The 2026-27 men's college basketball season features an unusual combination of elite freshmen, established college stars, high-profile transfers and experienced players seeking another year of eligibility. With NIL deals reshaping roster construction and ongoing legal disputes affecting who can play, evaluating the nation's best players has become more complicated than ever.
Freshmen such as Kansas forward Tyran Stokes and Arkansas guard Jordan Smith Jr. headline an exciting incoming class. Meanwhile, returning standouts Jeremy Fears Jr., Thomas Haugh and Milan Momcilovic bring proven production and experience to their programs.
Several veterans, including Seth Trimble, Mark Mitchell Jr., Robbie Avila and Tamin Lipsey, also face questions about whether they can secure additional college eligibility. Their status could significantly influence the national picture.
These rankings evaluate the talent and expected impact of the players entering the 2026-27 campaign, accounting for past production, potential development, team responsibilities and eligibility uncertainty. The list reflects the information and projections available in the supplied preseason rankings.
Players ranked 100-91
100. Miles Sadler — Point Guard, West Virginia
Sadler arrives as a five-star freshman whose stock rose considerably late in high school. His explosive ball handling, ability to penetrate and playmaking instincts were evident during Bella Vista Prep's run to the Chipotle Nationals title and a 29-point, seven-assist performance at the Nike Hoop Summit.
99. Johann Grunloh — Center, Virginia
The 7-foot German center became a defensive force during his first season at Virginia, starting all 36 games. He ranked among the nation's leading shot blockers while shooting 62% on two-point attempts and 35% from three. With a larger role available, his production could climb.
98. Trent Perry — Guard, UCLA
Perry averaged 12.6 points and connected on 42% of his three-pointers in Big Ten play. Among UCLA's returning starters, his efficiency stood out, making the 6-foot-4 guard an important stabilizing presence for Mick Cronin's team.
97. Cameron Williams — Forward, Duke
A top-five recruit in the 2026 class, Williams combines 6-foot-11 size with perimeter shooting and defensive versatility. Duke's frontcourt depth could limit his immediate opportunities, but his physical tools and offensive skill set give him considerable long-term potential.
96. Jacob Cofie — Forward, USC
Cofie averaged 9.9 points and 6.8 rebounds last season and offers USC valuable experience amid a young, talented roster. His interior defense is another strength, with opponents shooting just 38.2% around the rim against him, according to Synergy Sports data.
95. Denzel Aberdeen — Guard, Florida
Aberdeen returns to Florida after a productive season at Kentucky, where he averaged career highs of 13.5 points and 3.4 assists while shooting 36.3% from three. If he secures a fifth year of eligibility, he could become a key starter for the Gators.
94. Kayden Mingo — Guard, Baylor
Mingo moves to Baylor after averaging 13.7 points and 4.3 assists at Penn State. His 2.1 steals per game ranked among the nation's top 25, and he will bring defensive intensity and playmaking to a Bears team looking to improve at that end of the floor.
93. Pharrel Payne — Forward, Maryland
A medical redshirt could give Payne another opportunity after an abbreviated season. Before being sidelined, the 6-foot-9 forward averaged 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds across 10 games, including a 30-point, 10-rebound performance against Wagner.
92. Zoom Diallo — Guard, Kentucky
Diallo averaged 15.7 points and 4.5 assists before transferring to Kentucky. His next step depends partly on improving his three-point shooting, which stood at 30%. Greater perimeter efficiency could make him a dangerous scorer in the SEC.
91. Tyler Perkins — Guard, Villanova
Perkins contributed 13.7 points per game while shooting 37% from three. He also protected the ball exceptionally well, recording turnovers on only 7.5% of his possessions. His efficient decision-making will be important as Villanova looks to remain an NCAA tournament team.
Players ranked 90-81
90. Tre White — Guard, Kansas
White averaged career bests of 13.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists last season while shooting 40.3% from three. Having played for several programs, he is now seeking a potential fifth season that could give Kansas another experienced two-way contributor.
89. Anthony Thompson — Forward, Ohio State
Thompson brings exceptional size to the wing at 6-foot-9, with a 7-foot-4 wingspan. His ability to score from different areas of the floor, shoot from distance and attack in transition could make him one of Ohio State's leading offensive options.
