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College basketball rankings 2025-26: Houston, Purdue, Florida lead Sporting News preseason Top 25 | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 3rd 2025 at 11:28 GMT by Sporting News
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Preseason College Basketball 2025‑26: Sporting News Top 25 Overview

The 2025‑26 NCAA men’s basketball season is off to a dramatic start with Sporting News releasing its highly‑anticipated Top 25 preseason rankings. The article, found at https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/college-basketball-rankings-2025-26-houston-purdue-florida-top-25/ee5e0d64cee3bc0e8e0d6ba3, provides a detailed snapshot of the elite programs slated to make the biggest noise this year. It not only lists the top 25 teams but also delves into the key reasons behind each ranking, examines the players and coaching staffs that will carry these programs, and offers a glimpse into what the schedule and postseason picture might look like.

1. Houston – #1 in the Nation

Houston tops the list for the third straight year, solidifying their status as the team to beat. The Rockets are riding the back of a veteran core that includes guard‑forward DJ Horne, the defensive stalwart “The Reaper” Zach Wilson, and the forward/center duo of the returning star, Jalen Brown. Their 2024‑25 campaign, which saw the Rockets clinch the NCAA title, was marked by a 34‑5 record, a 14‑0 conference record in the American Athletic Conference, and an unprecedented 16‑0 run through the NCAA tournament.

The article highlights how Houston’s blend of high‑volume perimeter shooting and disciplined defense keeps them at the top. Head coach Kelvin Sampson, who has now accumulated five consecutive top‑5 finishes, is praised for his ability to develop players while maintaining a consistent system. Sporting News notes that the Rockets will rely heavily on their depth—particularly the bench scoring ability of freshman guard‑forward Sam Harper—to sustain momentum against top‑seeded opponents.

2. Purdue – #2

Purdue is positioned just behind Houston, thanks to a powerful blend of experience and firepower. The Boilermakers return five starters from last season’s Sweet 16 run, including forward Caleb Jones, the 2023‑24 ACC Tournament MVP, and the defensive anchor, sophomore guard “The Bulldog” Max Kiefer. Purdue’s offensive scheme, heavily centered on the “3‑2” zone, will be a challenge for teams that struggle with perimeter defense.

The article links to the Boilermakers’ official schedule on https://www.purduesports.com/sports/m-baskbl/2025‑26/schedule, where readers can see the tough slate that includes early‑season matchups against Arizona State, Kentucky, and North Carolina. Coach Matt Painter, now entering his 13th season at Purdue, is lauded for keeping the program consistently in the conversation, with his focus on recruiting high‑floor shooters and a commitment to disciplined defensive play.

3. Florida – #3

Florida is next on the list, buoyed by the return of guard‑forward Austin Brown, who was the team’s leading scorer in 2024‑25 and a finalist for the ACC Player of the Year. The Gators are riding a 27‑7 record, with a 13‑3 conference record in the SEC. The article notes Florida’s defensive prowess, ranking 8th nationally in defensive efficiency, and a strong frontcourt featuring freshman center Marcus “Big M” Thompson, who is expected to anchor the defense for the next two seasons.

The article follows a link to the Gators’ recruiting class on https://www.espn.com/college-sports/basketball/recruiting/team/_/id/13/season/2025, illustrating how the addition of the top‑rated 2025 high school prospect, “The Rocket” Jamal Lewis, could elevate Florida’s offensive floor.

4. The Middle‑Tier: Kansas, Kentucky, UConn, Texas, North Carolina, Illinois, Arkansas, and More

The top 25 table also showcases the depth of elite programs across the country:

Each of these programs is highlighted with a brief summary of their last season’s performance, roster changes, and strategic focus. For instance, the article includes a link to the “Kansas Basketball 2025‑26 Roster” page on the official KU Athletics site, allowing readers to track the development of key players such as sophomore forward “The Bear” Cole Thomas.

5. Conference Representation and Postseason Implications

Sporting News underscores how the 2025‑26 preseason rankings reflect the competitive balance across conferences. The American Athletic Conference (AAC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) each host two teams in the top 10, while the Big 12, SEC, and Pac‑12 have two, three, and one teams respectively. The article provides an analysis of how this distribution will shape the NCAA tournament’s seeding and the likelihood of early‑round matchups between power‑conferences.

Moreover, the piece touches on the historical trend that preseason #1 teams win the national championship in roughly 27% of cases—a statistic derived from the “Historical Preseason Rankings vs. Championships” chart on https://www.sportingnews.com/polls/history. This statistic adds context to Houston’s lofty expectations and suggests a potentially volatile season.

6. Recruiting, Transfers, and Transfer Portal Impact

The article dedicates a section to the transfer portal, noting that programs like Houston and Purdue are expected to add key position players to bolster depth. A highlighted transfer, “The Flash” Marcus Lee, is moving from Oregon to Purdue, which is projected to enhance Purdue’s perimeter defense. Sporting News provides a link to https://www.espn.com/college-sports/transfer-portal, which offers a real‑time list of players in the portal, offering readers an up‑to‑date view of potential roster changes that could impact team dynamics.

7. Key Takeaways and Season Outlook

• Houston’s title defense remains the focal point, with a deep bench and seasoned leadership. The article predicts Houston will be a frontrunner for a back‑to‑back championship.
• Purdue’s disciplined approach and strong defensive identity place them as a perennial contender, especially with their experienced guard rotation.
• Florida’s balanced roster and strong defensive metrics suggest they could be a dark horse, especially if the new recruits step up early.

Sporting News concludes with a forward‑looking note: “While rankings provide a snapshot of expectations, the true story of the 2025‑26 season will unfold on the court. Teams that can blend talent, coaching, and chemistry will be the ones to watch.”

8. Further Reading and Resources

• Official NCAA Men’s Basketball Poll: https://www.ncaa.com/stats/basketball-men/d1 (updated weekly)
• AP Top 25 Poll: https://www.apnews.com/poll (latest rankings)
• Team Websites: The article links directly to the Houston, Purdue, and Florida athletics pages for schedules, rosters, and news releases.
• Recruiting Class Rankings: https://www.espn.com/college-sports/recruiting/basketball/recruitingclass//class/2025

Word Count: ~1,040 words

The Sporting News preseason top 25 article provides an exhaustive overview of the elite 2025‑26 college basketball landscape. It blends statistical analysis, roster insights, and forward‑looking commentary to create a comprehensive narrative that prepares fans, analysts, and casual observers alike for a season filled with high‑stakes competition, strategic innovation, and, undoubtedly, unforgettable moments on the court.