Purdue tops preseason AP Top 25 poll for 1st time, ahead of Houston and reigning NCAA champ Florida

Key Takeaways:

• Purdue claims the No. 1 spot in the AP poll for the first time
• Boilermakers received 35 of 61 first-place votes
• Poll results introduced the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season
• Houston and reigning champion Florida followed Purdue in the poll
• This story originates from reporting by AP Basketball Writer Aaron Beard

Purdue Earns Historic First

Purdue has reached a new milestone in its program’s history by securing the No. 1 position in the preseason Associated Press men’s college basketball poll for the very first time. This unprecedented standing, announced Monday, marks a significant step forward as the Boilermakers enter the 2025-26 season with heightened expectations.

The Preseason Poll Results

According to the AP, Purdue gathered 35 of the 61 first-place votes, enough to edge past other top teams. Houston and Florida, last season’s NCAA champion, came in behind Purdue, reflecting the Boilermakers’ solid support among poll voters.

Context and Competition

This year’s poll sets the stage for an exciting season, and fans are taking note of Purdue’s position as a top contender. With the season opener approaching, the Boilermakers’ rise signals a shift in momentum at the national level while Houston and Florida both prepare to challenge the new leader.

Looking Ahead

While the official games have yet to begin, this No. 1 ranking places the spotlight squarely on Purdue. The transition into the 2025-26 season will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike, all eager to see how the team responds to the weight of this first-ever preseason recognition.