We've never had a top-100 list like this. Ever.
This year's ranking of the 100 best players entering the 2026-27 men's college basketball season includes a mix of top-tier freshmen, the best returners in America, rising stars who could break out and multiple players who could have their seasons blocked by a judge.
You can't tell the story of this season without mentioning Tyran Stokes, Jordan Smith Jr. and a loaded freshman class. You also can't paint the full picture of the season ahead without discussing Jeremy Fears Jr., Thomas Haugh, Milan Momcilovic and others who collected significant NIL fees to return to college basketball. And you can't discuss this year's campaign without a conversation about Seth Trimble, Mark Mitchell, Robbie Avila, Tamin Lipsey and the other players fighting for a fifth season of college basketball.
Yes, we've taken the stance that the players who graduated high school in 2022 and were excluded by the NCAA's new five-in-five rules, are still eligible -- despite the legal uncertainties. If there are developments that say otherwise, we'll make adjustments.
At its heart, this remains our attempt to assess the current talent pool in a weird preseason for college basketball. Please don't sue the messenger.
100. Miles Sadler, PG, West Virginia
The incoming five-star, 6-foot point guard was a consistent riser over the latter part of his high school career, including a dominant run during Bella Vista Prep's run to the Chipotle Nationals championship and a 29-point, 7-assist performance for the World team at the Nike Hoop Summit in April. He is incredibly quick with the ball in his hands, and is adept at getting into the lane and creating for himself or teammates. -- Borzello
99. Johann Grunloh, C, Virginia
Grunloh, a 7-footer from Germany, started all 36 games for Virginia in his first college season in 2025-26, quickly establishing himself as one of the elite rim protectors in the sport. He ranked in the top 10 nationally in block rate and in the top 75 in offensive rebounding rate, while shooting 62% inside the arc and 35% from 3. No longer splitting time with Ugonna Onyenso, Grunloh's counting stats should take a jump. -- Borzello
98. Trent Perry, G, UCLA
Trent Perry is not the best player on Mick Cronin's roster, but he's arguably the most important. Among the Bruins' three returning starters -- Perry, Eric Dailey Jr. and Xavier Booker -- the 6-4 guard had the highest ratings last season on Evan Miya's overall efficiency metric. He averaged 12.6 points and made 42% of his 3-point attempts in Big Ten action. He's the steadying presence of this group. -- Medcalf
97. Cameron Williams, F, Duke
Williams was a top-five recruit in the 2026 class and is one of the best long-term prospects entering college this season. With 6-11 size and high-level shooting ability, he will create mismatches for opponents -- and is also a versatile enough defender at the other end. He might not make a huge impact in Year 1, given the presence of Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje and Belmont transfer Drew Scharnowski, but he has the tools to be an NBA player in a short amount of time. -- Borzello
96. Jacob Cofie, F, USC
Eric Musselman has an intriguing group this season, a collection of young (potential) stars in Alijah Arenas (returning from injury) and top-35 freshmen Christian Collins, Darius Ratliff and Adonis Ratliff. That makes Cofie, who averaged 9.9 points and 6.8 rebounds last season, an effective veteran presence. He allowed only a 38.2% clip around the rim against opposing players, per Synergy Sports data. -- Medcalf
95. Denzel Aberdeen, G, Florida
Aberdeen is back where he started his college career, where he was the first guard off the bench during the Gators' 2025 championship season. He spent 2025-26 at Kentucky, breaking out by averaging 13.5 points and 3.4 assists and shooting 36.3% from 3 -- all career highs. He's fighting for a fifth year of eligibility, and if he gets it, he'll be the starting shooting guard on the preseason No. 1 team. -- Borzello
94. Kayden Mingo, G, Baylor
There weren't a lot of highs for Penn State during its 12-win 2025-26 campaign -- except for Mingo, the 6-3 guard. Now at Baylor, he'll be the on-floor leader next to his brother, five-star recruit Dylan Mingo. Kayden (13.7 PPG, 4.3 APG) was top 25 in steals per game (2.1) last season, and he will now help a Bears defense that is hoping to improve on a sub-100 mark in efficiency on that end of the floor. -- Medcalf
93. Pharrel Payne, F, Maryland
Payne received a medical redshirt 10 games into last season. During those 10 games, however, the 6-9 senior forward showed he's capable of being one of the better bigs in the Big Ten. He averaged 17.5 points and 7.2 rebounds, including a 30-point, 10-rebound effort against Wagner. -- Borzello
92. Zoom Diallo, G, Kentucky
At SEC media day, Diallo went viral after claiming he's a "lambatarian," as in someone who eats only lamb. He also said he transferred to Kentucky because he wants to experience winning, following a 16-win season. If Diallo (15.7 PPG, 4.5 APG) can improve on subpar perimeter shooting (30%), he might be a breakout star in the powerhouse conference. -- Medcalf
91. Tyler Perkins, G, Villanova
Perkins was ranked 10th in the Big East in Evan Miya's offensive efficiency metric last season -- multiple spots ahead of the likes of UConn's Braylon Mullins and Marquette's Nigel James Jr. The 6-4 guard Perkins, who averaged 13.7 points and connected on 37% of his 3-point attempts, committed turnovers on just 7.5% of his possessions last season -- a top-50 mark. He's a key player for a team that ended a four-year NCAA tournament drought and is looking to return to the Dance. -- Medcalf
90. Tre White, G, Kansas
