Moments ‘til Madness: What to make of the preseason Top 25
The independent student newspaper of Tufts University. With about three weeks to go until the opening tip of the college hoops season, we finally have the first official Associated Press Poll of the 2025–26 season.
Most of the names and general rankings aren’t very surprising, given all the time spent analyzing these now mostly finalized rosters, but there are still some important things to highlight.
Biggest Takeaways
- The Boilermakers start the season at the top of the sport for the first time in program history.
- Purdue has yet to finish the job, similar to the No. 2 team, after losing in the 2024 championship game.
Purdue has an easy argument for the No. 1 spot, given the roster and the steady coaching of Matt Painter.
Painter is definitely feeling the pressure to hoist the trophy this season. They will need lead guard Braden Smith to continue his stellar play, along with their star forward Trey Kauffman-Renn.
Author's summary: The preseason Top 25 is out, with Purdue at the top.