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Jeff Borzello
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Jeff Borzello
Basketball recruiting expert
- Jeff Borzello is a basketball recruiting expert. He has been a part of ESPN since 2014.
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Myron Medcalf
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Myron Medcalf
ESPN Staff Writer
- Myron Medcalf writes about college basketball for ESPN.com. He started with ESPN in 2011.
The advent of revenue sharing and the surge in name, image, and likeness opportunities have resulted in a talent level in college basketball that hasn’t been observed for quite some time. Expected NBA first-round draft picks are opting to stay in school to earn substantial income while aiming to enhance their draft prospects; international players are making the move to the U.S. to compete in college; and the top tiers of the 2024 and 2025 high school recruitment classes are exceptionally strong.
What is the ranking for elite players heading into the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season?
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf ranked the top 100 by compiling their individual lists and negotiating numerous times to reach the final order provided below.
Braden Smith was unanimously chosen as a first-team All-American last season and is the sole member of that group returning to college. He is also a unanimous preseason All-American at the helm of the No. 1 team in the preseason AP Top 25. In typical circumstances, this would likely secure him the top position — however, he faces fierce competition from an incredibly skilled freshman class, featuring BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, and Duke’s Cameron Boozer. With the impressive late-season performances of Texas Tech forward JT Toppin, the debate is very much alive.
Who sits at No. 1? Let’s work our way from the bottom.
Jump to:
100-76 | 75-51 | 50-26 | 25-6 | 5-1
Ohio State Buckeyes | F | Jr.
Royal barely surpasses Xzayvier Brown for the final slot at 100. Standing at 6-foot-6, he averaged 13.7 points and 6.9 rebounds last season, demonstrating the capability for standout performances: scoring 29 points against Illinois, 31 points and 15 rebounds versus Valparaiso, and 26 points against Michigan. Should Royal replicate such performances more consistently, Ohio State is likely to take a significant stride forward and become a formidable contender in the NCAA tournament. — Borzello
Alabama Crimson Tide | G | Sr.
After suffering a ruptured Achilles that sidelined him for a significant part of last season, Wrightsell recently informed reporters about his plans to return in November. Prior to his injury, occurring eight games into the 2024-25 season, he averaged 11.5 points and successfully converted 42.2% of his three-point attempts. — Medcalf
3:06
Alabama utilizes analytics to optimize performance
Nate Oats, Labaron Philon Jr. and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. discuss the Crimson Tide’s diverse skill set and numerical approach to maximize efficiency.
Michigan State Spartans | F | Jr.
Carr embodies the essence of a Tom Izzo player — the 6-6 forward is an aggressive, dynamic athlete with the capability to guard various positions and electrify the crowd with a series of spectacular dunks. He also boasts strong defensive skills, as indicated by his «excellent» rating on Synergy Sports. Izzo has recently shared his expectation for Carr (8.1 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 33.3% from 3) to improve as a shooter, a development that could significantly benefit Michigan State. — Medcalf
Syracuse Orange | G | Jr.
George has been one of the most skilled point guards in the ACC over the past couple of years, leading the conference in assists last season and is expected to be the lead facilitator for coach Adrian Autry in a pivotal year for the Orange. He posted averages of 12.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.5 assists last season, showcasing his scoring capabilities with five 20-point performances in a six-game sequence during league action. — Borzello
Georgetown Hoyas | G | Jr.
The defining moment of Lewis’ time at Arizona might be his difficulties during the Wildcats’ 100-93 defeat to Duke in the Sweet 16, where he managed just six points after averaging 10.8 throughout the previous season. Nonetheless, the 6-4 guard had four consecutive double-digit scoring games before that, along with eight steals and seven blocks during that period. Lewis serves as an important transfer acquisition for Ed Cooley’s squad. — Medcalf
Duke Blue Devils | G | Fr.
The 6-8 wing showcased his skills in 15 games for FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague last season. The Italian prodigy scored 17 points during last year’s Nike Hoop Summit, outperforming several top-rated recruits in the U.S. Sarr’s exceptional defensive abilities contribute to his projection as a top-10 selection in ESPN’s recent 2026 NBA mock draft. — Medcalf
Providence Friars | G | Sr.