White is fighting for a fifth year of eligibility. If granted, it will be the first time in his college career that he has spent back-to-back seasons at the same school. He previously played at USC, Louisville and Illinois before ending up at Kansas last season. He was a key player for the Jayhawks, averaging career highs in points (13.5), rebounds (6.7) and assists (1.8) and shooting a career-best 40.3% from 3. -- Borzello
89. Anthony Thompson, F, Ohio State
Thompson is one of the best scorers entering college basketball this season, possessing elite size for the wing: 6-9 with a 7-4 wingspan. He can score at all three levels, plays in transition and can shoot it consistently from behind the arc. The left-handed Thompson could push to be Ohio State's top scorer this season. -- Borzello
88. Donovan Atwell, G, Texas Tech
Atwell, another five-for-five hopeful, will be one of the best 3-and-D players in the Big 12 if eligible. He's a terrific 3-point shooter, making nearly 46% of his perimeter shots on more than eight attempts per game. The former UNC Greensboro transfer has also become a highly capable defender. Assuming he can play, Atwell should complement Hofstra transfer Cruz Davis in the Tech backcourt. -- Borzello
87. Killyan Toure, G, Iowa State
Iowa State's ceiling is tied to Toure's development (8.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 2.3 APG as a freshman) as well as his recovery from offseason shoulder surgery. The team announced the 6-3 guard is expected to return in January, just as the Cyclones enter the Big 12's gauntlet. But can he take the next step? T.J. Otzelberger will be counting on his sophomore wing to pick up where he left off last season. -- Medcalf
86. Melvin Council Jr., G, Kansas
With Darryn Peterson's inconsistent availability last season, Council became a far more critical part of the Jayhawks than anyone could have anticipated. He averaged 12.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG and 5.1 APG -- highlighted by a 36-point outing against NC State -- and is hoping for a fifth year of eligibility to return to Kansas for another season. -- Borzello
85. MJ Collins Jr., G, Cincinnati
Collins, who averaged 17.5 PPG at Utah State and earned All-Mountain West second-team honors, is awaiting the outcome of a high-profile battle between the Ohio governor and the NCAA -- which recently sued the governor over his executive order that gave all class of 2022 athletes in the state a fifth year of eligibility. Legal woes aside, the 6-4 guard could be a cornerstone talent for Jerrod Calhoun in his first season in Cincinnati. -- Medcalf
84. Somto Cyril, C, Miami
Jai Lucas' first season at Miami featured a very good defense -- but it was one that also lacked some rim protection and allowed opponents to score too easily inside the arc. In steps Cyril, who led the SEC in block rate last season at Georgia, swatting 2.2 shots per game in just over 21 minutes. He was also the best offensive rebounder in the conference and averaged 9.3 PPG. -- Borzello
83. Andrej Stojakovic, G, Illinois
His father, Peja Stojakovic, made his mark in the NBA as a prolific perimeter shooter who made 40% of his 3-point shots over 13 seasons. That's not where Andrej (13.5 PPG) thrives. More than 50% of his shots last season were taken around the rim -- and he made more than 68% of those attempts. Overall, he connected on 58% of his shots inside the arc for an Illinois team that reached the Final Four. -- Medcalf
82. Blue Cain, G, Georgia
For a 6-5 guard, Cain is unbelievably efficient inside the arc, specifically in the paint. He shot 61% on 2-pointers last season, which enabled him to improve his scoring numbers despite his 3-point numbers dropping. Cain also ranked 20th in the country in free throw shooting. With Jeremiah Wilkinson gone, Cain will be needed even more offensively in Athens. -- Borzello
81. Terrence Hill Jr., G, Tennessee
The 2026 NCAA tournament featured a number of high-level efforts from unsung stars. Hill was one of those, singlehandedly keeping his VCU squad alive. The 6-foot-3 guard scored 34 points in a first-round win over North Carolina, then dropped 17 points in the Rams' second-round loss to Illinois. The All-Atlantic 10 first-teamer now brings those offensive talents to Knoxville, where he can be a standout in the SEC. -- Medcalf
80. John Mobley Jr., G, Ohio State
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Mobley's scoring numbers take a noticeable jump after he posted 15.7 PPG and 41.1% from 3-point range a season ago. Do-everything guard Bruce Thornton Jr. is gone, leaving plenty of shots up for grabs in Columbus. Perhaps this season will look more like Mobley's four-game stretch in January, in which he had at least 22 points in each. -- Borzello
79. Mackenzie Mgbako, F, Texas A&M
A former top-10 recruit, Mgbako transferred from Indiana after two seasons and looked poised for a massive year at Texas A&M. But he missed the start of the 2025-26 campaign after undergoing foot surgery and, after returning for seven games, refractured his right foot -- and his season was over. At his best, Mgbako is a difficult matchup for opponents due to his 6-9 size and three-level scoring ability. -- Borzello
78. Dame Sarr, F, Duke
Sarr entered his first year of college basketball touted as a potential lottery pick. But the 6-8 wing (6.4 PPG) wisely chose to return to school to continue his development. On a Duke team that will demand more balance this season, he can play a significant role. We already have proof of this, too: He scored 19 points in his team's preseason win over Belmont last month. -- Medcalf
77. KJ Lewis, G, USC
Lewis, a 6-4 guard, is playing at his third school following stints at Arizona and Georgetown and in his fourth conference (Arizona was in the Pac-12 when he was a freshman). The Trojans are loaded with young talent, but Lewis (14.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.1 SPG) joins Cofie as another veteran to keep this crew together on and off the court. Lewis averaged 15.2 points in a nine-game stretch before he suffered a season-ending ankle injury. -- Medcalf
