KANSAS DOMINATES: The Massive Upset in College Basketball That Will Change Everything

Kansas was picked first in the AP Top 25 preseason men's basketball poll Monday, getting the No. 1 nod on half of the 60 ballots from a national media panel to start the season ahead of Alabama and two-time defending champion Gonzaga and Houston. Kansas secured a total of 30 first-place votes en route to being named the top-ranked team in the nation.

This marks the third time in school history that the Jayhawks have entered a season as the top-ranked team, a testament to their talent and depth. Their high ranking is likely due in part to the return of star players from last season's championship run and the addition of a top-ranked recruiting class.

Coming in second in the preseason poll is Alabama. Led by a strong core of returning starters and a talented crop of newcomers, the Crimson Tide look poised to make a deep run in this year's NCAA tournament. With a total of nine first-place votes, Alabama is considered by many to be one of the top contenders to win a national championship this season.

The two-time defending national champion Gonzaga Bulldogs are ranked third in the preseason poll. Despite losing several key contributors from last season's championship team, the Bulldogs are expected to be highly competitive once again, with a strong recruiting class and several talented returnees. Gonzaga secured 14 first-place votes, indicating that many experts believe them to be a strong contender to win a third straight national title.

The Houston Cougars are ranked fourth in the preseason poll, narrowly missing out on a top-three ranking. With several key contributors returning from last season's Final Four team, the Cougars are expected to be a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA tournament. They secured five first-place votes, indicating that some experts believe them to have what it takes to win a national championship.

Overall, the preseason AP Top 25 poll features several teams that are expected to be highly competitive in this year's NCAA tournament. With a strong mix of returning talent and talented newcomers, the stage is set for an exciting season of college basketball.