88. Donovan Atwell — Guard, Texas Tech
Atwell is seeking another season of eligibility and would provide Texas Tech with a proven perimeter threat if cleared to play. He has converted nearly 46% of his three-point attempts on more than eight tries per game and has developed into a capable defender.
87. Killyan Toure — Guard, Iowa State
Toure averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists as a freshman before undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Iowa State expects him back in January, making his recovery and development important factors for the Cyclones during Big 12 play.
86. Melvin Council Jr. — Guard, Kansas
Council stepped into a larger role last season, producing 12.7 points, five rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. His 36-point performance against NC State showcased his scoring ceiling. A potential fifth season would give Kansas another experienced playmaker.
85. MJ Collins Jr. — Guard, Cincinnati
Collins averaged 17.5 points at Utah State and earned second-team All-Mountain West recognition. His eligibility remains uncertain amid a legal dispute involving Ohio's fifth-year eligibility policy, but he could become an important building block for Cincinnati if permitted to play.
84. Somto Cyril — Center, Miami
Cyril arrives from Georgia after averaging 9.3 points and 2.2 blocks in just over 21 minutes per game. His shot-blocking ability and offensive rebounding address important needs for Miami, which is looking to strengthen its defense around the basket.
83. Andrej Stojakovic — Guard, Illinois
Stojakovic averaged 13.5 points and excelled at attacking the rim rather than relying primarily on outside shooting. He converted more than 68% of his attempts around the basket and shot 58% overall on two-pointers, helping Illinois reach the Final Four.
82. Blue Cain — Guard, Georgia
Cain's efficiency inside the arc is a major strength. He made 61% of his two-point attempts last season and ranked among the country's best free-throw shooters. With Georgia losing an important scoring option, Cain could receive a larger offensive workload.
81. Terrence Hill Jr. — Guard, Tennessee
Hill arrives at Tennessee after starring for VCU in the NCAA tournament. He scored 34 points against North Carolina in the opening round and added 17 against Illinois in the next game. His offensive ability gives Tennessee an intriguing new scoring option.
Players ranked 80-71
80. John Mobley Jr. — Guard, Ohio State
Mobley averaged 15.7 points last season while making 41.1% of his three-pointers. With Bruce Thornton Jr. gone, more scoring opportunities are available in Columbus. Mobley's ability to reproduce his high-scoring stretches could determine how much his production rises.
79. Mackenzie Mgbako — Forward, Texas A&M
Mgbako's 6-foot-9 frame and ability to score at all three levels make him a difficult matchup. Foot injuries restricted his previous season to seven games, leaving his health a key consideration as he seeks a fresh start at Texas A&M.
78. Dame Sarr — Forward, Duke
Sarr returned to Duke to continue developing after averaging 6.4 points as a freshman. The 6-foot-8 wing could take on a larger role as the Blue Devils seek more balanced scoring. His 19-point preseason performance against Belmont offered an encouraging glimpse of his potential.
77. KJ Lewis — Guard, USC
Lewis averaged 14.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists while recording 2.1 steals per game. After playing at Arizona and Georgetown, he brings valuable experience to USC and could help keep the Trojans' talented young roster organized.
76. Neo Avdalas — Guard, North Carolina
Avdalas flashed considerable potential with performances of 33 points against Providence and 30 against Western Carolina. His overall scoring consistency remains a work in progress, but his 6-foot-9 frame and advanced ball skills make him an intriguing player for North Carolina.
75. Malachi Moreno — Center, Kentucky
Moreno averaged 7.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last season. The 7-foot-1 center has worked to improve his conditioning and strength, and his development could be crucial to Kentucky's frontcourt as he builds toward a possible first-round NBA selection.
74. Miles Byrd — Guard, Providence
Byrd is a versatile 6-foot-6 defender who has led the Mountain West in steal percentage in each of the past two seasons. He also ranked third in block percentage at San Diego State last season. Improving on his 30% three-point shooting would raise his ceiling considerably.
