Florida tops preseason AP men's basketball poll

AP Top 25 Florida Gators college basketball preseason rankings Duke Blue Devils

The Florida Gators have been ranked No. 1 in the preseason Associated Press Top 25 men's basketball poll, receiving 47 of the 59 first-place votes. This marks the first time the program has opened the season at the top since 2006. The ranking follows a period of significant success for the Gators, including a national championship in 2025.

Coach Todd Golden’s squad benefits from notable roster continuity, returning key players such as Thomas Haugh, Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu, and Boogie Fland. Additionally, Denzel Aberdeen has been granted eligibility to play a fifth season.

Duke follows in second place with 10 first-place votes, while Illinois is ranked third. The poll also highlights a significant shift for the reigning champion Michigan, which has dropped to 16th following the departure of its top scorers and coaching staff to the NBA.

Entities

Associated Press · Duke Blue Devils · Florida Gators · Illinois Fighting Illini · Todd Golden

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Florida received 47 of the 59 first-place votes in the preseason poll. krmg.com · www.news9.com · www.wdio.com · bleacherreport.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Duke is ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll and received 10 first-place votes. krmg.com · www.news9.com · www.wdio.com · bleacherreport.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Reigning champion Michigan is ranked 16th in the preseason poll. bleacherreport.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Illinois is ranked No. 3 in the preseason poll. krmg.com · www.news9.com · www.wdio.com · bleacherreport.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Florida is ranked No. 1 in the preseason men's college basketball poll. krmg.com · www.news9.com · www.wdio.com · bleacherreport.com