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Myron Medcalf
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Myron Medcalf
ESPN Workers Author
- Myron Medcalf covers faculty basketball for ESPN.com. He joined ESPN in 2011.
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Jeff Borzello
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Jeff Borzello
Basketball recruiting insider
- Jeff Borzello is a basketball recruiting insider. He has joined ESPN in 2014.
It has been greater than 100 days since Florida lower down the nets in San Antonio. And in 100 extra days, the Gators will start their title protection when the 2025-26 males’s faculty basketball season begins.
Did the Gators do sufficient this offseason to bolster their probabilities of going back-to-back for the primary time since 2006 and 2007? How have Houston and Duke positioned themselves to make one other Closing 4 run? And can Auburn and the SEC return to dominance?
With a brand new class of freshman stars — together with A.J. Dybantsa at BYU, Darryn Peterson at Kansas and Nate Ament at Tennessee — plus loads of expertise transferring to title contenders, it needs to be one other entertaining season of hoops as the game adapts to modifications.
ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf make 10 wild predictions, plus establish 90 extra issues to know in regards to the upcoming season, from the largest storylines to the highest gamers to new coaches and past.
Bounce to:
Top storylines | Wild predictions
Contenders | Teams that could make a jump
Best nonconference matchups
Freshmen | Transfers | Breakouts
All-America candidates | New coaches
10 storylines that would form the season
Income sharing and attainable NCAA event growth drive extra change. Faculty basketball is present process a large face-lift. Committees for males’s and girls’s Division I basketball didn’t attain a call to increase the NCAA tournaments after they met in July, however they did state that the opportunity of growing the sphere from 68 to 72 or 76 teams remains “viable.” A event growth could be the second important growth for 2025-26, with the House vs. NCAA settlement paving the best way for the primary: a restructuring of the compensation mannequin. Faculties at the moment are in a position to pay their athletes immediately by means of income sharing, nevertheless it stays unclear what number of title, picture and likeness offers will finally be accepted by the brand new clearinghouse to complement rev share earnings. — Medcalf
Florida has the expertise to make one other title run. Earlier than UConn received the nationwide championships in 2023 and 2024, males’s faculty basketball hadn’t seen a repeat title winner since Florida in 2006 and 2007 — however Todd Golden’s Gators have the gamers to make it a development. Alex Condon withdrew from the NBA draft to return to Florida; Rueben Chinyelu and Thomas Haugh are additionally again; and prime transfers Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee had been added within the portal. — Borzello
Braden Smith may very well be Purdue’s subsequent Picket Award winner. The Boilermakers got here near championship glory in 2024, when Zach Edey captured his second Picket Award and led them to the nationwide title sport. Smith’s return might assist Purdue match historical past: Solely Duke has ever produced three Picket Award winners in a four-year span — Elton Model (1999), Shane Battier (2001) and Jay Williams (2002). Smith, the reigning Massive Ten Participant of the Yr, will enter the season as the favourite to win the Picket Award. He and coach Matt Painter are additionally pushed to chop down the nets; each appear attainable for a program that would begin the 12 months because the No. 1 workforce in America. — Medcalf
Duke has positioned its Closing 4 hopes on freshmen — once more. Jon Scheyer & Co. defied modern-day traits when freshmen led the Blue Devils to a No. 1 rating and a Closing 4 look final season — an anomaly within the period of more and more transfer-heavy, experience-focused roster building. Now, these freshmen had been three top-10 picks: Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach. However can Duke replicate that success? Scheyer once more brings within the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, headlined by projected lottery picks Cameron Boozer, Dame Sarr and Nikolas Khamenia, plus Cameron’s five-star twin brother, Cayden. — Borzello
It is a new period for BYU with No. 1 recruit A.J. Dybantsa. The Cougars had one of the best offensive output in America for the final two months of the 2024-25 marketing campaign, which ended with a visit to the Candy 16 — their first second-weekend look since Jimmer Fredette starred for them in 2011. Now, Kevin Younger’s workforce provides Dybantsa: a flexible, highly effective, explosive 6-foot-10 athlete who may very well be the No. 1 choose in subsequent summer season’s NBA draft. A Closing 4 run by a workforce that wasn’t traditionally a candidate for gamers of Dybantsa’s caliber might ship extra elite expertise to Provo, Utah, within the years forward. The thrill has generated a lot curiosity {that a} Hollywood producer has pitched a documentary in regards to the 2025-26 season to Younger’s workers. — Medcalf
