The 2025-26 college basketball season is almost here, so we at Hoops HQ wanted to do our part to get you ready by ranking the top 100 players in the country. We used a combination of data from our friends at The Portal Report, plus a variety of information and rankings from a host of analytics and ranking sites devoted to the sport. So consider this a scientific exercise mixed in with a dash of art.
The impact that each player has over the course of the season depends not only on his own potential and skill set, but also on how he fits with his team. So consider the primers below to be sneak peeks of the top individual pieces as well as a broader look at what all the puzzles look like. Basketball is a team game, and the main goal of each part is to contribute to the whole.
We are rolling out these rankings in five installments, continuing today with players 41 through 60. Don’t miss our previous installments featuring players 61-100. Check back to Hoops HQ in the coming days for the rest of the rankings.
The Top 100 Players in College Basketball: Part One
Hoops HQ delivers you the definitive, data-driven ranking of the top 100 players in college basketball for the 2025-26 season
The Top 100 Players in College Basketball: Part Two
Forget Top 25 rankings. Hoops HQ delivers you the definitive list of the Top 100 players in college basketball.
Did your favorite player make the list? Did your team get snubbed? Leave us a comment below.
Braylon Mullins
UConn
6'6" / 196
Guard
41. Braylon Mullins, 6-foot-6 freshman guard, UConn
2024-25: N/A
As Dan Hurley attempts to return UConn to national-championship contention, he brings on Mullins, who arrives with a five-star pedigree. The 2025 McDonald’s All-American and No. 12 prospect in the country is one of the best three-point shooters in his entire recruiting class, as he shot better than 47 percent from deep as a senior at Greenfield-Central High School. With positional size at 6-foot-6, Mullins compliments his shooting with a well-rounded offensive game and can work in different roles as an on-ball playmaker, an off-ball cutter or a spot-up specialist. As the Huskies’ highest ranked incoming freshman, Mullins will have every opportunity to follow in the footsteps of recent UConn freshmen like Liam McNeeley and Stephon Castle.
Caleb Wilson
North Carolina
6'10" / 215
Forward
42. Caleb Wilson, 6-foot-10 freshman forward, North Carolina
2024-25: N/A
North Carolina and Hubert Davis added a top-seven freshman class this offseason according to 247Sports, and a major reason for that ranking is the addition of a five-star recruit in Wilson. As a product of Holy Innocents Episcopal School, he was selected as a 2025 McDonald’s All-American and as the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Georgia. At 6-foot-10, Wilson brings tons of two-way potential with soft touch around the rim, improving shooting range and the versatility to guard one through five. The Tar Heels watched most of their frontcourt talent depart via the transfer portal this offseason, which will give Wilson the inside track at breaking into the rotation.
Karter Knox
Arkansas
6'6" / 220
Wing
43. Karter Knox, 6-foot-6 sophomore wing, Arkansas
2023-24: 8.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 46 FG%, 35 3FG%
Knox, a former top-100 prospect, made impressive strides playing under head coach John Calipari as a freshman. After coming off the bench early in the season he worked his way into Arkansas’ starting lineup just before SEC play and put together some memorable performances, headlined by a 17-point effort at Texas A&M. He finished sixth in points per game for the Razorbacks, and with the program losing its three leading scorers this offseason, Knox should work his way into an expanded role.
Kylan Boswell
Illinois
6'2" / 205
Guard
44. Kylan Boswell, 6-foot-2 senior guard, Illinois
2024-25: 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.1 steals, 43 FG%
Boswell joined Illinois last offseason via the transfer portal after two seasons at Arizona, and the move to play under head coach Brad Underwood allowed him to flourish, as Boswell averaged a career-high 12.3 points per game as a dynamic do-it-all point guard. He finished fourth in scoring for the Fighting Illini last season, and with freshman stars Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley both selected to the NBA, Boswell instantly becomes the focal point of Illinois’ gameplan.
Pharrel Payne
Maryland
6'9" / 250
Forward
45. Pharrel Payne, 6-foot-9 senior forward, Maryland
2024-25: 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, 65 FG%
Payne spent his first two seasons at Minnesota playing alongside Dawson Garcia in the Gophers frontcourt, but as the program struggled in the Big Ten, he departed last offseason. Payne soon arrived in College Station where, under the leadership of Buzz Williams, he was third in scoring for Texas A&M and worked his way into a starting spot. Payne opted to follow Williams to Maryland this offseason, and as the Terrapins’ new roster familiarizes itself with Williams’ style and gameplan, the 6-foot-9 senior could very well be a primary option given his physicality, size and experience.
