Men's Preseason Top 25: Who is No. 1? Plus risers and fallers in final month to tip

"It's been six months since the Florida Gators won the national title and the runner-up Houston Cougars topped the first edition of these offseason top 25 rankings, with Purdue, Louisville, UConn and Michigan rounding out the top five. Now with just a couple of weeks left until the 2025-26 college basketball season tips off, only three of those teams retain a place among the top five."

"Is this the season Matt Painter and Purdue cut down the nets as first-time champs? There is a debate at No. 1, with Houston and Florida in the mix, but the Boilermakers get the nod. They bring back the Wooden Award favorite in Braden Smith, another All-American in Trey Kaufman-Renn, two more starters from a Sweet 16 team -- and possess superior depth and experience from a season ago."

"There are very few doubts about Purdue's offensive potential -- the Boilermakers were seventh nationally in offensive efficiency last season and bring back the bulk of that group. The key to their quest for a national championship, however, will come down to defense. They had the worst 2-point defense in the Big Ten last season, a stark drop-off from when Zach Edey was patrolling the paint. If Purdue can shore up its defense, Painter's team is the title favorite."

Six months after Florida's national title and Houston's runner-up finish, early offseason top-25 placements featured Purdue, Louisville, UConn and Michigan; only three of those teams remain in the top five heading into the 2025-26 season. Rampant roster overhauls and transfers complicate preseason rankings, but earlier portal activity and many players returning stabilized projected rotations. The 2025-26 season tips off Nov. 3. Purdue is ranked No. 1, returning Wooden Award favorite Braden Smith, All-American Trey Kaufman-Renn and multiple starters, plus depth and experience. Purdue's offense ranked seventh nationally last season, but defensive improvement—particularly in two-point defense after Zach Edey's departure—will determine title viability.

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