UPDATE: The 2025-26 preseason men’s college basketball AP Top 25 poll has just been released, and the Purdue Boilermakers are set to kick off the season at No. 1. This year’s rankings are packed with powerhouse teams, including the reigning national champion Florida Gators and national runner-up Houston Cougars, both vying for another shot at the NCAA title.
The excitement is palpable as the season starts on November 3, 2025, with key matchups already on the calendar. Will Florida and Houston make a return to the title game on April 6, 2026, in Indianapolis? Fans are eager to see if either can reclaim the crown.
The top 25 also showcases traditional giants like Duke at No. 6, Kentucky at No. 9, and North Carolina at No. 25, ensuring a thrilling season ahead. All eyes will be on BYU, ranked No. 8, as they look to build on last season’s Sweet 16 run, led by the highly touted recruit AJ Dybantsa, projected as a top NBA draft pick.
The landscape of college basketball is shifting rapidly, with 62 coaching changes and the influence of the transfer portal and NIL deals creating an unpredictable environment. Fans can expect November 3 to be a day filled with action across the country, featuring crucial season openers and matchups that could reshape the rankings.
Here’s a snapshot of the top teams and their upcoming games:
1. Purdue Boilermakers
– 2024-25 Record: 24-12
– Season Opener: November 4 vs. Evansville, TBD
– Biggest Game: December 20 vs. Auburn in Indianapolis (Indy Classic), 6:30 p.m., Peacock
2. Houston Cougars
– 2024-25 Record: 35-5
– Season Opener: November 3 vs. Lehigh, TBD
– Biggest Game: November 16 vs. Auburn in Birmingham (Battleground 2k25), 3 p.m., ESPN
3. Florida Gators
– 2024-25 Record: 36-4
– Season Opener: November 3 vs. Arizona in Las Vegas (Hall of Fame Series), 7 p.m., TNT
– Biggest Game: December 2 at Duke (ACC/SEC Challenge), 7:30 p.m., ESPN
4. UConn Huskies
– 2024-25 Record: 24-11
– Season Opener: November 3 vs. New Haven, 7 p.m., ESPN+
– Biggest Game: December 9 vs. Florida in New York (Jimmy V Classic), 9 p.m., ESPN
5. St. John’s Red Storm
– 2024-25 Record: 31-5
– Season Opener: November 3 vs. Quinnipiac, 6:30 p.m., FS1
– Biggest Game: December 20 vs. Kentucky in Atlanta (CBS Sports Classic), 12:30 p.m., CBS
With the season fast approaching, fans are eagerly anticipating how the dynamics of the teams will play out. The impact of coaching changes and player transfers will undoubtedly shape the landscape, making every game a potential turning point.
Stay tuned for more updates as we countdown to the opening day of college basketball, where every match could redefine this season’s narrative.
