The first month of the season may not be loaded with top-tier matchups, but it is great when it comes to understanding these top teams. These early games often provide insight as to what these teams think of what they have on their roster, so let’s dive into what we saw in Game 1 for each of the Preseason Top 25.
1. Purdue
Purdue was the top team all preseason, and a 31-point win over Evansville gave us no reason to think anything different. Fletcher Loyer made seven-of-10 shots from 3, and Braden Smith had 11 assists against just one turnover.
Status quo.
I still want to see Smith be more aggressive (three FGM in 30 minutes), but I’ll wait until this time next week (Thursday at Alabama) before making any judgments on that front. He’s great at what he does, but his leveling up as a feared scorer is what can push this team from very good to great.
2. Houston
An 18-point win over Lehigh was status quo for a Houston team that seems to have as high a floor annually as any in the sport.
I loved what I saw from Emanual Sharp: not just the 24 points on 13 shots, but accounting for half of the Cougar free-throw attempts. If he’s ready to take that next step as an offensive weapon, this team has every right to believe they are among the favorites to cut down the nets.
I need more from Joseph Tugler. He had four fouls and five turnovers in 22 minutes during the opener, and while he’s not expected to have moments where he takes over, he needs to stay on the court and provide plus minutes in the dirty work areas.
He swatted four shots, and that’s a plus as the backend defender, so it wasn’t all bad: we just need to see sustained growth from him after filling a very specific role a season ago (more rebounds than points and nearly as many blocks as made shots).
3. Florida
The Gators fell 93-87 to Arizona in the marquee matchup of the week, not a great start to their title defense, but far from a black eye that they can’t recover from.
Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh are the valuable front-court returners, and what we saw on Monday might be the hierarchy that sticks.
Condon scored 11 points while committing six turnovers and fouling out, while Haugh got to the stripe 14 times and poured in 27 points. That duo needs to do better than 12 rebounds across 67 minutes, but I’m of the belief that this could be the Haugh show.
As far as the backcourt goes, Boogie Fland struggled in his debut.
It happens. And it’ll happen again, but the upside of him is what makes him the X-factor. Florida has a pair of guards (Urban Klavzar and Xavian Lee) that are on the court to stretch the defense, and with the experience around the rim, Fland playing at a high level has the potential to make this team as potent as any in the sport.
His off games will be difficult to swallow, but as long as he can stay healthy, the stable foundation of the team around him will allow this team to access a ceiling that may be second to none.
4. UConn
The Huskies were given two first-place votes in the preseason poll, and while that seemed aggressive, the 79-55 win over New Haven was certainly a positive step.
We know that Solo Ball and Alex Karaban (combined: 37 points, 11-11 FT) are going to dictate most of what goes on in Storrs this season, but I was sneaky impressed with the offensive versatility that was shown by UConn in the opener.
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Who knows if it sticks, but that duo scored just three of their first 22 points. Whether it’s a focused effort or the result of a very deep roster, scoring depth like this around two solidified stars would give the Huskies the type of nightly floor that is appealing when it comes to running through the gauntlet that is March Madness.
5. St. John’s
The Red Storm handled Quinnipiac without any issue, and the 34-point win saw Cincinnati transfer Dillon Mitchell assert himself in a way that this fanbase was hoping.
The senior led St. John’s in scoring (18 points), offensive rebounds (three), rebounds (seven), and steals (four) while making seven of eight shots from inside the three-point line. If he can be this sort of engine for this team on a consistent basis, the preseason hype around them is going to prove accurate and they’ll be a part of the story come March (and maybe, April).
6. Duke
Nothing too significant took place in Duke’s 75-60 win over Texas. Cameron Boozer looks like the walking double-double that he was billed to be (15 points and 13 rebounds in his 36 minutes), though it is worth noting that no Blue Devil had more than two assists in the victory.
Is it a product of shared playmaking? Do they not trust a single player to consistently get the offense going?
The alarms aren’t sounding, but that is something I’ll be paying attention to over their next three games before getting Kansas on a neutral (November 18).
7. Michigan
Yeah, I’d say scoring 121 points is a positive data point to open the season.
Oakland isn’t exactly a high-level opponent, but we got the boxes checked that we needed to from the key Wolverines.
Yaxel Lendeborg was perfect from the field on his way to 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists in just 22 minutes of action, a signal that he is indeed ready for the monster season that is expected of him. Morez Johnson stole the show with 24 points (10-of-10 from inside the arc), and while I’m not sure we see him shooting at that volume on a consistent basis, the former Illini forward has a track record of efficiency (64.2% FG in 30 appearances a season ago).
This is a talented team that has a lighter early-season schedule: they could well work through any early-season growing pains and hit the ground running when conference play starts.
It’s a long ways away, but playing Purdue and Duke within the same week (February 17-21) will largely dictate if we think this team is truly a title threat.
I think they are.