76. Neo Avdalas, G, North Carolina
At times last season, Avdalas looked like a lottery pick: 33 points, six assists in the second game of his career against Providence; 30 points against Western Carolina a few weeks later. But he averaged just 10.8 points in the other 29 games. His combination of 6-9 size and advanced skill and feel still give him an intriguing ceiling, and Michael Malone seems prepared to use him effectively. -- Borzello
75. Malachi Moreno, C, Kentucky
The most startling scene at SEC media day in Birmingham was Moreno's new look: The 7-1 center, who is also a potential first-round pick in 2027, had dropped more than 10 pounds after going through NBA workouts over the summer. Leaner and stronger, Moreno (7.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG), is now one of the key players for Kentucky in a crucial season for Mark Pope. -- Medcalf
74. Miles Byrd, G, Providence
Bryan Hodgson's first splashy signing at Providence, Byrd has been on NBA draft boards for two years. The 6-6 wing is a versatile defender and a disruptive playmaker at that end of the floor, leading the Mountain West in steal percentage in each of the past two seasons and ranking third in block percentage at San Diego State last season. If Byrd can improve his 30% 3-point shooting, his ceiling will get much higher. -- Borzello
73. Boogie Fland, G, Florida
Fland was a five-star recruit in high school with offers from every blueblood program in America. At Arkansas, however, he had to weather an injury along with high expectations. After transferring to Florida, the 6-3 guard (11.6 PPG, 3.5 APG, 1.7 SPG) was key to the Gators' top seed in the NCAA tournament. This season, he could play next to Denzel Aberdeen, forming one of the most potent backcourts in the country. -- Medcalf
72. Na'jai Hines, C, UConn
Hines' counting stats last season -- 6.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 blocks per game -- don't immediately draw one's interest, but Dan Hurley is confident enough to lean on him to be the Huskies' frontcourt anchor this season. There are a couple of reasons. One, the Seton Hall transfer averaged 10.5 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in two games against UConn last season. Two, those seasonlong averages came in just 18 minutes per game. He was second in the country in block rate and 19th in offensive rebounding percentage. -- Borzello
71. Billy Richmond III, G, Arkansas
Richmond blossomed in an expanded role last season, jumping to 11.2 PPG and 4.3 RPG while excelling as a defender and incredibly dangerous transition player. He also showed more than just fast-break ability, scoring at least 20 points in five straight games in February and averaging 13.4 points in 19 games as a starter. His two-way ability will keep him on the floor ahead of Arkansas' incoming five-star wings. -- Borzello
70. Nolan Winter, F, Wisconsin
The 6-11 forward extended a long tradition of Minnesota high school stars leaving the state to play in Wisconsin. The Lakeville, Minnesota, product (13.1 PPG, 8.5 RPG and 1.2 BPG) is one of the top returning players in the Big Ten. After losing All-Big Ten standout John Blackwell to Duke in the offseason, getting back Winter, a player who made 75% of his shots around the rim, was good news for Greg Gard. -- Medcalf
69. Markus Burton, G, Indiana
Burton hasn't played a full season since 2023-24, missing large parts of each of the past two campaigns with injuries. When fully healthy, however, the 6-footer can be one of the best point guards in America. He averaged 18.5 points in 10 games last season at Notre Dame after averaging 21.3 points in 26 games the season prior. Surrounded by more talent and in a different system, Burton's scoring numbers could go down, but Indiana will love his dynamism -- Borzello
68. Marcus Spears Jr., F, Texas
The most shocking recruiting news of the offseason unfolded in July, when Spears -- the No. 1 player in the 2027 class -- announced his reclassification into the 2026 cycle and his commitment to Texas, strengthening the Longhorns' potential as a national title contender. The 6-10 forward, who is the son of ESPN's Marcus Spears Sr., is a versatile forward with a skill set Sean Miller said he has rarely seen at this level. Miller has compared Spears to NBA standout Aaron Gordon. -- Medcalf
67. Nikola Kusturica, F, UCLA
The 6-9 Serbian talent, who played for FC Barcelona last season, would have been a mystery to most Americans upon his commitment to the Bruins -- that is, until the 17-year-old finished with 37 points in the FIBA U17 men's World Cup gold medal game against the United States. Even with top high school prospects such as Beckham Black (2027 SC Next 100 No. 1) and Cayden Daughtry (2027 SC Next 100 No. 4) representing Team USA, Kusturica was the best player on the floor. -- Medcalf
66. Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn
Pettiford was like the little brother on a team full of COVID-era super seniors that topped the rankings most of the 2024-25 season and reached the Final Four. The 6-1 guard remained through the coaching transition to Steven Pearl and averaged 15.4 points for the Tigers, who failed to make the NCAA tournament but won the NIT. Pettiford finished with 24 points and eight assists in the championship game over Tulsa, perhaps a sign of what's ahead. -- Medcalf
65. Donovan Dent, G, LSU
If LSU's first preseason game against McNeese was any indication -- Dent played 39:25 of a possible 40 minutes -- Will Wade is ready to lean very heavily on the fifth-year hopeful. The former New Mexico and UCLA transfer finished fourth nationally in assists last season at 7.6 per game, a year after averaging 20.4 points and 6.4 assists. -- Borzello
64. Coen Carr, F, Michigan State