The race to be the No. 1 choose within the 2026 NBA draft is on. Cooper Flagg was the odds-on favourite to be the No. 1 choose within the 2025 NBA draft because the day he reclassified into the 2024 highschool class, however there will not be the identical lack of drama within the 2026 draft. There are a number of reliable contenders for the highest choose: BYU’s Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Tennessee’s Nate Ament — and do not depend out Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr. — Borzello
Hubert Davis’ future at North Carolina. It was solely three years in the past that Davis’ workforce had a 15-point halftime lead towards Kansas within the nationwide title sport. However a 12 months after that, the Tar Heels missed the NCAA event altogether. And final 12 months, they squeezed into the sphere as a polarizing pick earlier than shedding within the first spherical. Davis has reloaded after shedding R.J. Davis and different standouts by including five-star prospect Caleb Wilson and key transfers equivalent to former Arizona huge man Henri Veesaar. But, though Davis inked a contract extension by means of 2029-30 over the winter, North Carolina nonetheless expects to compete for nationwide titles. If he cannot discover a method to try this this season, chatter about his future will improve. — Medcalf
The way forward for the previous teaching guard. Three ACC coaches stepped down final season: Virginia’s Tony Bennett, Miami’s Jim Larranaga and Florida State’s Leonard Hamilton. Bennett cited the altering panorama of faculty sports activities, whereas Larranaga and Hamilton had reached the pure finish of their careers. It is powerful to foretell who the following Bennett may very well be, however retirement may very well be on the horizon for a gaggle of coaches at or close to the highest of the game: Houston’s Kelvin Sampson will likely be 70 within the fall, Tennessee’s Rick Barnes is 71, Michigan State’s Tom Izzo is 70 and St. John’s coach Rick Pitino is 72. It additionally would not be a shock to see Gonzaga’s Mark Few or Kansas’ Invoice Self name it quits within the not-so-distant future. — Borzello
Gonzaga‘s ultimate season within the West Coast Convention. The Bulldogs’ postseason success — together with two nationwide title sport appearances since 2017 — has modified the nationwide notion of mid-majors. They’ve been considered one of America’s prime applications for years, however this would be the ultimate chapter of a wedding that has boosted your complete WCC as Gonzaga prepares to hitch the brand new Pac-12. The WCC’s efficiency within the collegiate panorama will shift considerably, whereas the Bulldogs might change into the face of the brand new Pac-12’s basketball lineup. — Medcalf
The following chapter of the St. John’s vs. UConn rivalry. Whereas Louisville-Kentucky and Duke-North Carolina will all the time have deep historical past, the St. John’s-UConn rivalry is shortly gaining nationwide relevance. Rick Pitino and Dan Hurley are two of one of the best — and most headline-grabbing — coaches within the nation, and each groups ought to open the season ranked within the prime 5 nationally. — Borzello
10 title contenders
Groups listed so as of Borzello and Medcalf’s consensus prime 10
Purdue Boilermakers: Matt Painter’s workforce is poised for its third 1-seed up to now 4 years, led by All-America level guard Braden Smith, All-America candidate Trey Kaufman-Renn and three-year starter Fletcher Loyer. South Dakota State switch Oscar Cluff provides a unique dimension down low. — Borzello
Florida Gators: Connecticut received back-to-back nationwide titles in 2023 and 2024 after retaining key gamers from that first run. Todd Golden’s workforce might mimic that feat — with new stars within the combine, too. Boogie Fland, a former five-star prospect who performed at Arkansas final season, will step into Walter Clayton Jr.’s position and play subsequent to Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon — each prime contributors from final 12 months’s title workforce — on a roster constructed to win all of it once more. — Medcalf
Houston Cougars: After final season’s heartbreaking title-game loss to Florida, Houston needs to be proper again within the combine for a nationwide championship. Kelvin Sampson has three starters again from that group, led by guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp. The Cougars additionally welcome the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class, one which options three top-25 prospects. — Borzello
UConn Huskies: Dan Hurley has set the bar so excessive in Storrs that final season’s 24-win marketing campaign and NCAA event look constituted a “down 12 months” for this system. Alex Karaban and Solo Ball are again for a workforce that, on paper, appears to be like like a contender once more. However the viability of this system successful its third title in 4 years will rely upon Silas Demary Jr., the 6-5 former Georgia guard who will run UConn’s offense this season. — Medcalf
St. John’s Red Storm: Rick Pitino has fully remodeled St. John’s since arriving two years in the past, guiding the Crimson Storm to their first Massive East regular-season and event championships since 1992 and 2000, respectively. Now, they will look to advance to the Candy 16 for the primary time since 1999. Star huge man Zuby Ejiofor returns, whereas Pitino went heavy within the switch portal to fill out the remainder of his roster. — Borzello