Edwards was recognized as a first-team All-AAC player at North Texas and then earned a third-team All-SEC spot at Vanderbilt. Can he now achieve all-conference status in the Big East? Given his average of 17.0 points for the Commodores last season, he’s likely to emerge as one of the league’s most exciting scorers. — Borzello
Missouri Tigers | G | Jr.
Robinson’s development into one of the SEC’s top point guards was crucial to the Tigers’ revival, transforming from zero conference victories to achieving a sixth seed in the NCAA tournament. He recorded averages of 9.0 points and 3.5 assists while shooting 40% from three on limited attempts. He was also a key contributor to one of the nation’s most aggressive defenses, averaging 2.0 steals and instigating Missouri’s defensive intensity. — Borzello
2:32
Anthony Robinson joins the SEC Now set
Dennis Gates discusses Missouri’s keys to success while Robinson shares the skills he has been working on during the offseason and his leadership goals for the Tigers.
Duke Blue Devils | G | So.
The previously five-star recruit found himself somewhat overshadowed in a rotation that featured three top-10 picks in the 2025 NBA draft and five total selections, yet the 6-6 wing still managed to hit 42% of his three-point attempts and had notable moments throughout last season (including 18 points in a December win over Auburn and 17 points in a February victory against Illinois). He should see more opportunities to make an impact this season. — Medcalf
Purdue Boilermakers | G | Sr.
Loyer was thrust into action as a freshman in 2022-23, starting alongside classmate Braden Smith in Purdue’s backcourt. Fast forward three years, and these two remain the starting guard duo for Matt Painter and the Boilermakers. Loyer has now started 110 engagements over the past three seasons and consistently averaged double figures. His shooting skills are among the top in the nation, as demonstrated by his 44.4% conversion rate from three during both his sophomore and junior campaigns. — Borzello
Ole Miss Rebels | F | Sr.
His 18-point, eight-rebound outing against Iowa State in last season’s NCAA tournament second round indicated that the 6-9 forward possesses the potential to shine for coach Chris Beard’s program in 2025-26. A significant aspect of his improvement last season was that he hit 38% of his three-point attempts during SEC play. Should this level of performance persist, he could find himself in contention for All-SEC accolades. — Medcalf
2:55
Beard, Storr, and Dia discuss Ole Miss’ potential this year
Chris Beard outlines the attitude that the Rebels are adopting for the upcoming season, while AJ Storr and Malik Dia share their excitement about making pivotal plays on the court.
Texas A&M Aggies | G | Jr.
Isaacs seemed set to play for Houston, but when Milos Uzan backed out from the NBA draft to rejoin the Cougars, Isaacs shifted his commitment to A&M — a fortunate turn of events for new coach Bucky McMillan. Isaacs had received All-Big 12 recognition at Texas Tech for the 2023-24 season and showcased his skills at Creighton before a hip injury sidelined him after only eight games. — Borzello
Washington Huskies | G | Sr.
Claude and Wesley Yates III were the standout players for USC last season, and both have since transferred to the Pacific Northwest to play for Danny Sprinkle and the Huskies. Claude is an assertive playmaker who thrives with the ball; he averaged 15.8 points and 4.2 assists in the previous season. — Borzello
Arkansas Razorbacks | G | So.
Knox is gaining traction as a breakout candidate. Last season, he participated in 24 games, posting double-digit scores in nine of his final 12 outings — a stretch that saw him net 15 points against St. John’s and 20 against Texas Tech in the NCAA tournament. The former five-star prospect also displayed improved shooting capabilities during that period. — Borzello
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Duke Blue Devils | G | Fr.
Cameron Boozer is the centerpiece of Duke’s stellar recruiting class, but Khamenia — a five-star recruit ranked 15th in the SC Next Top 100 — is also a vital player in that mix. Coach Jon Scheyer has lauded Khamenia for his leadership during drills and practices. This talented player will be a crucial element in a young rotation aiming for another deep tournament run following last year’s Final Four showing. — Medcalf
Baylor Bears | G | Fr.