It's easy to get lost in a rabbit hole of dunk clips from Carr, who averaged 12.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last season. There are dunks from baseline. There are alley-oop dunks from passes thrown by Wooden Award favorite Jeremy Fears Jr. If you really want to be amazed, check out the "SportsCenter"-worthy dunks on fast breaks. This season, Carr will have the opportunity to prove he's more than a highlight reel. -- Medcalf
63. Quinn Ellis, G, St. John's
Ellis is one of, if not the, most decorated international arrivals in college basketball history. He won four trophies in two seasons of playing professionally in Italy and won MVP of both the 2025 Italian Cup and Italian Supercup. St. John's beat out the likes of Duke and Louisville for the 6-5 guard, who was finally cleared last week. Rick Pitino is expecting him to be one of the best point guards in the Big East. -- Borzello
62. Aiden Sherrell, F, Indiana
Sherrell, a 6-10 forward who averaged 11.1 points and 2.2 blocks per game, was such an intimidating defensive force for Alabama last season that players rarely challenged him at the rim; whenever they did, it did not go well for them. Per Synergy Sports, opposing players made just 40% (20 of 50) of their shots around the rim against him last season. He will be an immediate addition for the Hoosiers and one of the league's top interior defenders. -- Medcalf
61. Isaiah Johnson, G, Texas
An unheralded recruit coming out of high school, Johnson opened his college career with 24 points against Montana State and quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic freshman point guards in the country. The 6-2 Johnson averaged 16.9 PPG and 3.0 APG during his lone season at Colorado and is now going to be running the show for Sean Miller's transfer-heavy, ultratalented Final Four hopefuls. -- Borzello
60. Dedan Thomas Jr., G, Houston
Kelvin Sampson has developed some of the best point guards in America, including 2026 lottery pick Kingston Flemings. How confident is Sampson that Thomas, the LSU transfer who averaged 15.3 points and 6.5 assists, can lead his team this season? "[Thomas] is a point guard's point guard," Sampson said after the 6-1 guard signed. "He can manage the game, understands the game at a freakishly high level." That's a major endorsement. -- Medcalf
59. Xavier Edmonds, F, TCU
There were few better players in the Big 12 during conference play last season than Edmonds. His 12.7 PPG and 6.5 RPG on the season don't jump off the page, but during a 12-game stretch from mid-January until early March, the 6-8 forward posted 16.3 PPG and 10.3 RPG, including 10 double-doubles. He's an elite offensive rebounder and frequently gets to the free throw line. -- Borzello
58. Bruce Branch III, F, BYU
Kevin Young could produce back-to-back-to-back top-five picks in the NBA draft in Branch, the 6-7 five-star freshman who would join Egor Demin (No. 8 pick in 2025) and A.J. Dybantsa (No. 1 in 2026) as recent lottery picks out of Provo, Utah. If Branch, who is a skilled inside-outside threat, lives up to the hype, that would give Young more first-round picks in three years than the school had produced in the previous 30. -- Medcalf
57. Jaxon Kohler, F, BYU
Kohler, if given a fifth year of eligibility, will be tasked with filling the void at the 5 for BYU -- and would be another skilled offensive weapon for what should be an elite attack out of Provo. He expanded his face-up game last season to include far more perimeter shooting, attempting 149 3-pointers after taking just 56 in his first three seasons combined. He averaged 12.5 points and 8.9 rebounds last season and was one of the top offensive rebounders in the Big Ten. -- Borzello
56. Rodney Rice, G, USC
Rice, who is at USC for a second time, averaged 20.3 points and 6.0 assists while also connecting on 39% of his 3-point attempts through six games last season after transferring back from Washington. But a shoulder injury ended the 6-4 guard's campaign and spoiled his return. He has recovered now, however, to play a starring role on a talented roster -- and to prove last season's furious start wasn't a fluke. -- Medcalf
55. Jackson Shelstad, G, Louisville
Shelstad looked poised to be one of the best point guards in the Big Ten last season before suffering a hand injury in December that limited him to just 12 games. But he still averaged 15.6 points and 4.9 assists when healthy, a clear improvement on his 2024-25 season that still earned him third-team All-Big Ten honors. Now at Louisville, Shelstad will get to push the pace. -- Borzello
54. Seth Trimble, G, Louisville
This is one of the most important asterisks in college basketball. The North Carolina veteran averaged 14.0 points per game last season before announcing his plans to transfer to Louisville with the hope of using a legal ruling to play a fifth season. If the 6-3 guard stays eligible, he'll add scoring prowess and also experience to a Cardinals team that spent millions this offseason to chase its first national title in more than a decade. -- Medcalf
53. Tomislav Ivisic, C, Illinois
The 7-1 Croatian center is such a unique asset to Illinois' offense. He's incredibly efficient around the rim, shooting 73% on 2-pointers, but he can also stretch the floor and actually had more 3-point attempts than 2-point attempts last season. Overall, he averaged 10.4 points and 5.6 rebounds last season, but that went up to 12.8 points per game in the NCAA tournament. -- Borzello
52. Paulius Murauskas, F, Arizona State
Murauskas, an all-West Coast Conference first team selection who averaged 18.4 points per game last season, left Moraga when Randy Bennett was hired as Arizona State's new head coach. The 6-8 forward is familiar with the area, though: He started his career at rival program Arizona before helping Saint Mary's win the 2025 WCC regular-season crown outright and then split the title with Gonzaga last season. He can help the Sun Devils overcome the odds in Tempe, too. -- Medcalf
51. Mason Falslev, G, Utah State