BYU Cougars: Kevin Younger’s squad made 37% of its 3-point makes an attempt and 59% of its photographs contained in the arc final season because the Cougars performed offense at a degree no workforce might match within the ultimate eight weeks. Now, they add A.J. Dybantsa, the recipient of a extremely publicized seven-figure NIL deal. Joined by three returning standouts from a Candy 16 squad, Dybantsa might take BYU to unprecedented heights. — Medcalf
Louisville Cardinals: After main Louisville to a outstanding 19-win turnaround in his first season with the Cardinals — together with a 15-win enchancment within the ACC — Pat Kelsey has set his sights greater in Yr 2. They need to have considered one of faculty basketball’s elite backcourts, led by top-10 recruit Mikel Brown Jr. and three proficient transfers. — Borzello
Michigan Wolverines: One other second-year head coach coming off a powerful turnaround in Yr 1, Dusty Could guided the Wolverines to a 19-win enchancment and a run to the Candy 16. Two starters are again, and Michigan was aggressive within the portal, securing a category headlined by Yaxel Lendeborg — arguably one of the best switch within the nation and a projected first-round choose. — Borzello
Kentucky Wildcats: Mark Pope’s workforce caught the harm bug late final season and can begin this season with a serious harm query. Jayden Quaintance, a former five-star recruit and switch from Arizona State, had surgical procedure in March to restore a torn ACL. He needs to be prepared sooner or later this season — it is only a query of when. All-America candidate Otega Oweh, Denzel Aberdeen (Florida), Jaland Lowe (Pitt) and Quaintance ought to kind the nucleus of a workforce with critical Closing 4 aspirations as soon as everyone seems to be wholesome. — Medcalf
Duke Blue Devils: A workforce that misplaced the Picket Award winner and 4 extra NBA draft picks wouldn’t normally be anticipated to compete for a nationwide title a 12 months after a Closing 4 run, however that is the usual in Durham. The arrival of Cameron Boozer — the five-star prospect and son of former Blue Devils star Carlos Boozer — and his five-star prospect twin brother, Cayden Boozer, will preserve the bar excessive for a Duke workforce that can chase Jon Scheyer’s first nationwide title. — Medcalf
10 groups that would make a bounce
“A bounce” that means into the nationwide highlight, into the highest tier of their convention or onto the NCAA event bubble. Listed in alphabetical order.
Arkansas Razorbacks: The Razorbacks picked up steam late within the season and made a shocking run to the Candy 16 that capped a turbulent 12 months in John Calipari’s first season with this system. This 12 months’s group, nevertheless, may very well be a sleeper to make a run on the nationwide title. Darius Acuff is a projected lottery choose within the 2026 NBA draft and will likely be surrounded by veteran expertise in D.J. Wagner, Karter Knox and Trevon Brazile. If the Razorbacks can keep wholesome — a problem for them a 12 months in the past — Calipari might contend for his seventh journey to the Closing 4. — Medcalf
Iowa Hawkeyes: All Ben McCollum does is win — and there isn’t any cause to assume that can change at Iowa. The important thing piece of the Hawkeyes’ roster is Bennett Stirtz, an All-America level guard who performed for McCollum at Northwest Missouri State and Drake. Alvaro Folgueiras and Brendan Hausen are two extra shotmaking transfers. — Borzello
Kansas State Wildcats: The Wildcats spent tens of millions on expertise final offseason however by no means had sufficient chemistry to keep away from a 16-17 marketing campaign. This season’s roster will likely be led by PJ Haggerty, the identical PJ Haggerty who earned AP second-team All-America honors final season and led Memphis to one of the best season of the Penny Hardaway period. If Jerome Tang can get this proficient group — which additionally options Serbian standout Andrej Kostić — on the identical web page, Okay-State ought to get again into the NCAA event. — Medcalf
Miami Hurricanes: Throughout stints as an assistant with Texas, Kentucky and Duke, Jai Lucas was referred to as a prime recruiter who helped all three applications land McDonald’s All People and high-level transfers. In his first head teaching position, at Miami, he has sufficient to assist the Hurricanes attain the NCAA event for the primary time since 2023. Former Indiana standout Malik Reneau and Massive Ten event hero Tre Donaldson — his buzzer-beater despatched Michigan to the title sport — will hyperlink up with a robust recruiting class to attempt to finish that drought. — Medcalf
NC State Wolfpack: When NC State employed Will Wade in March, the idea was that an inflow of expertise would comply with him to Raleigh. That appears right thus far. The Wolfpack had been aggressive within the portal, touchdown a gaggle led by All-America candidate Darrion Williams and bringing in top-25 recruit Matt Able. — Borzello
