College Basketball's Freshman Class of 2025-26: An Unprecedented Surge of Talent Redefines Early Season Rankings

Nov 19, 2025, 07:35 AM ET — After a period where top high school basketball prospects often opted for alternative routes such as overseas leagues, the G League, or Overtime Elite to hone their skills for the NBA, college basketball has emphatically reasserted its dominance as the primary developmental pathway for first-year talents. This shift is not merely anecdotal; the numbers provide compelling evidence of a significant trend. The 2025 NBA draft saw an impressive eighteen freshmen selected in the first round, a clear indicator of the immediate impact these young players are having. Looking ahead, ESPN’s latest 2026 mock draft projects another robust class, with seventeen freshmen anticipated to be chosen in the first round, underscoring the sustained influx of elite, NBA-ready talent into the collegiate ranks.

The 2025-26 college basketball season has commenced with an exceptional cohort of freshmen, many of whom arrived on campus already laden with accolades and possessing the distinct traits of future professional stars. While the previous campaign featured a clear frontrunner for the top NBA draft pick in Cooper Flagg, this season’s race for both individual freshman honors and top draft projections appears to be one of the most intensely competitive in recent memory. The depth and quality of this freshman class are such that it is widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent history. To provide clarity and context amidst this abundance of talent, a Freshman of the Year tracker has been initiated, serving as a dynamic barometer for this potent group of underclassmen, with updates scheduled every other Wednesday as the season progresses and the competitive landscape evolves.

While the broader discussion surrounding the top NBA prospects will continue to garner significant attention, this particular ranking endeavors to address a distinct, immediate question: Who stands as the best freshman in America at this precise moment? It is widely acknowledged that the answer to this query is fluid and highly susceptible to change as the season unfolds, meaning players currently featured on this list may not retain their positions in the coming weeks or months.

Presented below is a comprehensive ranking of the top 10 freshmen in the country, reflecting their performances through the initial 16 days of the season. A key criterion for inclusion in this ranking mandates that a freshman must have participated in at least 50% of their team’s games. This stipulation explains the current omission of Kansas star and projected top NBA draft pick, Darryn Peterson, who is currently sidelined. His inclusion will be considered once he returns to full health and meets the participation threshold.

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1. AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU

Biggest performance so far: 25 points, six rebounds vs. UConn on Nov. 15

AJ Dybantsa, the highly touted small forward from BYU, has swiftly justified his No. 1 recruit status from the 2025 high school class. Through the Cougars’ first four games, Dybantsa has delivered consistently impactful performances. He demonstrated his clutch capabilities by taking control late in BYU’s season opener against Villanova, steering his team to victory. Subsequent outings against Holy Cross and Delaware further showcased his versatile skill set. His most notable display came in the second half of a narrow two-point loss to UConn on Saturday, where he single-handedly orchestrated a comeback from a 20-point deficit, looking every bit the part of a future No. 1 NBA draft selection. Currently, Dybantsa is averaging an impressive 20.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, while maintaining exceptional shooting efficiency at 57.4% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc. His immediate translation of high school dominance to collegiate success positions him at the top of this early-season ranking.

2. Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke

Biggest performance so far: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists vs. Kansas (in New York) on Nov. 18

Duke’s power forward, Cameron Boozer, has quickly established himself as a pivotal force for the Blue Devils, demonstrating his impact even on nights where his shot might not be falling. In Duke’s significant victory over Kansas at Tuesday’s Champions Classic in Madison Square Garden, Boozer overcame an early struggle to still conclude the game with a formidable stat line of 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. This performance underscored his ability to contribute significantly in multiple facets of the game regardless of offensive rhythm. Boozer, a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year, commenced his collegiate career with a standout performance in an exhibition win against Tennessee, followed by a double-double in the season-opening victory over Texas. While much of the preseason discussion centered on Dybantsa and the projected No. 1 NBA draft pick Darryn Peterson (according to ESPN’s latest mock draft), Boozer has unequivocally presented a compelling case that his overall impact and consistent production place him among the elite freshmen—and indeed, among the top players—in the nation.

3. Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina

Biggest performance so far: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists vs. Kansas on Nov. 7

Caleb Wilson, the five-star power forward from North Carolina, has brought both athleticism and an undeniable swagger to the Tar Heels’ lineup. His highlight-reel plays, such as a recent dribble-drive and powerful slam against Navy on Tuesday, have become a consistent feature of his early season performances. Wilson’s confidence was notably backed up in his second collegiate game, where he spearheaded North Carolina to a significant win over Kansas, recording 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Beyond his impressive statistical averages of 20.6 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, Wilson has also earned public commendation from coach Hubert Davis, who has highlighted the freshman’s vocal leadership as a crucial asset for the team. With veteran Seth Trimble currently sidelined by a broken arm, Wilson is expected to assume an even greater burden for the Tar Heels. His early performances suggest he is more than capable of handling the increased pressure and responsibility.

4. Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville

Biggest performance so far: 29 points, five assists vs. Kentucky on Nov. 11

From the outset of his commitment to Louisville, it was evident that head coach Pat Kelsey intended to entrust Mikel Brown Jr. with the orchestrating duties of the Cardinals’ offense. This strategic decision has yielded immediate dividends, with Brown leading a Louisville unit that currently ranks third nationally in scoring, averaging an impressive 103 points per game. Brown has demonstrated a dual threat as both a prolific scorer and an astute playmaker for his team, averaging 19.3 points and 6.8 assists per game—figures that lead all freshmen in both categories. His most exceptional performance to date occurred in last week’s heated rivalry victory over Kentucky. In that contest, Brown meticulously dissected the Wildcats’ defense, appearing virtually unguardable and committing only a single turnover, showcasing remarkable poise and efficiency for a first-year player on such a significant stage.

