Coach Matt Painter. "It's a testament to the team's potential, but we still have a long way to go."
Purdue's previous highest ranking was No. 2 in the 1987-88 season under Gene Keady. This season's success builds upon the team's recent achievements, including a top-10 ranking in the 2021-22 season and a run to the national title game in the 2023-24 season, led by Zach Edey, a two-time AP national player of the year.
The Boilermakers return key players like Braden Smith, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and Fletcher Loyer, setting the stage for another strong season. Meanwhile, Kelvin Sampson's Houston Cougars, led by Elvin Hayes, earned 16 first-place votes, matching their best-ever preseason ranking after last year's finals run.
Other notable teams include Todd Golden's Florida Gators, who received eight first-place votes, and UConn, which secured the remaining two first-place votes. St. John's and Rick Pitino's Red Storm also made significant strides, surpassing their previous best rankings.
The top 10 is rounded out by Duke, Michigan, BYU, Kentucky, and Texas Tech, with A.J. Dybantsa as the nation's top recruit. Pat Kelsey's Louisville Cardinals, with a 27-win season under their belt, have risen to No. 11, a remarkable turnaround from their previous struggles.
However, a notable absence is Kansas, ranked No. 19, the lowest preseason rank for Bill Self's Jayhawks since 2008-09. Auburn, led by Bruce Pearl, opens at No. 20, marking a new chapter in the program's history.
The Southeastern Conference, Big Ten, and Big 12 dominate the rankings with six teams each, while the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big East follow with three teams each. The West Coast Conference is represented by Gonzaga at No. 21.
N.C. State, under Will Wade, is the first team outside the poll, just three points behind the 25th-ranked ACC rival North Carolina. Oregon, led by Dana Altman, is also close behind, entering its 16th year with the team.
Stay tuned for more updates and poll alerts throughout the season. Sign up for AP Newsletters to keep track of the AP Top 25 college basketball poll.
