Purdue claimed the top spot in Monday’s preseason AP Top 25, making program history with its first-ever preseason No. 1 ranking. The Boilermakers, led by head coach Matt Painter, return All-American guard Braden Smith and All-Big Ten forward Trey Kaufman-Renn from last year’s 24-win squad.
Matt Painter’s Boilermakers Rank No. 1, Spark Debate Among College Basketball Fans
Purdue enters the 2025 college basketball season at the top of the Associated Press preseason poll, earning 35 of 61 first-place votes and marking its first-ever preseason No. 1 ranking.
Head coach Matt Painter returns a veteran lineup featuring All-American guard Braden Smith and All-Big Ten forward Trey Kaufman-Renn, who both helped lead the Boilermakers to 24 wins and a Sweet 16 appearance last season. The team also adds transfer Oscar Cluff, expected to make an immediate impact.
Despite the recognition, the top ranking has stirred debate among fans. One fan wrote, “Why is Purdue ranked high every year they’re the Notre Dame of CBB. All hype.” Another added, “Why are we still doing this with Purdue.”
Why is Purdue ranked high every year they’re the notre dame of cbb. All hype
— CanesMike1 (@uggslippers4) October 14, 2025
These fans have a point. Since Painter took over Purdue fully in 2005, the Boilermakers have been a constant contender for the national title, but they still haven’t won it all.
“Why y’all putting Purdue at 1. We all know how that is going to turn out,” another said. “Purdue over the two teams that were in the championship game last year?,” one fan quipped. “Purdue overrated again. Florida and Houston are both miles ahead,” a third remarked.
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Last season, the Houston Cougars and Florida Gators battled in the national championship, with UF reigning supreme. Florida comes in at No. 3, while Houston is one spot ahead at No. 2.
Painter’s latest accomplishment continues a dominant stretch for the program. All 14 of Purdue’s appearances at No. 1 in school history have come during his tenure, beginning in December 2021. Over the past five seasons, Purdue’s 134 wins are tied for the fourth-most among all Division I teams, underscoring the program’s sustained success.
Painter, now entering his 21st season, has built on the foundation laid by his mentor, former coach Gene Keady, while chasing the school’s first national championship.
“We are obviously excited to get the season going, and being ranked No. 1 in the preseason is a great indicator of what we feel this team can accomplish,” Painter told the AP.
“But the goal is to be No. 1 at the end of the year. We’re thrilled that people think this highly of our team, but there is a long way to go and a lot of work to do to reach that goal in April.”
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Across the poll, four teams received first-place votes. Purdue led with 35, followed by Houston with 16, Florida with eight, and UConn with two.
Purdue’s strong start comes amid a challenging history for preseason favorites. The last two preseason No. 1 teams, both Kansas, failed to reach the NCAA Tournament’s second weekend. North Carolina, the 2022-23 preseason No. 1, was the first to miss the tournament entirely.
Since North Carolina’s 2008-09 national title, preseason No. 1 teams have averaged 28.4 wins and 7.4 losses but have produced more early exits (four) than Final Four runs (three).
Painter and the Boilermakers officially tip off the season on Tuesday, November 4, when the team hosts Evansville. The team’s first big test comes on November 13, when the team travels to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to take on the No. 15 Crimson Tide, coached by Nate Oats.
