Top 100 NCAA Basketball Players Revealed Ahead of 2025-26 Season

UPDATE: The highly anticipated rankings of the top 100 men’s NCAA basketball players for the 2025-26 season have just been released by ESPN’s analysts Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf. This groundbreaking list is reshaping expectations as college basketball sees a surge in talent, fueled by new revenue-sharing models and the booming name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities.

The rankings highlight a competitive landscape, with an influx of promising freshmen and returning stars ready to make their mark. Notably, Braden Smith of the Purdue Boilermakers is positioned at No. 1 as the preseason favorite for the Wooden Award. Smith’s stellar performance last season, where he averaged 15.8 points and 8.7 assists, showcases his growth into a premier player, aiming to lead Purdue to its first national title.

Among the elite freshmen, A.J. Dybantsa from BYU is drawing significant attention. The top recruit in the 2025 SC Next Top 100 class, Dybantsa is projected as a potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft. His electrifying style of play has fans buzzing about BYU’s chances for a deep tournament run.

As teams prepare for the upcoming season, the rankings reflect a shift in the college basketball landscape. Players who previously may have considered going pro are opting to stay, capitalizing on lucrative NIL deals while enhancing their draft stock.

The urgency of this season is palpable, as many players, including last season’s standout Duke’s Cooper Flagg, who was a top prospect, are returning to school. This decision is expected to raise the level of competition, making the NCAA tournament more thrilling than ever.

With the rankings now available, fans and analysts are eager to see how these players will perform as the season progresses. Will Braden Smith maintain his top position, or will talented newcomers like Dybantsa and others disrupt the status quo?

As the 2025-26 NCAA basketball season approaches, all eyes will be on these players as they compete for glory on the court. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the season unfolds!