73. Boogie Fland — Guard, Florida
Fland averaged 11.6 points, 3.5 assists and 1.7 steals after transferring from Arkansas to Florida. His defensive activity and playmaking helped the Gators secure a top seed in the NCAA tournament, and a potential partnership with Aberdeen could create a dangerous backcourt.
72. Na'jai Hines — Center, UConn
Hines averaged 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in limited playing time last season. His shot-blocking rate ranked second nationally, while his offensive rebounding was also outstanding. UConn coach Dan Hurley expects him to take on a central role inside.
71. Billy Richmond III — Guard, Arkansas
Richmond averaged 11.2 points and 4.3 rebounds as his role expanded last season. He combined strong defense with transition scoring and averaged 13.4 points across 19 starts. His two-way ability should help him compete for minutes against Arkansas' incoming talent.
Players ranked 70-61
70. Nolan Winter — Forward, Wisconsin
Winter averaged 13.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, establishing himself as one of the Big Ten's most valuable returning frontcourt players. His finishing around the basket, where he converted 75% of his attempts, should help Wisconsin replace lost production.
69. Markus Burton — Guard, Indiana
Burton has struggled to stay healthy over the past two seasons, but his scoring ability is undeniable. He averaged 18.5 points in 10 games last season and 21.3 points across 26 games the year before. Indiana will hope a healthier Burton can direct its offense effectively.
68. Marcus Spears Jr. — Forward, Texas
Spears made headlines by reclassifying from the 2027 recruiting class to join the 2026 group. The 6-foot-10 forward has a versatile offensive game and considerable defensive potential. His arrival could strengthen Texas' national championship ambitions.
67. Nikola Kusturica — Forward, UCLA
Kusturica arrives from FC Barcelona with international experience and a growing reputation. The 17-year-old Serbian scored 37 points in the gold-medal game of the FIBA U17 World Cup against the United States, demonstrating the offensive skill that has generated excitement around his UCLA future.
66. Tahaad Pettiford — Guard, Auburn
Pettiford averaged 15.4 points for Auburn and remained with the program through its coaching transition. He finished the NIT championship game with 24 points and eight assists, providing evidence of his ability to take charge offensively when the stakes are high.
65. Donovan Dent — Guard, LSU
Dent is seeking another season of eligibility after finishing fourth nationally with 7.6 assists per game last season. He previously averaged 20.4 points and 6.4 assists in a season at New Mexico. If cleared, he could become the engine of Will Wade's LSU offense.
64. Coen Carr — Forward, Michigan State
Carr averaged 12 points and 5.4 rebounds while becoming one of college basketball's most spectacular dunkers. With Jeremy Fears Jr. supplying the playmaking, Carr has opportunities to turn his athletic highlights into a more complete offensive contribution.
63. Quinn Ellis — Guard, St. John's
Ellis arrives after winning multiple trophies during two seasons of professional basketball in Italy, including MVP awards at the Italian Cup and Supercup in 2025. The 6-foot-5 guard has been cleared to play and is expected to strengthen Rick Pitino's backcourt.
62. Aiden Sherrell — Forward, Indiana
Sherrell averaged 11.1 points and 2.2 blocks at Alabama. His interior defense was especially effective: opponents made only 20 of 50 attempts around the rim against him, according to Synergy Sports. He should immediately improve Indiana's protection of the basket.
61. Isaiah Johnson — Guard, Texas
Johnson averaged 16.9 points and three assists during his freshman season at Colorado. Once an under-the-radar recruit, he quickly emerged as a dynamic point guard. He now joins a talented Texas roster where his playmaking could be central to the team's offense.
Players ranked 60-51
60. Dedan Thomas Jr. — Guard, Houston
Thomas averaged 15.3 points and 6.5 assists at LSU before transferring to Houston. Coach Kelvin Sampson has praised his ability to manage a game and understand offensive situations. His decision-making will be important as Houston looks to maintain its national standing.
59. Xavier Edmonds — Forward, TCU
Edmonds averaged 12.7 points and 6.5 rebounds, but his late-season surge was even more impressive. Across a 12-game stretch, he produced 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game, recording 10 double-doubles. His offensive rebounding and ability to draw fouls are major strengths.
