As the anticipation for the 2025-26 college basketball season builds, fans and analysts alike are buzzing about which team will claim the coveted No. 1 spot in the preseason rankings. With the University of Houston having just wrapped up a remarkable run to the NCAA Tournament finals, many expect them to top the charts.
However, one notable voice in the college basketball landscape, CBS Sports’ Jon Rothstein, has thrown a curveball into the predictions. In a recent video discussion, Rothstein made a compelling case that the Purdue Boilermakers might just edge out Houston for that top honor when the initial rankings drop.
Rothstein's argument hinges primarily on Purdue's returning talent. With four of their starters coming back, the Boilermakers bring a wealth of experience and continuity.
Purdue is now my No. 1 team entering the 2025-26 college basketball season. pic.twitter.com/H4q8cAGZAU
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 27, 2025
These key players were instrumental in leading the team to the Sweet Sixteen last season, where they narrowly missed out on an upset victory against Houston, falling just short with a 62-60 defeat. Rothstein noted, "Given the fact that Purdue is going to return four starters... from a team that took Houston to the wire in the Sweet 16...
I like Purdue by a hair right now at the top of my rankings over Houston."
Despite Rothstein's confident pick, college hoops fans are split on the idea of Purdue leading the pack. Some are wary of a so-called "curse" that comes with such early acclaim.
Others have pointed to head coach Matt Painter's track record, questioning his ability to push his team over the final hurdles to a championship. Critiques akin to legends like NFL Coach Marty Schottenheimer have circled, with some fans believing Painter to be an excellent recruiter with a signature style, yet perhaps lacking the in-game adaptability needed in high-pressure scenarios.
Florida fans, riding high off their recent national title victory, have taken particular umbrage at the exclusion from the top spot conversations. One Gator fan confidently claimed, "Purdue would lose to Florida home, away or neutral," while another boldly suggested, "UF beats Purdue by 15 on a neutral court and it’s not even arguable." The sentiments are clear: confidence runs deep in Gainesville, and there's no shortage of disbelief regarding Purdue's perceived edge.
As we edge closer to the release of the official rankings, the debate is set to intensify. Will Purdue's consistency and experience earn them the top billing, or will Houston's recent championship game appearance secure them the throne?
And where does Florida fit into this mix, with their impressive championship pedigree? As these questions swirl, one thing is certain: this season's storyline is already rich with intriguing possibilities, and the journey to the top is just beginning.