Yessoufou is set to emerge as one of college basketball’s premier freshman scorers this year. His offensive style is characterized by aggressiveness, leveraging his strength and athletic ability to overpower opponents and finish strong at the rim. He’s also developed his mid-range game and shooting from the perimeter, becoming increasingly difficult to defend when he gains momentum. He possesses all the traits of a potential lottery selection. — Borzello
Auburn Tigers | F | Sr.
As Steven Pearl steps into his first season at the helm of Auburn after his father’s surprising retirement in September, he will turn to the Tigers’ sole returning player Tahaad Pettiford alongside Hall, a gifted 6-7 wing who transferred from UCF. The Big 12 was replete with stars like Richie Saunders, JT Toppin, and Hunter Dickinson last season, yet it was Hall who topped the scoring charts with an average of 18.8 PPG. He now has the chance to address a significant offensive gap at Auburn. — Medcalf
1:32
Auburn’s Pearl discusses Hall’s versatility
Steven Pearl emphasizes the distinctiveness of transfer forward Keyshawn Hall, highlighting his versatility and likening him to notable former players at the same position.
Creighton Bluejays | F | So.
McAndrew presents the profile of a potential breakout star in his second year under coach Greg McDermott. The 6-10 wing launched 195 three-pointers and only 48 two-pointers as a freshman, converting 35.4% of his attempts from beyond the arc. He concluded the season on a strong note, achieving double digits in his last three games against St. John’s (14), Louisville (11), and Auburn (12). — Borzello
Ohio State Buckeyes | G | So.
In Jake Diebler’s inaugural season as head coach, the team did not conclude with an NCAA tournament bid; however, there were bright spots — including a top-30 rank in adjusted offensive efficiency according to EvanMiya.com, along with a top-45 score in three-point shooting percentage. Mobley’s shooting performance overall (13.0 PPG, 39% 3P%) contributed to that success. He is expected to have a larger role in his second year. — Medcalf
Florida Gators | G | Sr.
Lee is an essential addition for a Florida side that has lost a top-tier backcourt following its championship journey. The former two-time All-Ivy League guard at Princeton will share playmaking responsibilities with Boogie Fland as the Gators strive to execute a rare back-to-back national title. Lee’s facilitation skills (5.5 APG) will be pivotal in this pursuit. — Medcalf
Louisville Cardinals | G | Sr.
Among three elite shooters and scorers obtained from the transfer portal by coach Pat Kelsey, McKneely achieved over 42% from three in the past two years, scoring an average of 12.3 points his sophomore year and 14.4 as a junior. He comes to Louisville ready for ACC competition after his stint at Virginia. — Borzello
St. John’s Red Storm | F | Sr.
Regardless of whether Mitchell starts or comes off the bench, his presence will significantly bolster the Red Storm’s performance. He can adopt multiple roles and is expected to excel in Rick Pitino’s defensive strategies. His knack for crashing the offensive boards and finishing at the rim aligns perfectly with the team’s needs. — Borzello
UCLA Bruins | F | Sr.
Following a compelling speech from Mick Cronin about his team’s lack of toughness during a four-game slump last season, the Bruins responded by winning 12 of their subsequent 17 games. During this stretch, Bilodeau scored in double figures 12 times. The 6-9 forward presents a unique challenge (42% from beyond the arc during conference play), potentially assisting Cronin’s squad in their pursuit of the Big Ten title. — Medcalf
Creighton Bluejays | G | Sr.
Joining one of the most prolific three-point shooting teams in the country, he could be a great match. Dix exceeded 42% from three in the past two seasons at Iowa, scoring an average of 14.4 points last season. — Borzello
LSU Tigers | G | Jr.
Thomas was an obvious pick to move on from the Mountain West before his college career concluded, as the former top-40 recruit originally decided to stay in his hometown to play at UNLV. Now he is heading to the SEC, where he will orchestrate a considerably enhanced LSU lineup. — Borzello
Virginia Cavaliers | G | Sr.
Ryan Odom’s top VCU teams mirrored Tony Bennett’s best squads: tough on defense and methodical yet effective on offense. Thomas — a 6-4 guard recognized as an All-WCC selection — brings prolific scoring ability (19.9 PPG, 39% 3P%, 85% FT% at San Francisco) to the fold, possessing the potential to lead the Cavaliers during Odom’s inaugural season. — Medcalf
Alabama Crimson Tide | G | Jr.