58. Bruce Branch III — Forward, BYU
Branch is a five-star freshman with the potential to become another NBA first-round selection for BYU. The 6-foot-7 forward can score inside and outside, giving coach Kevin Young another versatile offensive option as the Cougars continue attracting elite talent.
57. Jaxon Kohler — Forward, BYU
Kohler averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds last season while expanding his perimeter shooting. He attempted 149 three-pointers after taking only 56 across his first three college seasons combined. A fifth year of eligibility would give BYU an experienced frontcourt scorer.
56. Rodney Rice — Guard, USC
Rice averaged 20.3 points and six assists through his first six games last season after returning to USC, while shooting 39% from three. A shoulder injury ended his campaign prematurely, but his recovery gives the Trojans hope of regaining a high-level offensive playmaker.
55. Jackson Shelstad — Guard, Louisville
Shelstad averaged 15.6 points and 4.9 assists in 12 games before a hand injury disrupted his season. Now at Louisville, the former Oregon guard will have an opportunity to run a faster offense and demonstrate the scoring and distribution skills he showed when healthy.
54. Seth Trimble — Guard, Louisville
Trimble averaged 14 points per game at North Carolina before transferring to Louisville in pursuit of another season. His experience and scoring could be significant for a Cardinals team with major ambitions, but his place in the rankings depends on the outcome of the eligibility dispute.
53. Tomislav Ivisic — Center, Illinois
The 7-foot-1 Croatian center averaged 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 73% on two-point attempts. He also stretches defenses with his perimeter shooting. His scoring climbed to 12.8 points per game during the NCAA tournament, highlighting his ability to perform on a major stage.
52. Paulius Murauskas — Forward, Arizona State
Murauskas averaged 18.4 points last season and earned first-team All-West Coast Conference honors. Following coach Randy Bennett from Saint Mary's to Arizona State, the 6-foot-8 forward brings proven scoring ability and experience against high-level competition.
51. Mason Falslev — Guard, Utah State
Falslev stayed with Utah State after coach Jerrod Calhoun left for Cincinnati, giving new coach Ben Jacobson an important returning star. He averaged 16 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists while shooting 39% from three and earning all-defensive recognition.
Players ranked 50-41
50. Shelton Henderson — Forward, Miami
Henderson averaged 13.8 points and 4.9 rebounds as a freshman. His continued development could put him in contention for All-ACC honors, especially as coach Jai Lucas builds around a roster shaped by Miami's significant turnaround.
49. Chance Mallory — Guard, Virginia
Mallory averaged 9.3 points, 3.4 assists and 1.6 steals despite playing only 24 minutes per game as a freshman. He ranked among the ACC's best in assist rate and steal rate, making him a promising candidate to lead Virginia's backcourt.
48. Quentin Coleman — Guard, Illinois
Coleman developed into a top-25 recruit late in high school and chose Illinois after initially committing to Wake Forest. The 6-foot-4 guard has considerable scoring potential, although finding a consistent role on a deep roster will be an important early challenge.
47. Stefan Vaaks — Guard, Illinois
Vaaks averaged 15.8 points at Providence and earned Big East All-Freshman recognition. His 6-foot-7 frame fits well with Illinois' size and versatility, and his perimeter scoring gives the team another option after its run to the national semifinals.
46. David Punch — Forward, Texas
Punch averaged 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds while establishing himself as a disruptive defender. His combined 3.2 blocks and steals per game illustrated his activity on that end, while consecutive strong Big 12 tournament performances demonstrated his scoring potential.
45. Moustapha Thiam — Center, Michigan
Thiam averaged 12.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks at Cincinnati before transferring to Michigan. With several key members of the Wolverines' championship frontcourt departing, Thiam will be expected to provide interior scoring, rebounding and rim protection.
44. Acaden Lewis — Guard, Miami
Lewis averaged 12.2 points at Villanova and ranked among the Big East's best in both assist rate and steal rate. He also scored at least 20 points five times in conference play. His combination of playmaking and defensive pressure could fit well in Miami's system.
43. Darrion Williams — Forward, Texas Tech
Williams averaged 14 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting 40% from three last season at NC State. He is seeking another season at Texas Tech after a less productive campaign affected by injuries. If eligible, his familiarity with the program would be valuable.
