Villanova, which a week ago was picked to finish first in the Big East, is ranked fifth in the preseason Associated Press (media) Top 25.
The Wildcats are No. 6 in the ESPN/USA Today (coaches) vote.
Kansas, which plays at Temple on Jan. 2, was first in both polls.
The last time the 'Cats were ranked this high to begin a season was 2005, when they were also fifth. Five months later they lost in the Final Eight to eventual national champion Florida.
The highest 'Nova has ever been ranked in the preseason was 1995, when it started at No. 3. That team would lose in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Wildcats lost three seniors from a team that made it to the Final Four before losing to eventual champ North Carolina in the national semifinals. They return five players from their rotation, led by Scottie Reynolds, although senior Reggie Redding is suspended for the first semester (10 games). They also have four highly recruited freshmen, as well as Duke transfer Taylor King.
"This is another honor from the national media and we're very appreciative of it," coach Jay Wright said. "It's great for our university and fans. As a team we have to prove ourselves [that] we're the best we can be."
Michigan State was second in AP, followed by Texas and Kentucky. North Carolina was sixth. In ESPN/USA Today, the Tar Heels were fourth and Kentucky fifth.
Four other Big East teams were ranked in AP: West Virginia (No. 8), Connecticut (12), Louisville (19) and Georgetown (20).
Villanova opens at the Pavilion against Fairleigh Dickinson on Nov. 13.
