Jay Bilas Unveils Top 68 College Basketball Rankings for 2025-26 Season
After a tumultuous offseason marked by coaching changes and Transfer Portal activity, the 2025-26 college basketball season officially began Monday night. Basketball is back, and the storylines are compelling.
Key Questions This Season
- 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 under Jon Scheyer?
Purdue Tops Jay Bilas’ Rankings
Just one game into the season, ESPN’s Jay Bilas released his top 68 teams. Purdue is ranked as the best team in college basketball. Matt Painter returns for his 21st season as head coach, led by standout players Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, Trey Kaufman-Renn, and transfer Oscar Cluff from South Dakota State.
The Boilermakers are focused on reaching the National Championship Game again, their second appearance in three seasons. They opened with a commanding 82-51 victory against Evansville. Fletcher Loyer shone, scoring 30 points, including shooting 7-of-10 from beyond the arc.
Upcoming Schedule
Purdue has one remaining warm-up game against Oakland before traveling to Tuscaloosa for a rematch with a top-ranked non-conference opponent, revisiting their previous season's 87-78 win.
"We have loaded up in our quest to return to the National Championship Game for the second time in three seasons," said Coach Matt Painter.
Author’s summary: The 2025-26 college basketball season is underway with high stakes and exciting storylines, highlighted by Purdue leading Jay Bilas’ rankings as they chase a national title return.