42. Robbie Avila — Center, Saint Louis
Avila is pursuing a legal route to a fifth season after averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists. His 41% three-point shooting and passing ability make him a distinctive offensive center. His availability could substantially influence Saint Louis' ceiling.
41. Massamba Diop — Center, Gonzaga
Diop averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks at Arizona State. The 7-foot-1 center also limited opponents around the rim, according to Synergy Sports data. His defensive presence should give Gonzaga an important interior anchor.
Players ranked 40-31
40. Amari Allen — Guard, Alabama
Allen averaged 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in his first college season. With several important Alabama players departing, the sophomore should have more opportunities to expand his offensive role and strengthen his NBA draft prospects.
39. Joseph Tugler — Forward, Houston
Tugler's statistics do not tell the whole story. He averaged 8.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals while helping Houston build one of the country's strongest defenses. His 97 victories across three seasons underline his contribution to a winning program.
38. Tounde Yessoufou — Guard, St. John's
Yessoufou averaged 17.8 points and two steals before withdrawing from the NBA draft and joining St. John's. He brings an established scoring record to Rick Pitino's roster and has the opportunity to develop further while competing at a high level.
37. Juke Harris — Guard, Tennessee
Harris emerged as one of the country's most productive scorers after increasing his average from 6.1 points as a freshman to 21.4 last season at Wake Forest. His transfer to Tennessee gives the Volunteers a proven offensive weapon for their SEC campaign.
36. Trey McKenney — Guard, Michigan
McKenney averaged 9.9 points while shooting 39% from three for Michigan's championship team. His production rose during the NCAA tournament, when he averaged 12 points and shot 48% from deep. With roster changes and an injury affecting Michigan's wing depth, his role becomes more important.
35. Trey Kaufman-Renn — Forward, Kansas
Kaufman-Renn averaged 20.1 points and 6.5 rebounds in 2024-25 before recording 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds last season. If he obtains another year of eligibility, the experienced forward could give Kansas a major boost alongside fellow eligibility candidates Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White.
34. Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje — Center, Duke
The 7-foot center generated preseason excitement after committing to Duke in late April. He scored 19 points, grabbed seven rebounds and recorded two blocks and two steals against Belmont in an exhibition. At just 17, he also has a longer development runway before NBA draft eligibility.
33. Thijs De Ridder — Forward, Virginia
De Ridder averaged 15.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in his first college season, reaching 20 points in four of his first five games. The Belgian forward finished the NCAA tournament with 22 points and four three-pointers, suggesting his perimeter game could become an even bigger weapon.
32. Jason Crowe Jr. — Guard, Missouri
Crowe arrives as a five-star point guard with projected lottery-pick potential. His shot creation and ability to control the offense could help Missouri become a stronger SEC contender, provided he adjusts quickly to the demands of college basketball.
31. Matas Vokietaitis — Center, Texas
Vokietaitis averaged 15.6 points and 7.1 rebounds after moving from Florida Atlantic to Texas, shooting nearly 62% from the field. His production increased with a larger role, including a 23-point, 16-rebound performance against BYU in the NCAA tournament.
Players ranked 30-21
30. Aden Holloway — Guard, Alabama
Holloway averaged 16.8 points and shot 44% from three before missing the NCAA tournament following an arrest and a first-degree felony drug charge. After completing the conditions of a program offering a fresh start, he returns as a significant offensive option for Alabama.
29. Keyshawn Hall — Forward, St. John's
Hall averaged 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds at Auburn while shooting a career-best 37.9% from three. He is seeking to play for a fifth school in five years, with eligibility still a factor. If cleared, he would bring considerable scoring experience to St. John's.
28. Patrick Ngongba II — Center, Duke
Ngongba averaged 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, two assists and 1.1 blocks in just 21.9 minutes per game. His efficiency metrics ranked among the country's best, and an expanded role should give the 6-foot-11 center more opportunities to influence games.
27. Josh Hubbard — Guard, Mississippi State
Hubbard averaged 22.1 points and 3.6 assists, ranking 10th nationally in scoring. He produced two 40-point games, including a 46-point performance against Auburn featuring 10 three-pointers. His shooting volume and ability to erupt offensively make him one of the SEC's most dangerous guards.