Elliot Cadeau
Michigan
6'1" / 180
Guard
46. Elliot Cadeau, 6-foot-1 junior guard, Michigan
2024-25 Stats: 9.4 points, 6.2 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 45 FG%
Cadeau started 68 out of 74 games over two seasons at North Carolina and emerged as one of the ACC’s premier point guards. In search of a new challenge, he entered the transfer portal this offseason and will join a Michigan squad coming off a Big Ten tournament championship. The loss of Tre Donaldson is undoubtedly looming large in Michigan’s backcourt, with Cadeau tabbed as his replacement and the Wolverines’ new primary ball handler. Those are high expectations, but Dusty May is known for his development of guards and Cadeau looks primed for another jump.
Thomas Haugh
Florida
6'9" / 215
Forward
47. Thomas Haugh, 6-foot-9 junior forward, Florida
2024-25: 9.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 49 FG%, 34 3FG%
Haugh improved in leaps and bounds as a sophomore and though he wasn’t a starter for the national champion Florida Gators, he was a key role player during their historic run. He made 40 appearances last season and was selected to the West Regional All-NCAA Tournament Team after posting a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double in the Elite Eight. With the Gators’ three leading scorers from the 2024-25 campaign all out of eligibility, Haugh should see an increased role this season and maybe even some starting opportunities.
Darrion Williams
NC State
6'6" / 225
Forward
48. Darrion Williams, 6-foot-6 senior forward, NC State
2024-25: 15.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.3 steals, 44 FG%, 34 3FG%
Williams earned a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team and joined Haugh on the West Regional All-NCAA Tournament Team after scoring 28 points in a win over Drake. Not only was Williams clutch in March, but he’s one of the nation’s most versatile players, which made him highly sought after when he entered the portal. He opted to join a rebuilding NC State program now led by head coach Will Wade and has already emerged as an early ACC Player of the Year contender.
Fletcher Loyer
Purdue
6'5" / 180
Guard
49. Fletcher Loyer, 6-foot-5 senior guard, Purdue
2024-25: 13.8 points, 2.1 rebounds, 47 FG%, 44 3FG%
Loyer has been a three-year starter during his career at Purdue and that’s expected to continue in 2025-26 with head coach Matt Painter returning the core of last season’s rotation. Loyer has started 110 out of 110 games with the Boilermakers and ranks 10th all-time at Purdue for career three-pointers and 33rd in overall scoring.
Chad Baker-Mazara
USC
6'7 / 172
Wing
50. Chad Baker-Mazara, 6-foot-7 graduate senior wing, USC
2024-25: 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals, 45 FG%, 38 3FG%
Baker-Mazara arrives at USC for his sixth season of college basketball following stints at Duquesne, San Diego State, Northwest Florida State (JUCO) and Auburn. He went from junior college in 2023-24 to All-SEC Second Team in 2024-25 and dropped 18 points on a national stage as Auburn fell to Florida 79-73 in the Final Four. That’s already a significant jump, but for his second act on the west coast, Baker-Mazara looks to return USC to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023.
Isiah Harwell
Houston
6'6" / 220
Guard
51. Isiah Harwell, 6-foot-6 freshman guard, Houston
2024-25: N/A
Houston lost a good portion of its veteran talent from last season’s national championship runner-up roster, including leading scorer LJ Cryer, J’Wan Roberts and Mylik Wilson. Without a ton of new additions from the transfer portal, head coach Kelvin Sampson will rely on Harwell, a five-star freshman combo guard, to be impactful. Though Harwell battled injuries during his time at Wasatch Academy, he brings tons of size, versatility and a lethal mid-range game to Houston’s backcourt rotation. He selected the Cougars over offers from Alabama, Cal, Gonzaga, Texas and more, and should serve in a key role as Houston looks to defend its Big 12 title.
Jaden Bradley
Arizona
6'3" / 200
Guard
52. Jaden Bradley, 6-foot-3 senior guard, Arizona
2024-25: 12.1 points, 3.7 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals, 47 FG%
After an SEC All-Freshman campaign with Alabama back in 2022-23, Bradley departed for the transfer portal and joined Arizona, where he grew from bench contributor to 37-game starter. He finished second in scoring on a Wildcats team that made it to the Sweet Sixteen, but with senior guard Caleb Love out of eligibility, Bradley will take on an even bigger role. He has impressed throughout the offseason and reportedly notched 12 points, four assists and three steals in the program’s recent Red-Blue scrimmage.
Pop Isaacs
Texas A&M
6'2" / 182
Guard
53. Pop Isaacs, 6-foot-2 junior guard, Texas A&M
2024-25: 16.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 41 FG%, 38 3FG%
Isaacs made just eight appearances at Creighton last season before suffering a hip injury which required surgery, forcing him out for the remainder of the year. Even though he missed the majority of the 2024-25 campaign, Isaacs’ resume speaks for itself. He has averaged double digits every season of his collegiate career, including 15.8 points per game as a sophomore at Texas Tech. The former top-100 prospect will team up with new Texas A&M head coach Bucky McMillan, whose unique style should mesh well with Isaacs’ versatile skillset.
