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 concluding the rankings today with players 1 through 25. Don’t miss our previous installments featuring players 26-40, 41-60, 61-80 and 81-100.
Did your favorite player make the list? Did your team get snubbed? Leave us a comment below.
Darryn Peterson
Kansas
6'6" / 205
Guard
1. Darryn Peterson, 6-foot-6 freshman guard, Kansas
2024-25: N/A
Coach Bill Self has had plenty of stars come through Kansas, including Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid. However, he’s on record saying that Peterson could be even better, as an incoming consensus top freshman whose all-around offensive talent makes him an easy All-American candidate. Peterson, who is already known for being one of the best pure scorers in the nation, is reportedly set to have the ball in his hands to run the Jayhawks’ offense. It wouldn’t be a surprise at all if the five-star freshman is in the running for National Player of the Year.
Braden Smith
Purdue
6'0" / 170
Guard
2. Braden Smith, 6-foot senior guard, Purdue
2024-25: 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.7 assists, 38 3PT%
Smith earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors last season, ranking second in the entire country in assists. However, Smith proved to be just as elite an individual scorer, including 12 games of at least 20 points and topped off by a 34-point outing against Toledo. As a returning All-American, Smith’s presence earned Purdue the preseason No. 1 ranking in the AP poll and will be a safe bet to be on the National Player of the Year shortlist.
Bennett Stirtz
Iowa
6'4" / 190
Guard
3. Bennett Stirtz, 6-foot-4 senior guard, Iowa
2024-25: 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 50 FG%, 40 3PT% (Drake)
Stirtz started out his career at the Division-II level (Northwest Missouri State), but in his lone year in the Missouri Valley Conference last season, the playmaking guard was the Player of the Year. Stirtz was not only in double figures in 33 of 35 games, he also had 20 games of 20-plus points. His next mountain to climb is the Big Ten, following head coach Darian McCollum over from Drake. Look for Stirtz to be the focal point of Iowa’s offense on the national scene.
AJ Dybantsa
BYU
6'9" / 196
Forward
4. AJ Dybantsa, 6-foot-9 freshman forward, BYU
2024-25: N/A
The hype level for Dybantsa has been as high as any incoming freshman the last few years, with the Boston native being viewed as one of the best pure scorers in the country. His size and measurables, combined with a natural scoring ability, make him an impossible matchup for most wings and frontcourt players. And BYU has surrounded Dybantsa with enough shooters and playmakers so that he can’t be doubled throughout the game. Not only is he a candidate for National Player of the Year, Dybantsa is also a favorite for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Trey Kaufman-Renn
Purdue
6'9" / 240
Forward
5. Trey Kaufman-Renn, 6-foot-9 senior forward, Purdue
2024-25: 20.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 60 FG%
Thanks to Braden Smith, a high-major 20-points-per-game scorer can fly under the radar at Purdue. But Kaufman-Renn has earned the title of top post scorer in college basketball, including eight games of at least 25 points last season, two of which came in NCAA Tournament wins over High Point and McNeese State. For Purdue to win a national title, the play of Kaufman-Renn will be just as important as that of Smith.
PJ Haggerty
Kansas State
6'4" / 195
Guard
6. PJ Haggerty, 6-foot-4 senior guard, Kansas State
2024-25: 21.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 48 FG% (Memphis)
Haggerty has scored 20 points per game each of the last two years, including his time at TCU. When he stepped up to a bigger program last season, Haggerty led the Tigers to the regular-season and conference-tournament titles, earning American Player of the Year honors. The dynamic scoring guard had 12 games of at least 20 points, including a 42-point outing versus Wichita State in the conference tournament. His ability to score should translate to the Big 12, but can Haggerty lift Kansas State into postseason contention?
Yaxel Lendeborg
Michigan
6' 9" / 240
Forward
7. Yaxel Lendeborg, 6-foot-9 senior forward, Michigan
2024-25: 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 52 FG% (UAB)
If Haggerty was the best player in the American last year, Lendeborg was the second-best. Not only was the forward one of the best rebounders in the nation, he was also on the triple-double watch several times for UAB. Lendeborg is also a two-time AAC Defensive Player of the Year, including five games of at least five blocks. We saw how coach Dusty May utilized transfer forwards last year, and Lendeborg should be able to thrive at Michigan, even against better competition in the Big Ten.
Tahaad Pettiford
Auburn
6'1" / 170
Guard
8. Tahaad Pettiford, 6-foot-1 sophomore guard, Auburn
2024-25: 11.6 points, 3.0 assists, 37 3FG%
The former five-star prospect made an early statement in his second game of his freshman campaign, scoring 21 points against Houston and its elite defense. Despite playing around 22 minutes a game off the bench, Pettiford still had several big outings, including 20 points in a win over Michigan in the Sweet Sixteen. Auburn is in a state of transition with a new cast of characters and a new head coach, but the stage is set for Pettiford to break out as a national star.
