Purdue remains atop the college basketball rankings for September, with the top 25 unchanged from August as teams prepare for the upcoming season. The Boilermakers hold their position with returning Big Ten Player of the Year Braden Smith leading championship aspirations.
ESPN's latest rankings show stability across college basketball's elite programs heading into practice season. Florida, Houston, and UConn maintain their top-four positions behind Purdue, while newcomer programs like BYU with top recruit A.J. Dybantsa generate significant attention.
The rankings highlight award candidates from each program, with Purdue's Smith emerging as a frontrunner for the Wooden Award. Smith averaged 15.8 points and led the nation with 8.7 assists per game last season while earning consensus first-team All-American honors.
Several elite freshmen prospects headline the 2024-25 season expectations. BYU's Dybantsa enters as the nation's top recruit and potential number one NBA draft pick, while Duke's Cameron Boozer and Kansas' Darryn Peterson also command significant attention.
Louisville coach Pat Kelsey receives recognition as a potential Coach of the Year candidate after transforming the Cardinals from eight wins to 27 wins in his first season. The Cardinals enter as legitimate Final Four contenders with elite perimeter talent.
Transfer portal additions continue reshaping rosters across college basketball. Michigan secured one of the offseason's top transfers in Yaxel Lendeborg from UAB, while UCLA added Mountain West Player of the Year Donovan Dent from New Mexico.
Complete Top 25 Rankings
1. Purdue Boilermakers
2. Florida Gators
3. Houston Cougars
4. UConn Huskies
5. St. John's Red Storm
6. BYU Cougars
7. Louisville Cardinals
8. Michigan Wolverines
9. Kentucky Wildcats
10. Texas Tech Red Raiders
11. Arkansas Razorbacks
12. Duke Blue Devils
13. Arizona Wildcats
14. Auburn Tigers
15. UCLA Bruins
16. Illinois Fighting Illini
17. Alabama Crimson Tide
18. Iowa State Cyclones
19. Gonzaga Bulldogs
20. Wisconsin Badgers
21. Kansas Jayhawks
22. Creighton Bluejays
23. Tennessee Volunteers
24. NC State Wolfpack
25. North Carolina Tar Heels