Joshua Jefferson
Iowa State
6'9" / 240
Forward
54. Joshua Jefferson, 6-foot-9 senior forward, Iowa State
2024-25: 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.1 steals, 52 FG%
A move from Saint Mary’s to Iowa State last offseason saw Jefferson flourish, as he finished All-Big 12 Second Team in 2024-25 with nine double-doubles. The Cyclones came up short in the second round of the NCAA Tournament before senior leaders Curtis Jones and Keshon Gilbert graduated, leaving Jefferson to take on an even bigger role. Head coach T.J. Otzelberger added four newcomers from the transfer portal who should all help recoup the lost production, but Jefferson will be the lead man in the frontcourt. He’s mobile and athletic at 6-foot-9, with developing shooting range, which makes it easy to see why he’s been such a success in the Big 12.
Tounde Yessoufou
Baylor
6'5" / 215
Guard
55. Tounde Yessoufou, 6-foot-5 freshman guard, Baylor
2024-25: N/A
Yessoufou might only be listed at 6-foot-5 but he’s one of the most physically imposing freshmen in his class, with a long, strong, athletic frame that helps him work downhill. He was the nation’s No. 14 prospect according to 247Sports and a five-star recruit from St. Joseph’s High School in California. Yessoufou held offers from Arizona, Kentucky, USC, Washington and more before deciding on Baylor, where he’ll look to earn consistent minutes in year one under Scott Drew.
Wesley Yates III
Washington
6'4" / 219
Guard
56. Wesley Yates III, 6-foot-4 sophomore guard, Washington
2024-25: 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, 48 FG%, 44 3FG%
Yates’ collegiate career actually began at Washington under former head coach Mike Hopkins, with the top-100 recruit forced to redshirt his first year due to some significant injuries. Hopkins departed the program at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, leading Yates to enter the portal, where he emerged with a move to USC. He started 24 games for the Trojans last year and finished second in scoring. Now, Yates returns to play under head coach Danny Sprinkle, who completely reworked the Huskies roster this offseason. Yates’ experience within the Big Ten will be invaluable.
Tyler Bilodeau
UCLA
6'9" / 235
Forward
57. Tyler Bilodeau, 6-foot-9 senior forward, UCLA
2024-25: 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, 50 FG%, 40 3FG%
Bilodeau played his first two seasons at Oregon State and he flourished in the program’s last season in the Pac-12, averaging 14.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 32 starts. But with the Pac-12 on pause for the 2024-25 campaign and Oregon State leaving for the WCC, Bilodeau decided to enter the portal and joined UCLA to continue playing at the high-major level. That move ultimately paid off as he went on to earn All-Big Ten Third Team with the Bruins. As UCLA’s leading-scorer from a season ago, Bilodeau is expected to take another leap and could be one of the nation’s premier stretch forwards.
John Blackwell
Wisconsin
6'4" / 203
Guard
58. John Blackwell, 6-foot-4 junior guard, Wisconsin
2024-25: 15.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 45 FG%
Unlike many on this list, Blackwell was not a highly respected prospect coming out of high school. Instead, he was a three-star whose only reported high-major offer came from Wisconsin, along with other programs like VCU, Central Michigan, Oakland, Rhode Island and more. He managed a solid freshman season and made 34 appearances but Blackwell truly erupted as a sophomore, scoring double digits in both of the Badgers’ NCAA Tournament games. With much of this season’s roster arriving via the portal, Blackwell will be a mainstay in the starting lineup once again.
Coen Carr
Michigan State
6'6" / 225
Forward
59. Coen Carr, 6-foot-6 junior forward, Michigan State
2024-25: 8.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 61 FG%, 33 3FG%
Carr, a former top-100 prospect, has yet to fulfill his potential in two seasons at Michigan State. But with all three of the Spartans’ leading scorers gone, Carr will be thrust into a bigger role in Tom Izzo’s frontcourt in 2025-26. He might not be the biggest frontcourt piece in the Big Ten, but Carr’s athleticism and finishing ability are off the charts and he was one of the best dunkers in the 2022 recruiting class. Michigan State is relying on him to make some significant improvements and to be the focal point of the interior offensive gameplan.
Chris Cenac Jr.
Houston
6'11" / 240
Forward
60. Chris Cenac Jr., 6-foot-11 freshman forward, Houston
2024-25: 15.8 points, 4.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 48.2 FG%, 30.7 3FG% (USC)
As the No. 6 recruit in the Class of 2025 according to 247, Cenac held offers from dozens of high-major programs out of high school and mostly visited teams in the SEC. However, when it came down to decision time he committed to Kelvin Sampson following Houston’s run to the NCAA championship game. With J’Wan Roberts out of eligibility, Cenac should work his way into Houston’s rotation from day one. His unique combination of size, mobility, athleticism and versatility will give him every chance at succeeding in the Big 12, particularly under the tutelage of this well-respected Houston staff.