North Carolina Tar Heels: North Carolina’s admission to the final NCAA event created a lot controversy that the West Virginia governor held a news conference and blasted the choice committee for choosing the Tar Heels over the Mountaineers, who had an affordable case for inclusion. However this 12 months’s workforce might keep away from drama if Caleb Wilson — the No. 5 recruit of 2025 — lives as much as the hype. Arizona switch Henri Veesaar, returnee Seth Trimble and Wilson represent a trio that would place the Tar Heels solidly within the NCAA event subject. — Medcalf
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Final season was full of missteps, accidents and disappointments for a Notre Dame workforce that completed below .500 in Micah Shrewsberry’s second marketing campaign with this system. If this 12 months’s group stays wholesome, nevertheless, the Combating Irish might contend for a spot on the bubble (or higher) after not reaching the NCAA event since 2022. The return of Markus Burton and Braeden Shrewsberry, who missed 15 mixed video games because of harm, plus the addition of Jalen Haralson (nineteenth in ESPN 100) make all of it appear attainable. — Medcalf
Ohio State Buckeyes: The Buckeyes confirmed flashes of their potential final season however could not fairly string collectively a constant run of kind. With a terrific trio again in Bruce Thornton, Devin Royal and John Mobley Jr. — plus the additions of Christoph Tilly and Brandon Noel up entrance — Jake Diebler’s workforce ought to discover itself within the NCAA event. — Borzello
San Diego State Aztecs: The Aztecs made the NCAA event final season however misplaced by 27 to North Carolina within the First 4. We’re anticipating Brian Dutcher’s workforce to stay round somewhat longer subsequent March. Miles Byrd is an NBA prospect; Reese Waters is again from harm; and Magoon Gwath is able to take the following step. Switch Sean Newman Jr. will likely be given the keys to the offense. — Borzello
USC Trojans: Beating Michigan State on the primary day of February offered some optimism getting into the stretch run final season, however the Trojans received simply two Massive Ten video games the remainder of the best way. They need to be proficient and extra constant this season. A fringe trio that includes confirmed high-major producers Rodney Rice and Chad Baker-Mazara paved the way. — Borzello
10 wild predictions
The nationwide title winner would be the first in its program historical past. They’ve each fallen brief in recent times, however Houston and Purdue are outfitted to attain what their applications have but to do: win a nationwide title. St. John’s, Texas Tech and BYU will likely be contenders, too. Regardless, I am predicting a brand new title will likely be entered into the lads’s faculty basketball championship report. — Medcalf
The SEC will not be as sturdy, however it can repeat its 14 bids. It is practically not possible for the SEC to be as traditionally sturdy once more; it took an ideal storm for the league to provide what it did final season. We do not count on two 1-seeds and two 2-seeds from the convention once more, however I will not be shocked to see it run again its record-setting 14 bids — not less than 12 faculties already appear like comfy NCAA event groups on paper. — Borzello
John Calipari will face Kentucky within the Closing 4. Darius Acuff is a prime newcomer for an Arkansas squad that made a run to the Candy 16 final March, giving the Razorbacks depth and expertise that final 12 months’s group lacked. And whereas Kentucky may want a while to get off the runway, it might have one of many nation’s most proficient rosters as March approaches if Jayden Quaintance is wholesome. — Medcalf
Pat Kelsey will win his first NCAA event sport — and get Louisville to the Closing 4. Getting into final March, the one knock on Todd Golden was his lack of an NCAA event win. He erased any doubt in fairly emphatic vogue. Kelsey would be the subsequent coach to go from zero to a Closing 4. Louisville’s backcourt is among the many finest within the nation and the Cardinals have the proper mix of expertise, depth and star energy. — Borzello
Cameron Boozer would be the best of the elite freshmen. A.J. Dybantsa is arguably probably the most fascinating participant getting into the season, whereas Darryn Peterson is battling Dybantsa to be the No. 1 choose within the subsequent NBA draft. However Boozer is a risk to complete each sport with 20 factors and 10 rebounds. He has additionally been extra productive than Dybantsa and Peterson after they have suited up collectively for USA Basketball or in all-star video games. Boozer’s competitors additionally may be barely simpler within the ACC than the Massive 12. — Borzello
Nate Ament would be the prime freshman within the nation. When Rick Barnes tells you {that a} younger participant will likely be a star, it is best to consider him. From Kevin Durant to Dalton Knecht, Barnes has molded a few of the prime gamers within the nation over the previous 30 years. He lately instructed ESPN that Ament, a attainable top-five choose in subsequent 12 months’s NBA draft, may very well be a particular participant this season. The 6-9 ahead may very well be the following star below Barnes. — Medcalf
Thomas Haugh will likely be Florida’s All-American. Haugh has began simply seven video games by means of two seasons in Gainesville, however he is poised to have a breakout junior marketing campaign as an every-game starter for the Gators. He is 6-9, can rating in numerous methods and is greater than able to hitting three or 4 3s in a sport. Florida’s switch backcourt is getting the hype, however Haugh is able to take a step ahead. — Borzello