The positive news for Nate Oats’ squad is that Holloway’s leadership in implementing one of the fastest and most efficient offenses in the nation last season did not weaken. The 6-1 guard (46% from three in SEC games) is ready to step up following the departure of All-American Mark Sears. Holloway may not match Sears, yet he is an experienced guard with the capability to effectively execute Oats’ system. — Medcalf
Michigan Wolverines | F | So.
How coach Dusty May employs his deep and talented frontcourt will determine whether this ranking is well-founded or misplaced for Johnson — one of Michigan’s three pivotal post additions, alongside Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara. Johnson performed well as a starter for Illinois last season, averaging 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds over eight games. Recently, May mentioned that Johnson is coming off a minor injury but is currently back to practice. — Borzello
Texas Tech Red Raiders | F | Jr.
Watts represents the quintessential versatile wing (13.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 42% 3P%) — as illustrated by his triple-double performance against Santa Clara last season — that coach Grant McCasland sought after losing many key players surrounding All-American JT Toppin, including postseason standout Darrion Williams. However, Watts should seamlessly integrate into the same Texas Tech scheme that propelled their Elite Eight run in 2025. — Medcalf
Illinois Fighting Illini | G | Sr.
Boswell commenced 35 games at Arizona in 2023-24 before transferring to Illinois, where he started 34 games. He exhibited exceptional performance towards the season’s end, scoring 12 or more points in the last eight games as well as delivering a 23-point, six-assist display in Illinois’ NCAA tournament defeat against Kentucky. As the team welcomes impactful newcomers, Boswell’s role may evolve, yet he promises to remain a reliable presence in coach Brad Underwood’s lineup. — Borzello
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Duke Blue Devils | G | Fr.
Cameron Boozer stands out as the centerpiece of Duke’s elite recruiting class, yet Khamenia — a five-star recruit ranked 15th in the SC Next Top 100 — holds significant value within that group. Coach Jon Scheyer has praised Khamenia for his strong leadership skills during training sessions. The agile player will play a key role in a youthful rotation that aspires to replicate last year’s deep tournament run following the Final Four appearance. — Medcalf
Baylor Bears | G | Fr.
Yessoufou is projected to be among the elite freshman scorers in college basketball this season. His offensive gameplay is marked by aggressiveness, using his physicality and speed to dominate defenders and finish strong at the rim. He has developed a competent mid-range shot and sharpened his outside game, proving difficult to defend as he speeds downhill. He has all the makings of a lottery selection. — Borzello
Auburn Tigers | F | Sr.
With Steven Pearl stepping into his initial season as the head coach of Auburn after his father’s unexpected retirement in September, he will lean heavily on Tahaad Pettiford — the only returning player from last season’s Final Four team — as well as Hall, a skilled 6-7 wing who transferred from UCF. The Big 12 boasted stars like Richie Saunders, JT Toppin, and Hunter Dickinson last season, but Hall led the league in scoring (18.8 PPG). He now has a chance to fill a significant offensive gap at Auburn. — Medcalf
1:32
Auburn’s Pearl discusses Hall’s versatility
Steven Pearl highlights the uniqueness of transfer forward Keyshawn Hall, noting his versatility and compares him to past standout players at that position.
Creighton Bluejays | F | So.
McAndrew showcases the potential of a breakout player in his second year under coach Greg McDermott. The 6-10 wing took 195 three-point attempts and only 48 two-point attempts as a freshman, converting 35.4% of his shots from long range. He ended his season on a strong note, attaining double digits in his last three games against St. John’s (14), Louisville (11), and Auburn (12). — Borzello
Ohio State Buckeyes | G | So.
In Jake Diebler’s first complete season as head coach, his team did not qualify for the NCAA tournament, yet there were glimmers of hope — including a top-30 rating in adjusted offensive efficiency via EvanMiya.com, as well as a top-45 percentage in regards to three-point shooting. Mobley’s shooting performance overall (13.0 PPG, 39% 3P%) was instrumental in that effectiveness. He’s set to have a more substantial impact in his sophomore year. — Medcalf
Florida Gators | G | Sr.