Falslev won Mountain West Player of the Year last season but opted to stay with the Aggies after head coach Jerrod Calhoun left for Cincinnati. That was a massive coup for new Aggies coach Ben Jacobson, particularly as the program begins life in the Pac-12. Falslev averaged 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists, shooting 39% from 3 -- while also earning a spot on the league's all-defensive team. -- Borzello
50. Shelton Henderson, F, Miami
Jai Lucas signed a multiyear extension this offseason for two reasons: One, the school wanted to make sure that the Joe B. Hall National Coach of the Year, who achieved the greatest turnaround in Division I history, stayed in town. Two, the school has watched Lucas mold players like Henderson, a 6-6 forward who averaged 13.8 points and 4.9 rebounds last season as a freshman. Henderson's sophomore season could include All-ACC honors if he continues to grow. -- Medcalf
49. Chance Mallory, G, Virginia
Mallory didn't start a single game as a freshman last season, but there's little doubt he's ready to take the reins for a Virginia team coming off a 30-win campaign. He averaged 9.3 points, 3.4 assists and 1.6 steals despite playing just 24 minutes, ranking in the top 10 of the ACC in both assist rate and steal rate. -- Borzello
48. Quentin Coleman, G, Illinois
Coleman had a late breakout in high school, not blossoming into a top-25 recruit until the end of his senior season. He initially committed to Wake Forest before reopening his recruitment last spring and picking Illinois. It will be interesting to see how Brad Underwood uses the 6-4 guard; Stefan Vaaks and David Mirkovic, while bigger, will see the lion's share of playmaking duties. But, there's potential for a one-and-done lottery pick outcome for Coleman. -- Borzello
47. Stefan Vaaks, G, Illinois
The Illinois locker room is crowded, but that's exactly what Brad Underwood wanted after a historic run to the national semifinals. He brought back the nucleus of that group and added a few more players -- including Vaaks, who earned All-Big East freshman team honors last season after averaging 15.8 points at Providence. The 6-7 guard also fits right into what was the tallest team in America overall, according to KenPom. -- Medcalf
46. David Punch, F, Texas
Punch enjoyed a breakout season a year ago, averaging 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds and emerging as one of the best defensive playmakers in the country. He also tallied a combined 3.2 blocks and steals per game, and ranked in the top 10 of the Big 12 in both block rate and steal rate. He has proven scoring chops, including 50 combined points in back-to-back Big 12 tournament games. -- Borzello
45. Moustapha Thiam, C, Michigan
After winning the program's second national title, Dusty May moved to the NBA, and so did three of his players -- Aday Mara, Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. -- who had manned the best frontcourt in America. The Wolverines have maintained a spot in the top 25 and as a Big Ten contender in part because Thiam (12.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.6 BPG) arrived from Cincinnati in the offseason. He's one of the nation's top post players. -- Medcalf
44. Acaden Lewis, G, Miami
Jai Lucas had plenty of success with a point guard transfer last year (Tre Donaldson), and he's hoping to replicate that with Lewis this season. Lewis started at Villanova from day one last season and was eventually ranked in the top five of the Big East in both assist rate and steal rate. He also averaged 12.2 points and scored at least 20 points five times in league play. -- Borzello
43. Darrion Williams, F, Texas Tech
Williams (14.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 40% from beyond the arc) hopes to be cleared for a fifth-year return to Lubbock after a lukewarm run at NC State last season: Under Will Wade, he dealt with injuries and had the lowest offensive rating of his career, per KenPom. This despite putting up numbers similar to what he'd achieved as a hero for Texas Tech's Elite Eight squad in 2025. He would be an important player for Grant McCasland's team again. -- Medcalf
42. Robbie Avila, C, Saint Louis
Avila is suing the NCAA for an additional season of eligibility and has enrolled as a graduate student at Saint Louis in case he gets a fifth year. One of the most skilled frontcourt players in the country and the hub of Josh Schertz's explosive offense, Avila's scoring numbers took a step back last season as the Billikens surrounded him with more firepower -- but he still averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and shot a career-high 41% from 3. -- Borzello
41. Massamba Diop, C, Gonzaga
In the final year of Bobby Hurley's tenure, Arizona State finished 70th in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom and finished ninth in defensive efficiency in league play. Imagine those numbers if he hadn't had the 7-1 Diop, who averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks (the latter a top-25 mark in the country). Diop also allowed just a 53% success rate around the rim from opposing players, per Synergy Sports. That skill will help Mark Few's program greatly this season. -- Medcalf
40. Amari Allen, G, Alabama
Nate Oats couldn't wait too long to insert Allen into the starting lineup as a freshman last season, and he enters Year 2 with legitimate first-round NBA draft buzz after averaging 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. With the departures of Labaron Philon Jr., Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Aiden Sherrell, there should be plenty of opportunities for Allen to increase those numbers. -- Borzello
39. Joseph Tugler, F, Houston
The 6-8 Tugler (8.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG, 1.3 SPG) doesn't have the gaudy numbers some of his peers on this list have achieved. He is arguably the greatest winner on this list, though. In three years at Houston, the former Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2025) has won 97 games. He has been named to the All-Big 12 defensive team twice and helped the Cougars finish in the top five in adjusted defensive efficiency. -- Medcalf
