Top 100 NCAA Basketball Players Ranked for 2025-26 Season

UPDATE: The highly anticipated rankings for the 2025-26 NCAA men’s basketball season have just been released, showcasing a dynamic landscape of talent that promises to reshape the collegiate game. As the college basketball world braces for action, ESPN’s expert analysts, Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf, have ranked the top 100 players entering this season, revealing a fierce competition among returning stars and elite freshmen.

The landscape of college basketball has dramatically shifted due to the introduction of revenue sharing and the impact of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. This evolution is driving top prospects back to school, allowing them to enhance their draft stock while maximizing their earning potential. The 2025 recruiting class is particularly loaded, setting the stage for an exhilarating season.

At the forefront of this year’s rankings is Braden Smith from the Purdue Boilermakers, who has been named the top player. Smith, a consensus first-team All-American last season, spearheads a team that is ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25. His exceptional performance, which included averaging 15.8 points and 8.7 assists, positions him as a frontrunner for the coveted Wooden Award this year.

Not to be overlooked, the rankings also spotlight rising stars such as AJ Dybantsa from the BYU Cougars and Darryn Peterson from the Kansas Jayhawks. Dybantsa, a highly-touted freshman, is expected to make waves with his explosive playing style, while Peterson is anticipated to lead the Jayhawks’ charge this season.

The detailed rankings, which span from 100 to 1, also include standout players like Cooper Flagg from Duke and JT Toppin from Texas Tech, both of whom are set to contribute significantly to their teams’ success. Flagg, who was a focal point last season, continues to generate buzz as a potential game-changer.

As the excitement builds, college basketball fans are eager to see how these rankings will influence the season ahead. With talent like Smith and Dybantsa on display, the stakes are high, and every game could alter the course of the championship race.

The full list, including rankings from 100 to 1, is available on ESPN’s website, where analysts delve deeper into player performances and potential impacts for this upcoming season. In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on these players as they take to the court, eager to prove their worth in a highly competitive environment.

Stay tuned for more updates as the college basketball season unfolds!