UPDATE: The highly anticipated 2025-26 preseason men’s college basketball AP Top 25 poll has just been released, with the Purdue Boilermakers claiming the No. 1 spot! As the season kicks off on November 3, all eyes are on Purdue, alongside reigning national champions Florida Gators and national runner-up Houston Cougars, who are poised for a fierce competition.
Basketball fans are buzzing with excitement as the countdown to the opener begins. Purdue, with a record of 24-12 last season, is set to face Evansville on November 4. Meanwhile, the Gators, who won the national championship with a stunning 36-4 record, will be challenging Arizona in Las Vegas on the same day at 7 p.m. ET, airing on TNT. Could we see a rematch in the NCAA title game on April 6 in Indianapolis?
The poll features storied programs like Duke at No. 6, Kentucky at No. 9, and North Carolina at No. 25, highlighting the competitive landscape of this season. The BYU Cougars at No. 8, led by top recruit AJ Dybantsa, are aiming to build on last season’s Sweet 16 run. Fans are eager to see if Dybantsa can shine and elevate BYU further in the rankings.
This season promises to be particularly thrilling due to the 62 coaching changes, the ongoing impact of the transfer portal, and the introduction of NIL and revenue sharing. These factors are expected to shake up the traditional power dynamics and keep fans engaged from the first tip-off.
Here are some key matchups to mark on your calendar:
– **Purdue Boilermakers**:
– Opener: November 4 vs. Evansville
– Key Game: December 20 vs. Auburn, 6:30 p.m., Peacock
– **Houston Cougars**:
– Opener: November 3 vs. Lehigh
– Key Game: November 16 vs. Auburn, 3 p.m., ESPN
– **Florida Gators**:
– Opener: November 3 vs. Arizona, 7 p.m., TNT
– Key Game: December 2 at Duke, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
– **Duke Blue Devils**:
– Opener: November 4 vs. Texas, 8:45 p.m., ESPN
– Key Game: November 18 vs. Kansas, 9 p.m., ESPN
– **Kentucky Wildcats**:
– Opener: November 4 vs. Nicholls, 7 p.m., SECN+
– Key Game: December 2 at North Carolina, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
As the season approaches, fans are urged to stay tuned for updates on player performances, injuries, and any further announcements that could impact the rankings. The excitement surrounding college basketball is palpable, and with the landscape shifting rapidly, every game counts.
Don’t miss out on what promises to be an unforgettable season! Share your predictions and thoughts on social media to join the conversation.