38. Tounde Yessoufou, G, St. John's
The former Baylor star withdrew from the NBA draft and announced his decision to join Rick Pitino's squad, which has a chance to be elite if all its fifth-year candidates are cleared to play. Yessoufou, (17.8 PPG, 2.0 SPG) won't need a judge to allow him to play this season, and under Pitino will also have the chance to grow into a player who can realize his professional dreams. -- Medcalf
37. Juke Harris, G, Tennessee
Harris came out of nowhere to become one of the best scorers in the country last season, jumping from 6.1 points per game as a freshman to 21.4 at Wake Forest -- and then transferred to Tennessee to play for what should be a Final Four contender. Rick Barnes' teams have not typically been predicated on offensive firepower, but Harris should be his latest in a long line of impact transfers. -- Borzello
36. Trey McKenney, G, Michigan
To go along with the losses of their head coach and three star players, the Wolverines also lost five-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. to a season-ending knee injury during an overseas exhibition trip. The latter has elevated the significance of McKenney's return. The 6-4 guard averaged 9.9 points and made 39% of his 3-point attempts for last season's national championship team. He was better in the NCAA tournament, when he averaged 12.0 points and made 48% of his shots from beyond the arc. -- Medcalf
35. Trey Kaufman-Renn, F, Kansas
Kaufman-Renn, who signed with Kansas exactly two weeks before the Jayhawks' first game of the season, will change the outlook of Bill Self's team if he remains eligible to play this season. He looked like a dominant All-American back in 2024-25, averaging 20.1 points and 6.5 rebounds, then posted averages of 14.2 points and 8.3 rebounds last season, and should be one of the best big men in the Big 12 this season. With Kaufman, Melvin Council Jr. and Tre White all fighting for an extra year, Self will hope court decisions go Kansas' way. -- Borzello
34. Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje, C, Duke
Every year, there's a player who latches on to a contender late and creates a preseason buzz worth noticing. That happened with Boumtje Boumtje, who committed to Duke in late April. In the Blue Devils' preseason win over Belmont, he justified the buzz and finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals. And he's only 17 years old, so the 7-footer won't be eligible for the NBA draft until 2028. -- Medcalf
33. Thijs De Ridder, F, Virginia
De Ridder arrived in Charlottesville with plenty of international hype and delivered almost immediately, hitting 20 points in four of his first five games en route to averages of 15.6 points and 6.2 rebounds. The Belgium native capped his first season in college basketball with 22 points and four 3-pointers -- a season high from behind the arc -- in the NCAA tournament, which could be a look at where he might expand his game this season. -- Borzello
32. Jason Crowe Jr., G, Missouri
John Calipari has made an entire career out of designing his offense around talented point guards. Dennis Gates will borrow a page from that book with the arrival of five-star guard Crowe, who is a projected top-10 pick in June. The 6-3 star with a knack for creating shots could turn Missouri into an SEC contender, make the Tigers a second-weekend threat and take the program to the next level. -- Medcalf
31. Matas Vokietaitis, C, Texas
When Texas signed Vokietaitis out of the portal from Florida Atlantic in 2025, he was viewed as an underrated addition given his per-minute production for the Owls. But with a bigger role in Austin, the stats improved: 15.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, shooting nearly 62% from the field. He was even better late in the season, headlined by a 23-point, 16-rebound effort against BYU in the NCAA tournament. -- Borzello
30. Aden Holloway, G, Alabama
Last season, Holloway (16.8 PPG, 44% from 3) missed the NCAA tournament following an arrest and a first-degree felony drug charge. At the time, it seemed as if his time as a college basketball player had come to an end. But he completed the conditions of a program that will offer him a fresh start. That's good news for Alabama, which will regain the services of one of America's best players. -- Medcalf
29. Keyshawn Hall, F, St. John's
Hall is attempting to play at his fifth school in five years, and Rick Pitino will be thrilled if the productive forward can suit up for the season. At Auburn, Hall had the best statistical season of his career, averaging 19.3 points and 7.1 rebounds, shooting a career-best 37.9% from 3. The one knock on Hall has been his zero NCAA tournament appearances; if he's eligible, that will almost certainly change. -- Borzello
28. Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke
Ngongba spent last season playing next to Wooden Award winner Cameron Boozer, but the 6-11 center was also one of America's most efficient players. Ngongba averaged 10.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.1 blocks -- all in just 21.9 minutes per game. According to Evan Miya's metrics, he was the 13th most efficient player in the entire country. With a bigger role for the Blue Devils this season, his impact should increase. -- Medcalf
27. Josh Hubbard, G, Mississippi State
When Hubbard gets going, there aren't many more entertaining players in college basketball. He finished 10th in the country in scoring last season, averaging 22.1 points to go with 3.6 assists, and he attempted around nine 3-pointers per game for a third year in a row. He had 40 (!) points twice last season, making 10 3s en route to 46 against Auburn and then scoring 42 against Georgia. -- Borzello
26. PJ Haggerty, G, Texas A&M
