College hoops is back. And this season is stacked with talent from veteran stars to hyped-up newcomers ready to take over. Here are ten players you’ll definitely want to keep an eye on in the 2025-26 season.
1. Yaxel Lendeborg, forward Michigan
Lendeborg could be that guy this season. After dominating at UAB, he’s now the centerpiece at Michigan and a real Big Ten Player of the Year, and maybe even National Player of the Year contender. Expect double-doubles every night.
Stats: 22 MIN | 12 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST | 1 BLK | 45.8%
2. Braden Smith, guard Purdue
Smith is the engine that makes Purdue go. Already a Big Ten Player of the Year winner, he’s the best playmaker in the country and the heartbeat of the Boilermakers’ offense.
Stats: 13.0 PTS | 4.5 REB | 10.0 AST | 45.8%
3. JT Toppin, forward Texas Tech
Toppin dominated the Big 12 last season and isn’t slowing down. He’s physical, explosive, and can take over games on both ends. Expect Texas Tech to make noise with him leading the way.
Stats: 31.0 PTS | 14.0 REB | 4.0 AST | 52.6%
4. AJ Dybantsa, forward BYU
One of the most hyped freshmen in the country, Dybantsa could be the No. 1 pick in next year’s NBA Draft. He’s a freak athlete who can score from anywhere and could lead BYU on a deep March run.
Stats: 32 MIN | 21 PTS | 6 REB | 3 AST | 50.0%
5. Zuby Ejiofor, forward St. John’s
The reigning Big East champ is back to do it again. Ejiofor is the preseason Big East Player of the Year and a major reason St. John’s looks like a Final Four threat under Rick Pitino.
Stats: 17.0 PTS | 6.0 REB | 3.0 AST | 70.0%
6. Darryn Peterson, guard Kansas
Peterson is a scoring machine. The former Naismith High School Player of the Year has elite shot-creation skills and could be Kansas’ next one-and-done star.
Stats: 21.5 PTS | 3.5 REB | 3.0 AST | 60.0%
7. PJ Haggerty, guard Kansas State
Haggerty can flat-out score. After impressive stints at Tulsa and Memphis, he’s now the go-to guy for Kansas State and should be in the Big 12 Player of the Year conversation.
Stats: 31 MIN | 27 PTS | 2 REB | 3 AST | 50.0%
8. Donovan Dent, guard UCLA
The former Mountain West Player of the Year at New Mexico is now home at UCLA — and exactly what the Bruins needed. Dent is a smooth playmaker who makes everyone around him better.
Stats: 16.5 PTS | 3.0 REB | 6.5 AST | 44.0%
9. Cameron Boozer, forward Duke
Yes, that Boozer. Carlos’s son is already making his own name as Duke’s go-to scorer. He’s physical, polished, and could lead the Blue Devils deep into March.
Stats: 15.0 PTS | 13.0 REB | 2.0 AST | 25.0%
10. Alex Condon, forward Florida
Condon’s back for one more run and ready to dominate the SEC. With Florida’s elite guard play setting him up, he’s poised to be one of the conference’s best big men.
Stats: 18.0 PTS | 9.0 REB | 4.0 AST | 57.1%
More college basketball news:
- Rick Pitino reacts to St. John’s opening win
- Ohio State loses point guard commitment
- AJ Dybansta makes debut for BYU
- Jalen Rose on TNT college basketball coverage