Tucker DeVries
Indiana
6'7" / 225
Forward
9. Tucker DeVries, 6-foot-7 senior forward, Indiana
2024-25 (8 games): 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 47 3FG% (West Virginia)
An upper-body injury ended DeVries’ season before Big 12 play, but he still remains one of the best pure shooters in the nation, with two Missouri Valley Player of the Year awards in his name. Tucker follows his dad and coach Darian DeVries to the Hoosiers, where he will lead an entirely new roster. With his familiarity with the offensive system, look for the younger DeVries to end up as a focal point for the offense.
Cameron Boozer
Duke
6'9" / 234
Forward
10. Cameron Boozer, 6-foot-9 freshman forward, Duke
2024-25: N/A
Continuing the line of five-star freshmen to star at Duke is Cameron, the son of former Blue Devil great Carlos Boozer. While he doesn’t have the ceiling of a Cooper Flagg, Boozer has no sure weaknesses to his game and is an elite inside/outside scoring threat. Joined by his brother Cayden, Cameron is set to be the focal point for a preseason top-10 team and will be another freshman All-American candidate.
JT Toppin
Texas Tech
6'9" / 230
Forward
11. JT Toppin, 6-foot-9 junior forward, Texas Tech
2024-25: 18.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 55 FG%
The Big 12 Player of the Year returns after an elite first year with the Red Raiders. Toppin produced 19 double-doubles, including all four games of Tech’s NCAA Tournament run. His offensive game is among the best in the nation, as evidenced by a 41-point, 15-rebound effort against Arizona State in double overtime. With the departure of Darrion Williams to NC State, look for Toppin to have an even larger role in the offense and an open path to repeat as an All-American.
Alex Condon
Florida
6'11" / 230
Forward
12. Alex Condon, 6-foot-11 junior forward, Florida
2024-25: 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 49 FG%
The Gators bring back most of their frontcourt from last year’s title-winning team, but a great case can be made that Condon is the most important piece. He led Florida in rebounding and came through in some of the biggest games of the season, including 27 points and 10 rebounds on the road at Alabama and 12 points and seven rebounds in the national title win over Houston. Whether Florida plays super big lineups with Thomas Haugh next to him or more traditional alignments, Condon will still have a major role and impact for the defending champs.
Graham Ike
Gonzaga
6'9" / 250
Forward
13. Graham Ike, 6-foot-9 senior forward, Gonzaga
2024-25: 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 60 FG%
In a sport that’s seen fewer traditional low-post scorers in recent years, Ike stands out as one of the most consistent offensive threats in the country. Last season, Ike had 14 games of at least 20 points, including 27 in the Round of 32 defeat to the Houston Cougars. Even without the nation’s leading passer, Ryan Nembhard, getting Ike the ball, Gonzaga’s system should keep Ike with a high usage this year.
Otega Oweh
Kentucky
6'4" / 220
Guard
14. Otega Oweh, 6-foot-4 senior guard, Kentucky
2024-25: 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 49 FG%
Oweh was one of the top-impact transfers in the country last year, leading Kentucky in scoring. The senior playmaker had 12 games of 20-plus points, including 28 on the road at Oklahoma and 20 points in the NCAA Tournament Round of 64 win over Troy. Seven of them came in the final two months of the year, when Oweh became an All-American-caliber player. The SEC Preseason Player of the Year has a new supporting cast, but Oweh should remain the first option of the offense.
Koa Peat
Arizona
6'8" / 235
Forward
15. Koa Peat, 6-foot-8 freshman forward, Arizona
2024-25: N/A
Arizona has a top-tier incoming freshmen class, led by Peat and his elite athleticism. The dynamic forward has a quality two-way game and is capable of rebounding at a high level, giving the Wildcats plenty of frontcourt talent and depth. With the top scorers from last season gone, the Wildcats will be looking for Peat, a projected top-10 NBA Draft pick, to give them double-digit scoring production as well.
Milos Uzan
Houston
6'4" / 195
Guard
16. Milos Uzan, 6-foot-4 senior guard, Houston
2024-25: 11.4 points, 4.3 assists, 43 3FG%
Uzan was the starting point guard for the national runners-up, driving an offense that powered the Cougars to the Big 12 championship. He had 12 games of at least 14 points, including 25 in the Big 12 title game win over Arizona. Yes, Houston brings in its best recruiting class in program history, but its chances of getting back to the Final Four will depend on the guard who’ll have the ball in his hands in the biggest moments.
Richie Saunders
BYU
6'5" / 200
Guard
17. Richie Saunders, 6-foot-5 senior guard, BYU
2024-25: 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 52 FG%, 43 3FG%
A returning top scorer and all-conference player rarely gets overshadowed the way Saunders has this offseason, but that’s the nature of AJ Dybantsa’s historic commitment to BYU. Still, the senior Cougar makes a case for being the best pure shooter in the country, including 14 games of at least three three-pointers made. He also had a 30-point outing against Kansas State, as well as two 25-point outings in the most recent NCAA Tournament. Even if he’s not the first option this year, look for Saunders to remain one of the top shooters and scorers in the nation for a second straight year.