Haggerty's move from Memphis to Kansas State last season didn't result in the performance many had expected from the AP All-American second-teamer. He simply couldn't lift the Wildcats, who fired former head coach Jerome Tang midseason. Even so, the 6-4 guard (23.4 PPG) remained one of America's top scorers, finishing top-five in that category nationally for a second year in a row. -- Medcalf
25. Nigel James Jr., G, Marquette
Shaka Smart gave James the keys to the offense early in his freshman season, and James answered the call. He posted 16.4 PPG and 4.9 APG overall, but his numbers were even better in Big East play once he got used to the college game: 19.2 PPG, 5.6 APG, 37.1% from 3-point range. Marquette should make a sizable jump in the Big East standings, and James will be at the heart of it. -- Borzello
24. Ivan Kharchenkov, F, Arizona
The Germany native didn't take long to become an impactful two-way player who used his physicality and aggressiveness as one of the best glue guys in college basketball. Kharchenkov is one of the elite defensive players in the Big 12 and also looks poised for a breakout offensive season after scoring at least 14 points three times in the NCAA tournament. -- Borzello
23. Elliot Cadeau, G, Michigan
Cadeau was named the Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA tournament for keeping Michigan on a path to the national title after his transfer from North Carolina. Keeping him in Ann Arbor was new head coach Mike Boynton Jr.'s biggest offseason move -- and success. It means the Wolverines start their title defense with one of the best point guards in the country, a player who recorded 45 assists and just 14 turnovers in six NCAA tournament games. -- Medcalf
22. Malik Reneau, F, Miami
If eligible, Reneau will be a contender for ACC Player of the Year -- and Miami will be a borderline preseason top-10 team. After transferring in from Indiana last offseason, Reneau produced a first-team All-ACC campaign, averaging 18.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He also showed an expanded face-up game, taking 75 3-pointers after attempting 77 total in his first three seasons. -- Borzello
21. Mark Mitchell Jr., G, Missouri
Mitchell is the face of the fifth-year class fighting for another season. He went undrafted in the 2026 NBA draft, but the 6-9 guard averaged 18.3 points and made 39% of his 3-point attempts last season and could once again be a difference-maker for the Tigers. He's so important to the Tigers' plans that head coach Dennis Gates testified on his behalf in a hearing in mid-October. The Kentucky judge ultimately issued a temporary injunction that will allow Mitchell to play this season -- unless the NCAA successfully reverses the order in court. -- Medcalf
20. Pryce Sandfort, F, Nebraska
Sandfort was one of the best transfers in college basketball last season, going from a role player at Iowa in 2024-25 to an All-Big Ten performer with the Cornhuskers. He is one of the best 3-point shooters in the sport, making nearly 42% of his perimeter shots on nearly nine attempts per game. He averaged 18.1 points on the season and made at least six 3s in a game on seven occasions. -- Borzello
19. Braden Huff, F, Gonzaga
Huff was one of the best big men in the country last season, enjoying a breakout junior campaign before suffering a left knee injury in January. He was averaging 17.8 points and 5.6 rebounds prior to the injury, shooting better than 66% from the field as one of the most efficient offensive players in the country. -- Borzello
18. Milan Momcilovic, F, Kentucky
Momcilovic admitted during SEC media day that he probably would have stayed in the NBA draft had NIL not been available. But when asked about reports that he received $6 million to play for Kentucky, he simply laughed and said, "No comment." We'll find out if one of the greatest shooters in recent college basketball history -- he made 136 of 279 3-point attempts at Iowa State last season (49%) -- is worth the seven-figure sum he was offered to help Mark Pope succeed in Lexington. -- Medcalf
17. Robert Wright III, G, BYU
Wright withdrawing his name from the transfer portal and returning to Provo was huge news for Kevin Young and the Cougars; the former Baylor transfer is coming off a third-team All-Big 12 campaign in which he posted 18.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG and 4.6 APG, shooting 41% from 3. He was electrifying at times last season, including five games of at least 25 points in Big 12 play. -- Borzello
16. Silas Demary Jr., G, UConn
It often takes top transfers some time to get adjusted to a new system. Not Demary (10.1 PPG, 5.9 APG, 39% from beyond the arc). In his fourth game with the Huskies after transferring from Georgia, he registered 21 points and seven assists in a win over No. 1 pick A.J. Dybantsa and BYU in Boston. He was, unsurprisingly, named preseason Big East Player of the Year for this campaign, setting up lofty expectations for the 6-5 guard. -- Medcalf
15. Rueben Chinyelu, C, Florida
Chinyelu is back as the anchor of Florida's frontcourt for a third straight season after he averaged 10.9 points and 11.2 rebounds and led the nation in rebound percentage. He was dominant on the glass at both ends of the floor, ranking seventh nationally in offensive rebounding percentage and third in defensive rebounding percentage. -- Borzello
14. Caleb Holt, G, Arizona
The Arizona coaching staff has spent the offseason praising Holt for not only his maturity and explosiveness but also for his work ethic. He's physically ready for the next level, which is rare for most incoming freshmen. The 6-5, five-star wing should compete for the top spot in the 2027 NBA draft, potentially becoming just the second player in Wildcats history to be the No. 1 pick and the first since Deandre Ayton in 2018. -- Medcalf
13. Jordan Smith Jr., G, Arkansas