8. BYU
The 71-66 win over Villanova on a neutral court wasn’t the most convincing of starts to the season, but this was never going to be a year about November-December games for the Cougars.
Star AJ Dybantsa has as much NBA hype as anyone in the sport, and if he can develop as rapidly as we’ve seen these prodigies in the past, BYU will be dangerous. He was involved in each of their first two buckets in the opener (and an assist and a made layup), a sign of things to come as he figures to post one of the higher usage rates when we get into the meat of the schedule.
Robert Wright III started 21 games at Baylor a season ago, and we saw his unapologetic aggression on display in his first game with the Cougars (16 FGA in 31 minutes). His star won’t shine the same way as Dybantsa, but if he’s playing with this type of confidence and getting favorable coverage looks because of the attention paid to his teammate, don’t be surprised if we see some monster games from him where he swings the outcome.
9. Kentucky
The defense came to play early for Kentucky in their opener against Nicholls, coughing up just 15 points in the first half and controlling the game as they were expected to do.
Collin Chandler made four of seven 3’s in his first collegiate start, and with 68.1% of his shots last season coming from distance, this is a role he should be plenty comfortable in.
Otega Oweh will play a big part in the success of this team, but if he’s confident that Chandler can change the game from downtown, that adds a dimension to a team that already profiles as dynamic.
10. Texas Tech
I can’t imagine Red Raider Nation being more pleased with a season opener than they were with the 98-60 ousting of Lindenwood.
The big win as a massive favorite doesn’t matter as much as the play of Christian Anderson did. JT Toppin sat out with a lower-body injury, and Anderson stepped into the spotlight with 34 points, 11 assists, and just one turnover in 37 sparkling minutes of action.
Topping is a very good player who elevates the floor of this team, but if a Final Four is the goal, something that wasn’t off the radar last season, Anderson will have to develop into a co-star, not part of the supporting cast.
It’s one game, but if this inside-out duo is among the best in the sport, this isn’t a team I’d want to bet against.
11. Louisville
Isaac McKneely dropped in 17 points during an impressive debut with the team after spending three seasons in Virginia. He’s a hired gun from the perimeter and is going to have to be a consistent floor spacer for this team to reach their ceiling, but 0.77 points per minute is certainly an encouraging start.
A home game against Kentucky is on the books for November 11, a nice early-season measuring stick for two programs with plenty of expectations.
12. UCLA
A six-point win over a directional school from Washington isn’t exactly the script the Bruins were looking for to open a campaign that has expectations attached to it, but star transfer Donovan Dent was as advertised.
The 6’2” senior developed as a bucket getter across his three seasons at New Mexico and showed no struggles in adjusting to life under the bright lights. He paced UCLA in points, shots, and assists while committing just one turnover across his 36 minutes.
There were some moments where he was loose with the ball last year, but a more talented roster around him stands to help fix that. If Dent is an All-American-level performer, this storied program could return to the Final Four for just the second time since 2009.
13. Arizona
Arizona had the win of the first week of the season, beating the defending champs on a neutral court behind their star freshman Koa Peat.
The forward looked like the best player in the sport with a 30-7-5 stat line on 11-of-18 shooting with more steals than turnovers across his 36 minutes, a remarkable showing in a high-stress environment.
Peat was the story, but let’s not overlook Jaden Bradley, a kid with 111 games of collegiate experience and a slashing mentality that can work in tandem with the star frosh.
He poured in 27 points (9-14 FG) without a single 3PA and 10 attempts at the line. This profile looks good next to a player like Peat, and if this is a sign of things to come, more than a flash in the pan, look out!
14. Arkansas
I could say that this team won by 32 in their first game, and they did, but they also allowed 77 points to Southern, not exactly the type of showing on the defensive end that offers optimism.
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I’m intrigued by this backcourt: a fifth-year senior (Trevon Brazile: 25 points, 8-14 FG) and a true freshman (Daris Acuff Jr.: 22 points, 8-13 FG). There will likely be some growing moments as this tandem meshes, but the idea that a high-pedigree prospect has an experienced running mate is something I like when it comes to growth trajectory and promise as the season progresses.
15. Alabama
Alabama wasn’t pushed in a 29-point win over North Dakota, and it would appear that the same strategy is in place this season offensively.
Sort of.
In the opener, 27 of their 58 shots were 3’s, a style that aligns with last season, but 27 free throw attempts were good to see. Those “easy” points can help offset some of the variance of this system and would give them the additional outs needed to win 4+ games in March.
Labaron Philon Jr. was an asset last season and is moving into a featured role this season, a transition that will come with a learning curve. He had eight dimes in Game 1, but four turnovers are something he’ll have to keep in check with time.
16. Iowa State
Fairleigh Dickinson couldn’t put up a fight (88-50 final), and Milan Moncilovic’s career-high 29 points (7-10 on 3’s) stole the headlines.
The performance was impressive, but in terms of looking forward, how about Tamin Lipsey putting some good tape out there?
