Jay Bilas Unveils Top 68 College Basketball Rankings for 2025-26 Season
The 2025-26 college basketball season began Monday night following a busy offseason filled with coaching changes and Transfer Portal activity. Basketball is officially back, bringing high anticipation and exciting storylines.
Season Storylines to Watch
- Can Florida become the second program in a row to repeat as National Champions?
- Will Kelvin Sampson lead Houston to its first-ever National Championship?
- Can Duke overcome last season’s Final Four disappointment and claim the first title of the Jon Scheyer era?
Jay Bilas’ Top-Ranked Team
Just one game into the season, ESPN analyst Jay Bilas ranked his top 68 teams, placing Purdue at number one. The Boilermakers are favored to make a strong run this year as they chase their second National Championship appearance in three seasons.
Purdue’s Key Players and Coach
- Head Coach Matt Painter, in his 21st season leading the team
- Star point guard Braden Smith
- Sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer
- Versatile big man Trey Kaufman-Renn
- Transfer from South Dakota State, Oscar Cluff
Purdue opened the regular season with a commanding 82-51 victory over Evansville. Fletcher Loyer scored 30 points, shooting 7-of-10 from three-point range.
They have one more preparation game against Oakland before traveling to Tuscaloosa for a rematch with a top-ranked opponent. This will recreate last year’s non-conference meeting, which Purdue won 87-78.
"The Boilermakers have loaded up in their quest to return to the National Championship Game for the second time in three seasons."
Author’s summary: With strong leadership and talented players, Purdue aims to dominate this season, while major storylines around Florida, Houston, and Duke add excitement to college basketball.