Lee is a critical addition for a Florida team that lost its elite backcourt after winning the championship. The former two-time All-Ivy League point guard from Princeton will share ball-handling responsibilities with Boogie Fland as the Gators aim for a historic repeat. Lee’s playmaking (5.5 APG) will be crucial in achieving that goal. — Medcalf
Louisville Cardinals | G | Sr.
Among three elite shooters and scorers acquired from the transfer portal by coach Pat Kelsey, McKneely maintained over 42% from three in previous two seasons while averaging 12.3 points his sophomore year and 14.4 as a junior. He comes into Louisville already prepared for ACC-level competition after playing at Virginia. — Borzello
St. John’s Red Storm | F | Sr.
Regardless of whether Mitchell plays as a starter or comes off the bench, his input will significantly boost the Red Storm’s efforts. He can adapt to multiple roles and is expected to flourish in Rick Pitino’s defensive frameworks. His talent for crashing the boards and finishing effectively at the rim is an ideal match for the team’s strategy. — Borzello
UCLA Bruins | F | Sr.
After a compelling discourse from Mick Cronin about the team’s lack of grit during a four-game skid last season, the Bruins responded by winning 12 of their next 17 match-ups. During this period, Bilodeau registered double figures in 12 contests. The 6-9 forward is a distinctive threat (42% from beyond the arc during conference play) who could help Cronin’s squad strive for the Big Ten title. — Medcalf
Creighton Bluejays | G | Sr.
Joining one of the premiere three-point shooting teams in the country bodes well for him. Dix shot better than 42% from three in both of the previous years at Iowa, averaging 14.4 points last time around. — Borzello
LSU Tigers | G | Jr.
Thomas was a surefire selection to transition from the Mountain West before concluding his college career, as the former top-40 recruit initially chose to play at UNLV close to home. Now he transitions to the SEC, where he will be the orchestrator for a significantly enhanced LSU crew. — Borzello
Virginia Cavaliers | G | Sr.
Ryan Odom’s premier VCU teams shared traits with Tony Bennett’s top teams: solid defense combined with methodical yet polished offensive play. Thomas — a 6-4 guard acclaimed for his All-WCC selection — brings significant scoring (19.9 PPG, 39% 3P%, 85% FT% at San Francisco) to the mix, with the ability to guide the Cavaliers during Odom’s first year as head coach. — Medcalf
Alabama Crimson Tide | G | Jr.
The pleasant news for Nate Oats’ unit is that Holloway’s management of the swift and fourth-most efficient offense in the nation last year did not hamper performance. The 6-1 guard (46% from three during SEC games) is prepared to step forward following the exit of All-American Mark Sears. Although Holloway may not be Sears, he is a seasoned player capable of executing Oats’ strategies effectively. — Medcalf
Michigan Wolverines | F | So.
How coach Dusty May leverages his extensive and talented frontcourt will greatly influence whether this ranking proves accurate or misplaced for Johnson — one of Michigan’s three major post acquisitions, alongside Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara. Johnson was effective as a starter for Illinois last season, averaging 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds. May recently stated that Johnson is returning from a minor injury but is back in training. — Borzello
Texas Tech Red Raiders | F | Jr.
Watts is the quintessential versatile wing (13.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 42% 3P%) — demonstrated by his triple-double against Santa Clara last season — that coach Grant McCasland yearned for after losing the core of a talented supporting cast surrounding All-American JT Toppin, including postseason standout Darrion Williams. Yet, Watts should seamlessly fit into the same Texas Tech framework that fueled their Elite Eight adventure in 2025. — Medcalf
Illinois Fighting Illini | G | Sr.
Boswell began with 35 starts at Arizona during the 2023-24 season before transferring to Illinois, where he made another 34 starts. His performance at the end of the last season was dazzling, as he scored 12 or more points in each of the final eight games, highlighted by a 23-point, six-assist performance in Illinois’ NCAA tournament loss to Kentucky. Despite several impactful newcomers joining, Boswell’s consistency remains crucial in coach Brad Underwood’s tactic. — Borzello
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