With about three weeks to go until the opening tip of the college hoops season, we finally have the first official Associated Press Poll of the 2025–26 season. Most of the names and general rankings aren’t very surprising, given all the time spent analyzing these now mostly finalized rosters, but there are still some important things to highlight. Here are my biggest takeaways from the preseason Top 25.
A new No. 1 team
For the first time in program history, the Boilermakers start the season at the top of the sport. Given the roster and the steady coaching of Matt Painter, they have an easy argument for the No. 1 spot. Still, Purdue has yet to finish the job — similar to the No. 2 team: Houston. After losing in the 2024 championship game, Painter is definitely feeling the pressure to hoist the trophy this season. They will need lead guard Braden Smith to continue his stellar pla AP Poll from last year, along with their star forward Trey Kauffman-Renn. Their low roster turnover — returning five of their six top scorers — should allow them to start the season right where they left off.
Who’s the face of this year’s Big East?
The clear top dogs in the Big East landed right next to each other in the poll: UConn at No. 4 and St. John’s at No. 5. It’s tough to say who will end up the better team. UConn brings back much of its scoring from last year, most importantly forward Alex Karaban and guard Solo Ball, who combined for 28.7 points per game last season. St. John’s, meanwhile, returns star forward Zuby Eijofor but focused heavily on the transfer portal, landing the top transfer class in the country. Both teams fell short in last year’s tournament, but their coaches have plenty of postseason pedigree. From a talent standpoint, I think the Johnnies edge out the Huskies, but UConn head coach Dan Hurley’s roster continuity should keep the Big East on alert. Their two matchups this season are shaping up to be can’t-miss TV.
Is Duke top six?
The Blue Devils find themselves at No. 6 in the preseason poll — a ranking I find a bit questionable. While it’s hard to imagine a season where Duke isn’t among the top contenders, I do have some questions about this somewhat lackluster roster. Headlined by No. 3 recruit Cameron Boozer, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer brought in one of the top first-year classes in the country — but I’m not sure that’s enough. Duke lost most of its scoring from last season, bringing back just three of its top nine scorers. Although Duke did make it to the Final Four last year, led by Cooper Flagg, I think that was an anomaly in today’s transfer-heavy landscape. Luckily for the Blue Devils, the ACC appears weak yet again this year, so if they can manage the out-of-conference schedule, another top seed in March could very well be in their future.