Jalil Bethea would be the nation’s shock breakout switch. Bethea was one of many extra disappointing freshmen within the nation final season, barely carving out a job in the course of the first half of the schedule at Miami earlier than seeing a rise in minutes down the stretch. However Bethea was a top-10 prospect within the 2024 class and is an elite shotmaker — he is precisely the kind of participant Nate Oats’ offense enhances. — Borzello
Two of the sport’s prime coaches will retire or resign, making a domino impact. Kelvin Sampson (69), Tom Izzo (70) and Rick Barnes (71) are nonetheless passionate, however few of their friends stay. Then there are coaches like Invoice Self and Mark Few, who might do that for a lot of extra years however might not wish to navigate extra modifications to the sport. If any of the highest names make huge strikes, your complete collegiate panorama will shift. — Medcalf
A workforce will make 85% of its free throws this season, shattering the report. That sounds ridiculous, however the prime free throw taking pictures groups within the nation are bettering. Ten years in the past, solely two groups made not less than 78% of their makes an attempt from the charity stripe. Final 12 months, 20 reached that mark whereas 4 of them eclipsed 80%, led by Wisconsin’s 82.6% clip. We’re progressing towards unprecedented numbers in males’s faculty basketball. This would be the 12 months a workforce beats Villanova’s record-setting 83% price from 2021-22. — Medcalf
10 nonconference matchups to observe
Kentucky at Louisville, Nov. 11: This rivalry sport is all the time entertaining, however with Louisville’s offseason surge below Pat Kelsey, this matchup will regain the power it has lacked in recent times.
BYU at UConn in Boston, Nov. 15: A.J. Dybantsa will head again to his residence state of Massachusetts to face UConn, a nationwide title contender. The ambiance at TD Backyard needs to be electrical.
Duke at Kansas, Nov. 18: The results of this sport will matter come Choice Sunday, nevertheless it’s additionally a possibility for Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson to strengthen their respective instances to be the No. 1 choose in subsequent 12 months’s NBA draft.
St. John’s at Iowa State, Nov. 24: Rick Pitino has a brand new roster led by transfers Ian Jackson (North Carolina) and Bryce Hopkins (Windfall), so this early-season take a look at towards a robust Iowa State workforce might shed extra mild on the Crimson Storm’s ceiling.
Gonzaga at Alabama, Nov. 24: Gonzaga’s Tyon Grant-Foster, who had an up-and-down season at Grand Canyon final 12 months, and Alabama’s Jalil Bethea, a former five-star prospect, may have an early probability to show they are often the sparks their groups want this season.
Houston at Tennessee, Nov. 25: You will probably see a fleet of NBA scouts and executives within the stands at this matchup with Tennessee’s Nate Ament, a projected top-five choose in subsequent summer season’s draft, and Houston’s Chris Cenac Jr. and Joseph Tugler, a pair of projected first-round picks, all on the courtroom on this showcase.
North Carolina at Kentucky, Dec. 2: A win over a top-10 Kentucky workforce with nationwide title aspirations could be sufficient to quiet any early chatter about Hubert Davis’ future in what needs to be a pivotal season for the Tar Heels’ coach.
UConn at Florida in NYC, Dec. 9: These two groups staged a thriller within the second spherical of final 12 months’s NCAA event, tied with 2:12 to play earlier than Florida rallied to win. This rematch may very well be a preview of the nationwide championship.
Purdue vs. Auburn in Indianapolis, Dec. 20: This matchup will inform how a lot work Bruce Pearl’s new-look workforce might want to compete within the SEC whereas Matt Painter will get one other shot at a signature win on a nonconference slate that would embody matchups towards Alabama, Texas Tech and Iowa State, too.
Michigan at Duke, Feb. 21: It is the timing of this matchup coming simply weeks earlier than Choice Sunday that issues. It might settle any potential debates inside the committee if each groups are vying for a prime seed by then.
10 freshmen to observe
Listed so as of their ESPN 100 ranking.
A.J. Dybantsa, SF, BYU (No. 1 in ESPN 100): The No. 1 prospect within the ESPN 100, Dybantsa is blazing his personal path by eschewing the blue bloods to hitch a BYU program producing headlines over the previous 12 months. He is probably the most anticipated participant heading into this season.
Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas (No. 2): Ranked simply behind Dybantsa within the recruiting rankings, Peterson is ESPN’s projected No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA draft. He is an elite scorer, as evidenced by his 61-point efficiency towards Dybantsa’s Utah Prep in February.
Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke (No. 3): Boozer is likely one of the most embellished highschool prospects in latest historical past, successful two gold medals with USA Basketball, 4 state titles and three straight Peach Jam championships on the Nike circuit. He needs to be a double-double risk from day one.
Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee (No. 4): In what needs to be a loaded 2026 NBA draft class, there’s an argument to be made that Ament has the best ceiling of the group. He is 6-11 with high-level shotmaking skill.
Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina (No. 5): He won’t emerge as the most efficient freshman this season, however Wilson has enormous long-term upside, and Hubert Davis will want him to make an affect instantly. He is 6-9 with a flexible ability set.
Darius Acuff, PG, Arkansas (No. 7): If John Calipari is teaching a workforce with Closing 4 aspirations, chances are high he has an elite level guard operating the present — and that needs to be Acuff this season. He is a terrific offensive participant who will get others concerned.
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville (No. 8): The hype for Brown’s debut is at an all-time excessive after he had arguably one of the best efficiency for the USA Basketball U19 World Cup workforce, main them in factors (14.9) and assists (6.1) en path to the gold medal this summer season.
Tounde Yessoufou, SF, Baylor (No. 9): The all-time scoring chief within the state of California, Yessoufou is nearly as good a pure bucket-getter as you will discover within the 2025 class. He is a bodily wing who can get factors in any respect three ranges.
Koa Peat, PF, Arizona (No. 10): One other extremely embellished highschool prospect, Peat has received three gold medals with USA Basketball and 4 state championships at the highschool degree. Constantly productive, he led the U19 World Cup workforce in rebounding (6.9).
Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn (No. 17): Mullins was arguably one of the best perimeter shooter within the 2025 class, making higher than 47% of his 3-pointers final spring and summer season on the Adidas circuit, then repeating that feat as a highschool senior. — Borzello
10 transfers to observe
Listed so as of ESPN’s pre-commitment transfer rankings.
PJ Haggerty, PG, Kansas State (No. 1 in ESPN’s switch rankings): Haggerty was one of the confirmed producers within the portal, coming off a season through which he earned second-team All-America honors and was named AAC Participant of the Yr. He has an opportunity to place up huge numbers for Jerome Tang.
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa (No. 2): Stirtz is following Ben McCollum to his third faculty after beginning for Iowa’s new head coach at Northwest Missouri State and Drake. The Missouri Valley Participant of the Yr is a possible first-round choose if he can proceed his development within the Massive Ten.
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan (No. 3): Lendeborg was a probable first-round choose within the NBA draft, however he withdrew his title and headed to Ann Arbor. He was one of the productive gamers within the nation over the previous two seasons with UAB.
Darrion Williams, SF, NC State (No. 4): Williams withdrew from the NBA draft late within the course of earlier than turning into the centerpiece of Will Wade’s first recruiting class in Raleigh. The Texas Tech switch is a flexible playmaking ahead who would be the fulcrum of the Wolfpack offense.
Donovan Dent, PG, UCLA (No. 5): Dent was top-of-the-line level guards within the nation final season, rating within the prime 15 nationally in each factors and assists. UCLA returns loads of contributors, however the New Mexico switch needs to be the star of the present.
Boogie Fland, PG, Florida (No. 6): Florida’s quest to go back-to-back actually ramped up when Fland withdrew from the NBA draft and dedicated to the Gators. The previous five-star prospect whose freshman season at Arkansas was lower brief by a hand harm will workforce up with Princeton switch Xaivian Lee in Todd Golden’s new backcourt.
Jayden Quaintance, PF, Kentucky (No. 7): Arguably one of the best NBA prospect within the portal, Quaintance is a projected top-10 choose in subsequent 12 months’s draft. He is an elite defensive participant who put up spectacular shot-blocking numbers as a freshman at Arizona State earlier than tearing his ACL late final season.
Robert Wright III, PG, BYU (No. 8): BYU went into the spring realizing it wanted a sport changer at level guard to play alongside Dybantsa and Richie Saunders. Wright is as dynamic as they arrive, with a number of breakout performances as a freshman at Baylor final season.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie, PG, Tennessee (No. 9): Gillespie loved his nationwide breakout final season after transferring from Belmont to Maryland, the place he was an All-Massive Ten performer. In Knoxville, he will likely be changing Zakai Zeigler as Rick Barnes’ level guard.
Bryce Hopkins, F, St. John’s (No. 12): Rick Pitino is (unsurprisingly) once more going transfer-heavy, however Hopkins was the important thing addition. He has a first-team All-Massive East marketing campaign on his résumé from 2022-23, however has performed solely 17 video games the previous two seasons because of harm. — Borzello
10 gamers with breakout potential
Seth Trimble, G, North Carolina: The 6-3 senior misplaced his beginning position after sitting out a number of video games due to harm then by no means discovered a constant rhythm upon returning. He was a 42% 3-point shooter in 2023-24 and can get loads of open appears to be like with all the eye opponents will placed on five-star prospect Caleb Wilson.