26. PJ Haggerty — Guard, Texas A&M
Haggerty averaged 23.4 points at Kansas State last season despite the team's struggles. It marked his second consecutive season finishing among the nation's top five scorers. His move to Texas A&M offers another opportunity to turn elite individual production into team success.
25. Nigel James Jr. — Guard, Marquette
James averaged 16.4 points and 4.9 assists as a freshman, with those numbers rising to 19.2 points and 5.6 assists in Big East play. He also shot 37.1% from three in conference games. Marquette's fortunes could depend heavily on his continued development.
24. Ivan Kharchenkov — Forward, Arizona
Kharchenkov quickly became a reliable two-way player through his physical defense and willingness to do the less glamorous work. He is among the Big 12's top defensive talents and showed signs of a larger scoring role by reaching double figures repeatedly during the NCAA tournament.
23. Elliot Cadeau — Guard, Michigan
Cadeau was named NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player after helping Michigan capture the national title. His return is a major boost for the Wolverines: he recorded 45 assists against only 14 turnovers across six tournament games, demonstrating his ability to direct an offense under pressure.
22. Malik Reneau — Forward, Miami
Reneau averaged 18.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his first season at Miami, earning first-team All-ACC honors. He also expanded his perimeter game, taking 75 three-point attempts. If eligible, he could be among the conference's leading players.
21. Mark Mitchell Jr. — Guard, Missouri
Mitchell averaged 18.3 points and shot 39% from three last season. He is seeking an additional season after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA draft. A temporary court injunction has allowed him to play under the described ruling, although the NCAA could challenge that decision.
Players ranked 20-11
20. Pryce Sandfort — Forward, Nebraska
Sandfort made a major leap after transferring from Iowa, averaging 18.1 points and earning All-Big Ten recognition. One of the country's most dangerous perimeter shooters, he converted nearly 42% of his three-point attempts on substantial volume, including seven games with at least six made threes.
19. Braden Huff — Forward, Gonzaga
Huff averaged 17.8 points and 5.6 rebounds before a left knee injury interrupted his breakout junior season in January. He was shooting better than 66% from the field, making his potential return a major factor in Gonzaga's offensive outlook.
18. Milan Momcilovic — Forward, Kentucky
Momcilovic returns after an exceptional shooting season at Iowa State, making 136 of 279 three-point attempts for a 49% success rate. Kentucky's investment in his services reflects expectations that his perimeter accuracy can become a defining feature of the Wildcats' offense.
17. Robert Wright III — Guard, BYU
Wright's decision to return to BYU after entering the transfer portal strengthened the Cougars' backcourt. He averaged 18.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting 41% from three. His ability to produce explosive scoring performances makes him a central piece of the team's plans.
16. Silas Demary Jr. — Guard, UConn
Demary averaged 10.1 points and 5.9 assists while shooting 39% from three after transferring from Georgia. He quickly adapted to UConn, recording 21 points and seven assists against BYU in one early performance. His selection as preseason Big East Player of the Year reflects the expectations surrounding him.
15. Rueben Chinyelu — Center, Florida
Chinyelu averaged 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds while leading the nation in rebound percentage. His strength on both the offensive and defensive glass makes him a critical part of Florida's frontcourt, particularly as the Gators look to maintain their position among the country's leading teams.
14. Caleb Holt — Guard, Arizona
Holt enters college as a physically advanced five-star wing with outstanding athleticism and work habits. The 6-foot-5 freshman is already being discussed as a potential candidate for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA draft, which would place him among the most celebrated prospects in Arizona history.
13. Jordan Smith Jr. — Guard, Arkansas
Smith was regarded as the leading guard in the 2026 high school class and has already established a reputation as a winner with USA Basketball. His aggressive drives, playmaking and defensive ability make him one of the most anticipated freshmen entering the college game.
12. Tamin Lipsey — Guard, Iowa State
Lipsey averaged 13.5 points and 5.1 assists last season while earning further recognition for his defense in the Big 12. He is seeking another year of eligibility, and approval would give Iowa State an experienced floor leader capable of helping the Cyclones compete nationally.