5. Koa Peat, PF, Arizona

Biggest performance so far: 30 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists vs. Florida on Nov. 3

Koa Peat made one of the most impactful freshman debuts in recent memory, immediately asserting himself as a top-tier prospect. On opening night, Peat delivered a dominant performance against reigning champion Florida, successfully navigating arguably the nation’s premier frontcourt. His exceptional outing saw him become the first player in Big 12 history to record 30 points and five assists in their career debut, a testament to his immediate readiness for high-level collegiate competition, according to ESPN Research. While his statistical output has seen a slight deceleration in subsequent games, notably encountering challenges against UCLA, Peat still maintains robust averages of 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. His initial explosion established an early benchmark for freshman impact, signaling his significant presence in the national landscape.

6. Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston

Biggest performance so far: 22 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds vs. Auburn on Nov. 16

Houston coach Kelvin Sampson had indicated that the Cougars’ talented freshman class might require a period of adjustment to excel at the collegiate level. However, 6-foot-4 point guard Kingston Flemings has defied that expectation, needing no such grace period. Through Houston’s first four games, Flemings has emerged as the most impactful player on a team with national championship aspirations, leading the Cougars in both scoring (17.3 points per game) and assists (5.3 assists per game). In Sunday’s challenging victory over Auburn in Birmingham, Flemings combined with fellow freshman Chris Cenac Jr. to contribute 40 points, with Flemings demonstrating a mature level of play as both a scorer and distributor in the team’s toughest contest of the season thus far. His early leadership and consistent production have been vital for Houston’s strong start.

7. Neoklis Avdalas, PG, Virginia Tech

Biggest performance so far: 33 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists vs. Providence on Nov. 8

Neoklis Avdalas stands out as one of the most distinctive prospects in this season’s freshman class. The 6-foot-9 point guard possesses an exceptional understanding of the game, operating at his own deliberate pace, and exhibits some of the most advanced offensive instincts among his peers. Avdalas had previously explored the NBA draft process, even receiving an invitation to the combine, but Virginia Tech coach Mike Young and the Hokies’ faithful are undoubtedly pleased that the Greece native ultimately chose to pursue the college route. While Avdalas has not yet replicated his star-making 33-point performance against Providence, he maintains impressive season averages of 16.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. His assist average is currently tied for second among all freshmen, underscoring his multifaceted contributions to the Virginia Tech offense.

8. Nate Ament, SF, Tennessee

Biggest performance so far: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists vs. Northern Kentucky on Nov. 8

Nate Ament, considered one of the premier shotmakers in the 2025 recruiting class, initially raised some concerns during the Volunteers’ exhibition games regarding the immediate translation of his talent. However, once the regular season commenced, any such anxieties quickly dissipated. Ament has consistently scored at least 18 points in each of Tennessee’s four games, demonstrating his offensive prowess. Furthermore, he has displayed unexpected promise as a rebounder, collecting at least eight rebounds in every game, and as a passer, recording at least five assists in two contests. These early performances have expanded expectations for his overall impact. Currently, Ament is averaging 19.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, indicating a more complete and versatile game than initially projected, making him a critical component of the Volunteers’ early season success.

9. David Mirkovic, F, Illinois

Biggest performance so far: 27 points and 21 rebounds vs. Colgate on Nov. 14

David Mirkovic arrived in the United States with valuable professional experience, having played in Montenegro for a couple of seasons prior to joining Illinois. This background has evidently prepared him to make an immediate impact in Champaign. Mirkovic commenced his collegiate career with a robust performance, registering 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists in Illinois’s victory over Jackson State. He has sustained this high level of play, now averaging 18.5 points, 12.5 rebounds (a figure that ranks second among all freshmen), and 2.3 assists. His most significant outing came against Colgate, where he delivered a monumental performance, becoming the first Illinois player since Nick Weatherspoon in 1972 to record at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a single game. Mirkovic’s professional background and immediate production highlight his readiness for the rigors of college basketball.

10. Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas

Biggest performance so far: 32 points, eight assists combined at Michigan State on Nov. 8

The Arkansas Razorbacks boast a dynamic backcourt duo in Darius Acuff Jr. and Meleek Thomas, who have collectively proven to be formidable forces in their inaugural collegiate season. The two stars, who combined for 38 points in Tuesday’s tight 84-83 victory against Winthrop, are considered a package deal, having quickly staked their claim as one of the nation’s premier freshman duos in just a handful of games. Together, they are averaging nearly 40 points and 10 assists per contest, showcasing both their individual scoring capabilities and their collaborative playmaking. Acuff, a 6-foot-3 point guard, has demonstrated impressive shooting efficiency from long range, converting 42% of his attempts from beyond the arc. Thomas, a 6-foot-5 wing, contributes significantly across the board, averaging 6.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists in addition to his scoring. Under the guidance of coach John Calipari, this elite freshman backcourt is poised to be a cornerstone for Arkansas’s season.

Also considered: Ebuka Okorie, Stanford; Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor; Thijs De Ridder, Virginia; Hannes Steinbach, Washington. These athletes have also demonstrated promising starts to their collegiate careers, exhibiting flashes of potential that position them as strong contenders for future inclusion in this ranking as the season progresses.