College basketball opened the 2025–26 season with a rush of energy and anticipation, and it’s clear already that the top programs are ready to prove themselves. Purdue enters November ranked number one in both the AP and Coaches Poll, showing early dominance with a 2-0 start and heading into a pivotal matchup against Alabama later this week. Houston, Florida, and UConn round out the top four, each holding solid ground at the top of the rankings and already notching early wins.

The big story emerging is St. John’s, who jumped to the top spot in the CBS Sports “Top 25 And 1” rankings, even above Purdue. This leap builds on their impressive opening and previewed a season where traditional powers face new challengers. Duke and Michigan round out the rest of the top ten, both undefeated and hungry to push higher. Kentucky, Texas Tech, and Louisville also kicked off their campaigns with strong efforts, all earning places in the upper tier and looking sharp both offensively and defensively.

Around the country, excitement wasn’t limited to the top programs. Kean University made waves at the Division III level, winning their season opener after a dominant second half, and Brockport pulled off a high-scoring win against Ithaca College, signaling a competitive DIII season ahead. Maritime College, on the other hand, staged a late rally but fell just short in their opener, highlighting the drama that opening week always brings.

Individual performances have already lit up social media and highlight reels. According to the NCAA’s official statistics, several top scorers from last year are back in action, with early scoring bursts hinting at a fierce battle for the offensive crown. New faces from a loaded 2025 recruiting class, reported by 247Sports, are quickly making an impact—watch players like Duke’s freshman sensation and Kentucky’s versatile big man as their playing time ramps up. The ACC and Big 12 both launched with perfect records from their leading teams, and conference play promises non-stop rivalries and potential upsets.

With such a fast start, fans and analysts are already speculating about March—they’re wondering if Purdue will finally break through, if Houston’s speed can outlast bigger squads, or if surprise teams like St. John’s will keep climbing. The next week features a full slate of marquee matchups, including blue-blood showdowns and potential RPI-shifting results.

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