WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA — Well, it’s official.

Right now, Purdue University’s men’s basketball team, which includes West Brighton resident Liam Murphy, is the nation’s preseason No. 1.

Many off-season polls had the Boilermakers as the top-ranked team, but the Associated Press made it official Monday after announcing the Big Ten powerhouse was sitting atop its pre-season rankings.

It’s the first time Purdue has been ranked No. 1 prior to the start of the season.

The Boilermakers received 35 of 61 first-place votes for the 2025-26 top spot. Head coach Matt Painter’s troops beat out Houston and defending National Champion Florida, who are currently right behind Purdue at No. 2 and 3, respectively.

“We are obviously excited to get the season going and being ranked No. 1 in the preseason i

See Full Page