Jay Bilas unveils Top 68 college basketball rankings as 2025-26 season starts
After a turbulent offseason filled with coaching changes and Transfer Portal drama, the 2025-26 college basketball season officially began Monday night. Basketball is back with high anticipation.
The season's big questions include:
- Can Florida become the second program in a row to repeat as National Champions?
- Will Kelvin Sampson finally lead Houston to its first National Championship?
- Can Duke overcome last season’s Final Four heartbreak to claim the first title of the Jon Scheyer era?
Just one game into the season, ESPN’s Jay Bilas released his top-68 team rankings. Purdue starts off ranked as the best team in college basketball.
Purdue’s Prospects
Head coach Matt Painter enters his 21st season leading the Boilermakers. The team features key players like star point guard Braden Smith, sharpshooter Fletcher Loyer, talented big man Trey Kaufman-Renn, and transfer Oscar Cluff from South Dakota State.
Purdue aims to reach the National Championship Game again for the second time in three seasons. Their season opener was a commanding 82-51 victory over Evansville on Tuesday, with Loyer scoring 30 points and hitting 7-of-10 three-pointers.
The Boilermakers have one more tune-up game against Oakland before traveling to Tuscaloosa to face No. [ranking not specified], revisiting last year’s non-conference encounter that Purdue won 87-78.
"Basketball is officially back. The storylines this season are off the charts."
"Purdue has loaded up in their quest to return to the National Championship Game for the second time in three seasons."
Summary: The 2025-26 college basketball season starts with high stakes and top-ranked Purdue looking strong with experienced leadership and star players aiming for a championship run.