Isaiah Evans, G, Duke: It wasn’t straightforward for Evans to discover a spot in a rotation that featured the Picket Award winner and 4 different 2025 NBA draft picks. However this season, Duke will ask the projected 2026 first-rounder to be a playmaker and a extra dependable defender. He appears able to each.
Thomas Haugh, F, Florida: The 6-9 junior made 60% of his photographs contained in the arc for the nationwide champions final season. He averaged 12.2 factors and 5.8 rebounds in the course of the Gators’ 12-game successful streak on the finish of the season — as a reserve. Haugh will now transfer into the beginning rotation as arguably a very powerful participant for his workforce’s Closing 4 ambitions.
Fletcher Loyer, G, Purdue: Positive, the sharpshooting wing averaged a career-high 13.8 factors for the Boilermakers in 2024-25, and related on 44% of his 3-point makes an attempt for the second 12 months in a row. However he took fewer photographs from past the arc as a sophomore — he tried three or fewer 3-pointers in 13 video games final season — than he did as a freshman two years in the past, so he has the potential for better output in 2025-26.
Joseph Tugler, F, Houston: Houston’s longtime centerpiece, J’Wan Roberts, is gone. That position of gritty, powerful chief within the paint now belongs to Tugler, who received Massive 12 Defensive Participant of the Yr final season. He reached double figures in solely seven video games in 2024-25, so if he can change into a extra dependable scorer, Tugler might safe first-team All-Massive 12 honors.
Tarris Reed Jr., C, UConn: Reed will once more play a key defensive position for UConn after averaging 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks final season. He additionally made 67% of his photographs contained in the arc and had six video games with 15 or extra factors, so with extra consistency, he might change into a two-way power for the Huskies.
Kasean Pryor, F, Louisville: Pat Kelsey lately mentioned Pryor, who tore his ACL in November, needs to be able to go for the upcoming season — a constructive growth for a Louisville squad with nationwide title aspirations. Pryor performed solely seven video games earlier than the harm, however averaged 12.0 factors whereas recording 8 blocks and 11 steals.
Roddy Gayle Jr., G, Michigan: Although he by no means fairly regained the taking pictures stroke he had as a freshman at Ohio State, Gayle confirmed flashes of his potential throughout final season’s NCAA event. His 26-point effort, together with a 4-for-6 efficiency from past the arc, in Michigan’s second-round win over Texas A&M may very well be an indication of what is forward in his senior season.
Tahaad Pettiford, G, Auburn: If he can transfer previous his July 12 arrest on a DUI charge, Pettiford needs to be the following chief of an Auburn squad that is successfully ranging from scratch after spending a lot of final season because the No. 1 workforce within the nation. He’s probably the most impactful returner for the Tigers and maybe within the SEC. After taking part in a backup position for Johni Broome & Co. final season, Pettiford will get his probability within the highlight.
Aden Holloway, G, Alabama: The combo guard is again for the Crimson Tide, who reached final season’s Elite Eight behind AP first-team All-American Mark Sears. Holloway, who was Sears’ backup for a number of stretches in 2024-25, now steps into that position for an Alabama roster that is proficient sufficient to compete for the SEC crown. — Medcalf
10 All-America candidates
Braden Smith, G, Purdue: The reigning Massive Ten Participant of the Yr might change into Purdue’s third Picket Award winner up to now 4 years. He additionally faces the strain of serving to Matt Painter win his first nationwide title because the chief of a roster that seems constructed for a run.
JT Toppin, F, Texas Tech: An Related Press second-team All-American final season, Toppin had a breakout 12 months with the Crimson Raiders however will enter 2025-26 as a nationwide participant of the 12 months contender. He averaged 19.2 factors and 11.0 rebounds, main his workforce to the Elite Eight final season.
PJ Haggerty, G, Kansas State: Additionally an AP second-team All-American final season, Haggerty helped Memphis safe one of the best season of Penny Hardaway’s tenure with 29 wins. At Kansas State, Haggerty will once more lead the workforce with an abundance of alternatives to go away his mark.
Cameron Boozer, F, Duke: His father, Carlos Boozer, helped Duke win the nationwide title in 2001. Lately named Gatorade Male Athlete of the Yr, Cameron will look to construct on the household legacy alongside his twin brother and fellow five-star recruit, Cayden.
Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas: With each starter from final season’s Kansas workforce gone, the five-star freshman would be the chief of a program that is making an attempt to shake the stench from three disappointing seasons that every ended with out a journey to the second weekend of the NCAA event.