Josh Hubbard
Mississippi State
6'0" / 190
Guard
18. Josh Hubbard, 6-foot junior guard, Mississippi State
2024-25: 18.9 points, 3.1 assists, 35 3FG%
Ever since he arrived on campus, Hubbard has been one of the best scorers in the nation. Hubbard had 14 games of at least 20 points, including a career-high 38 against Alabama, along with 24-plus points in all three postseason games last year. It’s a safe bet to expect Hubbard to be one of the top scorers again; Mississippi State’s finish in the standings will determine whether he can win SEC Player of the Year.
Mikel Brown
Louisville
6'5" / 180
Guard
19. Mikel Brown, 6-foot-5 freshman guard, Louisville
2024-25: N/A
In a list that includes several five-star freshmen, it was Brown who was the star of the U19 Team USA Gold Medal squad this summer. The dynamic point guard can create for himself and his teammates while showcasing a strong three-point shot. Surrounded by a bunch of transfers and veterans at Louisville, Brown may have the highest individual ceiling — one that could carry the team to an ACC title.
Donovan Dent
UCLA
6'2" / 185
Guard
20. Donovan Dent, 6-foot-2 senior guard, UCLA
2024-25: 20.4 points, 6.4 assists, 49 FG% (New Mexico)
Not only was Dent one of the most prolific scorers in the country last season, he also was one of the most consistent, reaching double figures in every game at New Mexico. The Mountain West Player of the Year had four games of at least 30 points, including a career-high 40 in a win over VCU. Dent is now the projected lead guard at UCLA, a team which has lacked a true offensive threat in the backcourt for a couple of years. If Dent can fill that void and the team defense for the Bruins remains elite, this team could be a Final Four dark horse candidate.
Tomislav Ivišić
Illinois
7'1" / 255
Center
21. Tomislav Ivišić, 7-foot-1 junior center, Illinois
2024-25: 13.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 49.2 FG%
Ivišić, who led the Illini in rebounding a season ago, will be joined by his younger brother and Arkansas transfer, Zvonimir. The two compose a formidable duo alongside senior forward Ben Humrichous, and Underwood’s frontcourt will need to be at the top of its game this year, particularly against preseason Big Ten favorite Purdue, which claimed the No.1 spot in the preseason AP Poll.
Bruce Thornton
Ohio State
6'2" / 215
Guard
22. Bruce Thornton, 6-foot-2 senior guard, Ohio State
2024-25: 17.7 points, 4.6 assists, 3.4 rebounds, 42.4 3FG%
A starter in all but three of the Buckeyes’ contests since he stepped on campus, Thornton has been one of the few mainstays during his tenure. Suiting up for an Ohio State squad that has yet to make an NCAA Tournament in his three seasons, Thornton has averaged 14.6 points per game, including a career and team-high 17.7 points in 2024-25.
Labaron Philon Jr.
Alabama
6'4" / 185
Guard
23. Labaron Philon Jr., 6-foot-4 sophomore guard, Alabama
2024-25: 10.6 points, 3.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 45.2 FG%
With the departure of longtime floor general Mark Sears, a key role opens for the Crimson Tide in 2025-26. Thankfully for Bama fans, coach Nate Oats and his staff do an excellent job recruiting, both in the portal and out of high school. Philon, who Oats landed over in-state rival Auburn, showed flashes of brilliance starting 29 games as a true freshman. He uncorked for a team-high 16 during the Tide’s Elite Eight loss to Duke.
Joseph Tugler
Houston
6'8" / 230
Forward
24. Joseph Tugler, 6-foot-8 junior forward, Houston
2024-25: 5.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 52.3 FG%
Although Tugler’s numbers appear far from eye-popping, the Louisiana native possesses massive untapped potential. A former four-star recruit who attended Houston’s Cy Falls High School, Tugler started 33 games last season and tallied a pair of double-doubles, including 10 points and 11 rebounds in a tightly-contested second-round NCAA Tournament victory over Gonzaga.
Nick Martinelli
Northwestern
6'7" / 225
Forward
25. Nick Martinelli, 6-foot-7 senior forward, Northwestern
2024-25: 20.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 47.1 FG%, 33.3 3FG%
A native of nearby Glenview, Martinelli averaged a career-high 20.5 points per game in 2024-25 and exploded for a career-best 32 points in a Nov. 9 contest at Dayton. Following a lackluster haul in the portal, Northwestern will look to Martinelli and incoming four-star forward Tre Singleton to jumpstart a Wildcats squad that finished 12th in the Big Ten a season ago.
