Purdue’s Braden Smith Tops Sporting News’ Preseason All-America Team

The 2025-26 college basketball preseason All-America team has been unveiled by Sporting News, showcasing top talents poised to make significant impacts in NCAA Division I basketball this season. Leading the list is Braden Smith from Purdue, who is expected to play a pivotal role as teams prepare for the upcoming regular season and the highly anticipated March Madness tournament.

The current landscape of college basketball features a mix of seasoned players and an impressive influx of new talent. The Class of 2025, recognized for its contribution to the United States’ victory in the FIBA U-19 World Cup, is expected to bring fresh energy and competitive spirit to the court. As teams gear up for the season, many freshmen are anticipated to earn spots on the prestigious All-America team by season’s end.

First-Team All-Americans Stand Out

Braden Smith, a point guard for Purdue, had an outstanding previous season with averages of 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. His performance has garnered comparisons to some of the all-time greats in college basketball, including Jameer Nelson and Bobby Hurley. Smith’s competitive nature, coupled with his success in leading Purdue to two Big Ten regular-season titles and a trip to the 2024 Final Four, positions him as a key figure as the team aims for further glory close to home in 2025.

Another standout is JT Toppin from Texas Tech, who averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds last season. His contributions were vital in leading New Mexico to a Mountain West tournament title, followed by a strong performance in the NCAA Elite Eight. Toppin’s continuous improvement, particularly in long-range shooting, may solidify his status as a national player of the year candidate.

Otega Oweh from Kentucky is also making headlines. His return for his senior season is pivotal for the Wildcats, positioning him as a primary offensive option. Last season, he averaged 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds, and the expectation is that he will elevate his scoring to support the team in its quest for a Final Four appearance.

Other notable players on the first team include Darryn Peterson from Kansas, who averaged 30.2 points per game last year, and AJ Dybantsa from BYU, who posted 21.5 points and 12.4 rebounds. Both athletes are poised to make significant contributions to their respective teams.

Second and Third Teams Highlight Emerging Stars

The second team features Yaxel Lendeborg from Michigan, who averaged 17.7 points and 11.4 rebounds last season. His transfer from UAB to Michigan highlights his status as one of the most sought-after players in the NCAA transfer portal, bringing versatility and effective shooting to the Wolverines.

Donovan Dent from UCLA, another transfer, is poised to enhance the Bruins’ playmaking capabilities, having averaged 20.4 points and 6.4 assists last season. Meanwhile, Milos Uzan from Houston is returning to the college stage after a notable season at Oklahoma, where he will be critical to the Cougars’ success.

The third team includes a mix of established and emerging talents, such as Zuby Ejiofor from St. John’s and Graham Ike from Gonzaga, both of whom are expected to contribute significantly to their teams.

As the college basketball season approaches, anticipation builds around these standout players and their potential to shape the upcoming campaign. With the mixture of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, fans can expect an exhilarating season filled with competitive spirit and remarkable performances on the court.