The senior guard has 104 games on his resume, took 13 shots in 25 minutes (last season 7.5 FGA in 30.9 minutes) with five assists, five steals, and just one turnover. There is plenty of star power across the sport this season, and players like this are the type that can make the difference when the Tier 1 players cancel each other out in those big games.
I need to see this aggression sustained, but the Cyclones couldn’t have asked for a better start.
17. Illinois
The Illini went to script in the opener, and that’s all we can ask for as they look to develop upside.
They beat Jackson State by 58 points, and David Mirkovic came out firing with eight of their first 10 points. The talented freshman finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds, flashing his ability to do a bit of everything in the process (2-4 from 3, 5-6 on 2’s, and four assists).
18. Tennessee
We saw the Vols struggle out of the gates (four points in the first 5.5 minutes of their season), but they still managed to beat Mercer by 15 points on Monday and put 76 points on the board.
Jaylen Carey is playing for his third program in as many years, and we saw some of his ability to create extra possessions in his first game with Tennessee.
With Vandy last season, 39.7% of his boards came on the offensive side, and that rate was 50% in the season opener this year.
19. Kansas
Kansas beat the brakes off of Green Bay in their first game of the season, but that didn’t stop journeyman PG Melvin Council Jr. from impressing with a team-high four dimes against zero turnovers.
We know that Darryn Peterson (21 points, 7-11 FG) is a one-and-done star, but a steadying hand next to him would elevate the floor for a team that has a championship ceiling.
I’m a sucker for a talented backcourt, and that’s even more so the case when the two starters, at the college level, near 13 feet in total height.
20. Auburn
Steven Pearl didn’t exactly get to ease into the coaching profession as his Tigers required overtime to beat Bethune-Cookman in the first game of the season.
It was a stress fest all the way through (the largest lead in either direction was six points), something that is at risk of happening when shooting variance works away from the more talented roster.
Auburn was outscored by 18 points from distance despite attempting one more triple, a math equation that is going to result in disappointment more often than not.
These games are going to happen. Tahaad Pettiford is an NBA-ready player, but he does lack consistency (4-13 FG, 2-9 3’s), and until that gets rectified, this team can lose to anyone.
That said, if he can connect the dots, this is a team that can hang with the Tier 1 teams. I’m not nervous just yet, but I would like to see some development from the guard sooner rather than later.
21. Gonzaga
The Zags beat Texas Southern by 55 points in their first game, and Graham Ike did exactly what we wanted him to.
The senior was held to 23 minutes because of the blowout nature of this game, but he still managed to score 13 points and pull down 11 rebounds. The counting numbers were strong, though that’s not what caught my eye.
Ike showed offensive aggression by leading the team in shots, and if that is here to stay, this is a team that can hang with just about anyone. He’s converted 75.6% of his free throws throughout his career, making stopping him near impossible when he’s attacking the rim in a strong way.
22. Michigan State
Coen Carr was an accent piece last season (20.7 minutes) and will be asked to handle far greater usage numbers in his junior season.
He scored 12 points against Colgate, making five of his eight two-point shots, a rate that actually lowered his career mark to 63.9%. If he can keep his high-end efficiency with a near 50% spike in playing time, Sparty can make some noise.
Michigan State played with their food in the opener (tie game early in the second half), something they will need to iron out before conference play starts.
23. Creighton
The Bluejays spread the ball around in a 92-76 win against South Dakota, seeing five players score in double figures. The bench only made one triple, but Iowa transfer Owen Freeman (finger surgery cut his sophomore season short) made nine-of-11 shots and grabbed three offensive boards.
Owen Freeman gets out in transition again and throws it down! #GoJays pic.twitter.com/oFfm2cnwaF
— Creighton Men’s Basketball (@BluejayMBB) November 6, 2025
I’m a believer in Jackson McAndrew as a shooter for this team, so if Freeman can offer a consistent interior presence, this team can do some damage. They travel to Gonzaga on Tuesday, their first of two games against ranked competition in November.
24. Wisconsin
John Blackwell started all 37 games a season ago for the Badgers, and he continues to lean into the math.
As a freshman, 35.9% of his shot attempts came from downtown, and that rate rose to 40% a year ago. Monday against the Fighting Camels of Campbell?
57.9%.
I don’t think this is among the 10 most talented rosters in the nation, so if they want to make an extended run this spring, embracing variance is wise.
Junior Nolan Winter pulled down six offensive boards in the win, something to keep any eye on: there’s no better time to get an open look at a triple than a rebound and kick out.
25. North Carolina
The Tar Heels draw Kansas tomorrow, and that will serve as a more valuable data point than their 40-point win over Central Arkansas to open the season.
That said, how could you not be impressed by 22 points in 25 minutes for freshman Caleb Wilson? We obviously can’t make any broad claims from the strong performance, but his ability to get to the stripe a team-high six times was an encouraging development that speaks to a level of aggression that needs to be a constant if this team is going to make a Sweet 16.