11. Flory Bidunga — Forward, Louisville
Bidunga arrives from Kansas after establishing himself as one of the sport's leading interior defenders. He recorded 13 double-doubles last season and delivered 23 points and 10 rebounds against Arizona. His shot-blocking and rebounding give Louisville a formidable presence near the basket.
The top 10 players in men's college basketball
10. Braylon Mullins — Guard, UConn
Mullins became a household name after hitting a dramatic buzzer-beater against Duke in the Elite Eight. The 6-foot-6 guard was projected as a lottery pick but returned to UConn, giving the Huskies a major boost as they pursue another national championship.
9. Alex Condon — Forward, Florida
Condon returned for his fourth season after averaging 15.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He shot nearly 56% from the field and finished the season strongly, reaching 20 points six times in his final 10 games. His all-around production makes him one of Florida's most important players.
8. John Blackwell — Guard, Duke
Blackwell averaged 19.1 points and shot 39% from three at Wisconsin before moving to Duke. Although he cannot replace every aspect of Cameron Boozer's production, his scoring and experience give the Blue Devils a proven option when they need someone to take over offensively.
7. JT Toppin — Forward, Texas Tech
Toppin was averaging 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds when he suffered a torn ACL in February. He became the first Big 12 player since Blake Griffin to average more than 20 points and 10 rebounds in a season. His ranking reflects his ability when healthy, although his return date remains uncertain.
6. David Mirkovic — Forward, Illinois
Mirkovic averaged 13.3 points and eight rebounds while shooting 38% from three for Illinois' Final Four team. Offseason foot surgery initially threatened his availability, but coach Brad Underwood has indicated he could return sooner than first anticipated. His health could shape Illinois' championship hopes.
5. Motiejus Krivas — Center, Arizona
Krivas returned to Arizona after potentially being a first-round NBA draft selection. The Lithuanian center averaged 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks while shooting 57% from the field. His rim protection is already elite, and further offensive growth could make him even more valuable.
4. Tyran Stokes — Forward, Kansas
Stokes is one of the most anticipated freshmen in the country and a potential future No. 1 NBA draft pick. The 6-foot-8 forward combines powerful athleticism with smooth ball skills, passing ability and leadership. His performance in the McDonald's All American Game offered a glimpse of his ability to dominate high-level competition.
3. Tyler Tanner — Guard, Vanderbilt
Tanner developed into one of the nation's best point guards after not starting a game as a freshman. He averaged 19.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists while shooting nearly 37% from three, earning first-team All-SEC honors. His late-season scoring surge also carried into the NCAA tournament.
2. Thomas Haugh — Forward, Florida
Haugh turned himself into a potential national player of the year candidate after averaging 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds last season. He earned first-team All-SEC honors and produced major performances against Arizona and Duke. Returning instead of pursuing the NBA gives Florida an experienced star with room to improve further.
1. Jeremy Fears Jr. — Guard, Michigan State
Fears tops the preseason rankings after an outstanding season as Michigan State's lead playmaker. He averaged a nation-best 9.4 assists per game and earned second-team AP All-America honors, establishing himself as one of college basketball's most effective floor generals.
His assist production invites comparisons with elite point guards from earlier eras, although his own career will be judged by what he achieves going forward. If Fears continues to control the offense, create opportunities for teammates and deliver in important moments, Michigan State could be positioned for a major season.
What Could Change These Rankings?
Eligibility decisions remain one of the biggest variables entering the 2026-27 campaign. Several players included here are pursuing a fifth college season under legal challenges to NCAA eligibility rules. Their status could change roster depth, team expectations and individual award races.
Health is another significant consideration. Players such as JT Toppin, David Mirkovic, Rodney Rice and Markus Burton have dealt with injuries that could affect their availability or early-season performance.
The transfer portal and NIL market have also reshaped the sport. Established players are moving into new systems, while freshmen are arriving with expectations once reserved for future NBA stars. The ability to adjust quickly may prove just as important as a player's previous statistics.
For now, Jeremy Fears Jr. leads a diverse group of returning stars, transfers and freshmen. But with so many moving parts, the rankings are a preseason snapshot rather than a final verdict. The season itself will determine which players turn potential into sustained production.
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