Smith was the best guard in the 2026 high school class, and he will likely be one of the first players selected in the 2027 NBA draft. He's a proven winner at multiple levels and has won two gold medals with USA Basketball. Smith can make plays at both ends of the floor and is aggressive getting to the basket with the ball in his hands. -- Borzello
12. Tamin Lipsey, G, Iowa State
Lipsey (13.5 PPG, 5.1 APG, 2.3 APG last season) is a three-time inclusion on the All-Big 12 defensive team and also the All-Big 12 first or second teams. He will need a court ruling to play one more season for T.J. Otzelberger. If allowed to, the 6-1 guard could be one of the top players in the country and Iowa State's ticket to a spot in the top 25 and the NCAA tournament. -- Medcalf
11. Flory Bidunga, F, Louisville
One of the best players in the portal, Bidunga has cemented himself as one of the premier interior defenders in the sport, leading the Big 12 in block percentage and having the second-best Defensive BPR in the country, per Evan Miya. The former Kansas transfer tallied 13 double-doubles last season, including a massive 23-point, 10-rebound performance against Arizona. -- Borzello
10. Braylon Mullins, G, UConn
The only thing that could top Mullins' greatest moment from last season would be a national championship. One clip of his buzzer-beater over Duke in the Elite Eight has more than 2.2 million views. A projected lottery pick in the 2026 draft, Mullins would not have returned to school in a previous era. But the Huskies had the cash to keep the 6-6 guard and boost the program's hopes of winning a third national title in four years. -- Medcalf
9. Alex Condon, F, Florida
Condon could have gone to the NBA after each of the past two seasons but is back with the Gators for his fourth season. He improved his numbers across the board last season, too -- averaging 15.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting nearly 56% from the field. The 6-11 forward played his best toward the end, hitting the 20-point mark six times in his final 10 games. -- Borzello
8. John Blackwell, G, Duke
You can't replace Cameron Boozer, the Wooden Award winner and top-five draft pick. Jon Scheyer won't put that burden on Blackwell, the All-Big Ten guard from Wisconsin. These Blue Devils will have more balance and depth than last season's team, too. But when it's time for one of his players to go into the phone booth and put on a cape, Scheyer will likely call on the senior guard who averaged 19.1 points and made 39% of his 3-point attempts last season. -- Medcalf
7. JT Toppin, F, Texas Tech
There's no specific timeline for Toppin's return from the torn ACL he suffered in February. But when fully healthy, he's a surefire top-five player and Wooden Award candidate. He was averaging 21.8 points and 10.8 rebounds at the time of his injury, making him the first Big 12 player since Blake Griffin to average more than 20 points and 10 boards in a season. -- Borzello
6. David Mirkovic, F, Illinois
Illinois fans were crushed when they learned about the offseason foot surgery that threatened to disrupt the season for Mirkovic (13.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 38% from beyond the arc). But Brad Underwood recently announced the 6-9 star of last season's Final Four team could return earlier than previously expected. If he's back for the majority of this campaign, this team could finish what it started a season ago. -- Medcalf
5. Motiejus Krivas, C, Arizona
The Lithuania native could have gone to the NBA draft and been a likely first-round pick, but he is back in Tucson and should be primed for a step forward offensively -- while still being one of the elite post defenders and rim protectors in college basketball. He averaged 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks last season, shooting 57% from the field. He also ranked in the top 10 in Evan Miya's defensive BPR and Bart Torvik's defensive box plus/minus. -- Borzello
4. Tyran Stokes, F, Kansas
The first thing you notice about Stokes, the potential No. 1 draft pick, is his strength. Everything he does on the court unfolds with power and force. But the 6-8 talent is also smooth with elite passing ability and leadership skills on the floor. In the fourth quarter of the McDonald's All American Game, he dominated his peers to lead his team to a win, which is what Bill Self expects him to do in Lawrence. -- Medcalf
3. Tyler Tanner, G, Vanderbilt
Tanner didn't start a single game as a freshman but then established himself as one of the nation's elite point guards in his second season. He averaged 19.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists, shooting nearly 37% from 3-point range -- and subsequently earned first-team All-SEC honors. Tanner somehow took his game to a different level down the stretch, including multiple 30-point efforts and averaging 26.5 points in two NCAA tournament games. -- Borzello
2. Thomas Haugh, F, Florida
After fully breaking out as a junior, Haugh opted to return to Gainesville instead of being a potential lottery pick. He earned first-team All-SEC honors last season, averaging 17.1 points and 6.1 rebounds, including big performances against Arizona (27 points) and Duke (24 points). Whether he becomes the clear-cut favorite for national player of the year likely comes down to Florida's balance and whether there's enough room for the 6-9 forward to take a statistical jump when he's surrounded by so many other talented options. -- Borzello
1. Jeremy Fears Jr., G, Michigan State
To put some perspective on what Fears achieved last season when he earned AP All-America second-team honors, we have to go back to 1979. That year, Magic Johnson led the Spartans to the national title while averaging 8.4 assists. Fears, also an elite point guard with the program, led the nation last season with 9.4 assists per game. He also made 88% of his free throws -- slightly higher than Johnson's 84% rate. We're not saying they're on the same level, but there could be more magic ahead for Fears and his team. -- Medcalf