A.J. Dybantsa, G, BYU: The Cougars are chasing their first nationwide title with Dybantsa, a contender for the No. 1 choose in subsequent summer season’s NBA draft. The 6-9 ahead is an assertive younger expertise who might assist Kevin Younger put collectively the best two-year stretch in program historical past if Dybantsa can lead the Cougars to the Closing 4 a 12 months after their Candy 16 run.
Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan: After averaging 17.7 factors at UAB final season, Lendeborg was a projected first-round choose within the 2025 NBA draft earlier than withdrawing to hitch a Michigan workforce that could be a reliable nationwide title contender. A double-double machine at UAB, Lendeborg is poised to emerge as considered one of America’s highest-profile gamers.
Trey Kaufman-Renn, F, Purdue: The Boilermakers reached the Candy 16 a 12 months after shedding two-time Picket Award winner Zach Edey thanks, partly, to Kaufman-Renn incomes first-team All-Massive Ten honors. He averaged 20.1 factors and 6.5 rebounds whereas connecting on 43% of his 3-point makes an attempt final season. This season, he might be a part of teammate Braden Smith as a critical candidate for All-America honors.
Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa: If followers did not know Stirtz’s title earlier than the NCAA event, they actually knew it after he scored 21 factors in Drake’s first-round upset of Missouri. The Mountain Valley Convention Participant of the Yr adopted coach Ben McCollum to Iowa, the place Stirtz will contend for Massive Ten Participant of the Yr and different honors.
Donovan Dent, G, UCLA: Earlier than Dent’s arrival, New Mexico had not been to the NCAA event in a decade. However the proficient guard, who averaged 20.4 factors en path to the Lobos’ Mountain West regular-season title final season, led his workforce to back-to-back appearances in 2024 and 2025. Now, he’ll be a catalyst for Mick Cronin’s squad within the Massive Ten. — Medcalf
10 coaches at new applications
Darian DeVries, Indiana: DeVries replaces Mike Woodson after main Drake to a few NCAA event appearances in 4 years and simply lacking the tourney in his lone season at West Virginia. In Bloomington, the strain is extremely excessive from day one.
Buzz Williams, Maryland: Williams is not any stranger to bouncing from one high-major program to a different, with stops at Marquette, Virginia Tech and Texas A&M. He left A&M after six seasons to take over in Faculty Park, the place he is changing Kevin Willard, who left for Villanova. After bringing a number of gamers with him from A&M, Terps followers are hoping Williams hits the bottom operating.
Will Wade, NC State: One of the fascinating hires of the cycle, Wade is again on the energy convention degree after successful 58 video games in two seasons at McNeese. He is an elite recruiter who has already raised the anticipation degree in Raleigh.
Sean Miller, Texas: Miller was a goal for Texas when the Longhorns employed Rodney Terry in 2023. Now after a second stint at Xavier, Miller is lastly in Austin. He has 13 profession NCAA event appearances and is anticipated to carry high-level success to the Longhorns.
Kevin Willard, Villanova: In maybe probably the most awkward saga of the 2025 teaching carousel, Willard spoke publicly about changes he wanted to see at Maryland and emerged as Villanova’s clear best choice in the course of the Terps’ Candy 16 run. The Wildcats have to reenter the nationwide highlight.
Ryan Odom, Virginia: Simply seven years after main UMBC to an NCAA event win over Virginia within the first 16-over-1 upset, Odom is taking on in Charlottesville. He is ostensibly changing Tony Bennett, who shockingly retired simply earlier than the 2024-25 season. Zero factors are getting back from final season, however Odom’s worldwide haul offers a giant enhance.
Ben McCollum, Iowa: McCollum’s meteoric rise from Division II to the Massive Ten took lower than one calendar 12 months. He led Northwest Missouri State to 4 nationwide titles earlier than guiding Drake to an NCAA event win in his lone season with the Bulldogs. All-American Bennett Stirtz following him to his third faculty is a good place to begin for 2025-26.
Jai Lucas, Miami: It was clear that Lucas was going to be the following coach at Miami earlier than information of his hiring broke, nevertheless it was nonetheless shocking when he left his put up as Duke assistant earlier than the postseason. Will his recruiting prowess assist get Miami again close to the highest of the ACC?
Richard Pitino, Xavier: Pitino was linked to seemingly each energy convention opening within the spring however finally landed at Xavier as Sean Miller’s alternative. Pitino led New Mexico to the second spherical of the NCAA event final season and now joins the identical league as his father, Rick. Other than the Travis Steele period, it is a program that has missed solely 4 NCAA tournaments within the 2000s. Expectations are quietly excessive.
Bucky McMillan, Texas A&M: Can “Bucky Ball” scale as much as the dominant SEC? Samford performed a few of the most entertaining basketball within the nation below McMillan the previous few seasons, going to the NCAA event in 2024. — Borzello