For the first time in program history, the Purdue Boilermakers have earned the coveted No. 1 spot in the preseason Associated Press men’s college basketball poll, igniting immense excitement and setting high expectations for Matt Painter’s squad as they eye a national title breakthrough in the 2025-26 season.
The dawn of the 2025-26 college basketball season brings unprecedented anticipation to West Lafayette, as the Purdue Boilermakers have officially claimed the No. 1 ranking in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 poll. This marks a historic first for the program, signaling a new pinnacle in Coach Matt Painter’s storied 21-season tenure and positioning Purdue as the team to beat from the outset.
A Historic First for the Boilermakers
In the preseason rankings released Monday, Purdue secured the top spot with a commanding 35 of 61 first-place votes. This achievement places them ahead of last year’s NCAA title game participants: runner-up Houston, who landed at No. 2 with 16 first-place votes, and reigning champion Florida, who came in at No. 3 with eight votes. UConn rounded out the top four, receiving the remaining two first-place nods.
“We are obviously excited to get the season going and being ranked No. 1 in the preseason is a great indicator of what we feel this team can accomplish,” remarked Coach Matt Painter, as reported by the Associated Press. “But the goal is to be No. 1 at the end of the year. We’re thrilled that people think this highly of our team, but there is a long ways to go and a lot of work to do to reach that goal in April.”
Painter’s Legacy and the Hunt for a National Title
While this is Purdue’s first time at No. 1 in the preseason poll, the program has a history of strong starts, previously ranked as high as No. 2 in 1987-88 under legendary coach Gene Keady. Under Matt Painter, a former Keady player, the Boilermakers have seen unprecedented success, frequently reaching the top of the polls. They first hit No. 1 in any AP poll during the 2021-22 season and have reached the top in three consecutive seasons, including a memorable run to the National Championship game in 2023-24 led by two-time AP National Player of the Year Zach Edey.
Last season, Purdue finished with a 24-12 record, reaching the Sweet 16 before falling to Houston on a heartbreaking last-second basket. This close call only fuels the team’s determination, as they return a formidable core and integrate key additions for what many fans hope will be their long-awaited national title breakthrough.
Key Returns and Promising New Faces
A significant factor in Purdue’s high preseason ranking is the return of elite talent. The Boilermakers boast a roster rich with experience and skill:
- Braden Smith: A first-team AP All-American point guard, Smith’s leadership and playmaking are critical to Purdue’s offensive flow.
- Trey Kaufman-Renn: The team’s leading scorer from last season, averaging 20.1 points, brings consistent offensive firepower.
- Fletcher Loyer: A veteran guard, Loyer’s experience and shooting ability provide crucial support.
The offseason saw strategic additions to address areas of need. Oscar Cluff, a 6-foot-11 transfer from South Dakota State who averaged a double-double, is expected to bolster Purdue’s rebounding. The continued development of 7-foot-4 center Daniel Jacobsen and sophomore guards CJ Cox and Gicarri Harris adds further depth. The arrival of four-star international guard Omer Mayer has also generated considerable excitement among the fanbase, hinting at a dynamic new element to the Boilermakers’ attack.
The National Landscape: Other Top Contenders
While Purdue sits atop the poll, the competition is fierce. Here’s a look at the rest of the preseason Top 10:
- Purdue Boilermakers
- Houston Cougars
- Florida Gators
- UConn Huskies
- St. John’s Red Storm
- Duke Blue Devils
- Michigan Wolverines
- BYU Cougars
- Kentucky Wildcats
- Texas Tech Red Raiders
Notable Movements and Conference Strength
Several other programs made headlines in the preseason rankings:
- Louisville (No. 11) makes a rapid ascent under second-year coach Pat Kelsey, who led the Cardinals to a 27-win season after inheriting a team that was 12-52 in the two seasons prior to his arrival.
- Kansas (No. 19) receives its lowest preseason rank under coach Bill Self since 2008-09, when they started at No. 24 as reigning national champions.
- Auburn (No. 20) enters its first season under new head coach Steven Pearl, following the unexpected retirement of his father, Bruce Pearl, after last year’s Final Four run.
Conference powerhouses continue to dominate the rankings. The Big Ten, Southeastern Conference (SEC), and Big 12 each boast six ranked teams, accounting for a remarkable 72% of the preseason Top 25. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Big East follow with three teams each, while the West Coast Conference (WCC) is represented by No. 21 Gonzaga. Notably, the Big 12 stands out as the only conference with three teams in the top 10, as detailed by Field Level Media.
Kicking Off the Season: Dates to Mark
The Boilermakers will officially tip off their historic season at home against Evansville on November 4th in West Lafayette, Indiana. Before that, fans can catch early glimpses of the highly anticipated squad in two exhibition games:
- October 24: A road trip to Lexington to face off against No. 9 Kentucky.
- October 29: A home exhibition game against UIndy.
The excitement surrounding Purdue’s No. 1 preseason ranking is palpable, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling and highly scrutinized journey for Coach Painter and the Boilermakers. The goal is clear: translate this unprecedented preseason acclaim into a deep postseason run and, ultimately, the program’s first-ever NCAA National Championship.
