Full Breakdown
Preseason Rankings Highlight Competitive Landscape in College Basketball
10/30/2025, 3:16:29 PM
Six Big Ten Teams in Preseason Top 25
The Associated Press has released its preseason Top 25 Men's College Basketball Rankings for the upcoming season, featuring six teams from the Big Ten Conference. Leading the pack is the Purdue Boilermakers, who have ascended to the No. 1 spot, followed closely by the Michigan Wolverines at No. 7. Other ranked Big Ten teams include the UCLA Bruins at No. 12, Illinois Fighting Illini at No. 17, Michigan State Spartans at No. 22, and Wisconsin Badgers at No. 24. Notably, Purdue's rise marks a significant jump of 13 spots, while Michigan State and Wisconsin experienced declines, falling 15 and 8 spots, respectively.
Key Players to Watch
Purdue's Braden Smith is highlighted as a pivotal player, entering his senior season as a decorated point guard and a key reason for the Boilermakers' national championship aspirations. He finished last season with 313 assists, ranking second nationally. Other notable players include Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg, who transferred from UAB and is expected to be a central figure for the Wolverines, and Illinois' Brad Underwood, who has consistently positioned the Fighting Illini as a top-25 program.
Iowa State Cyclones and Big 12 Contenders
The Iowa State Cyclones have also made their mark, securing a No. 16 ranking in the preseason AP Poll. Under head coach T.J. Otzelberger, Iowa State aims to build on its recent success, having made the NCAA Tournament in each of the last four years. The Cyclones are set to face a challenging schedule, including matchups against top teams like Purdue and Mississippi State. Jon Rothstein's Bracket Breakdown predicts nine Big 12 teams, including Iowa State, will make the NCAA Tournament this season.
UConn's Dominance in Women's Basketball
In women's college basketball, the UConn Huskies are making headlines with three players ranked among ESPN's Top 25 for the upcoming season. Sarah Strong leads the list at No. 1, following a stellar freshman year that contributed to UConn's national championship. Azzi Fudd and Serah Williams also made the rankings, showcasing UConn's depth and talent as they pursue another title under coach Geno Auriemma.
Baylor's Freshman Expectations
Baylor Bears' freshman Tounde Yessoufou has been added to the prestigious Julius Erving Small Forward of the Year preseason watch list. As a five-star recruit, Yessoufou is expected to play a significant role in Baylor's success this season. His performance in exhibition games has already shown promise, averaging 16.5 points.
Conclusion
As the college basketball season approaches, the competitive landscape is shaping up with strong contenders across various conferences. The Big Ten, Big 12, and UConn's women's program are poised for exciting seasons, with numerous players and teams to watch as they aim for championship glory.
