Top 20 College Basketball Players to Watch This Season
This countdown highlights the top college basketball players who are primed to dominate the upcoming season.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
This article showcases 20 college basketball players who are set to take over the season. Some are household names, others are under-the-radar talents ready to explode. Whether it is rim protection, clutch shooting, or total leadership, these players are shaping the narrative from tipoff to tournament.
20. Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s)
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Ejiofor anchors the Big East backcourt with smothering on-ball defense. He’s a savvy playmaker who excels in tight situations. Expect him to elevate St. John’s with improved scoring consistency.
19. Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan)
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Johnson brings Illinois-honed talent to Michigan’s wing rotation. His scoring stroke and hustle earned him buzz during summer workouts. He’ll be counted on for timely buckets and perimeter defense.
18. Elliot Cadeau (North Carolina)
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The veteran transfer is set to orchestrate UNC’s offense. His court vision and passing prowess earned him a starting role early. He brings poise and creativity to a young lineup.
17. Jaland Lowe (Pitt)
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Lowe’s steady perimeter scoring quietly influences ACC results. He fills stat sheets with rebounds, threes, and hustle points. His rise may make him one of the conference’s best role players.
16. Bryce Hopkins (Providence)
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Hopkins returned from injury ready to make waves in the Big East. His mix of size and shooting stretches defenses. He’ll command attention in Providence’s frontcourt.
15. Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma)
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Fears lit up the court as SEC Freshman of the Year. He fills lanes, knocks down deep shots, and reads his teammates with poise. His freshman breakout hints at bigger things ahead.
14. Solo Ball (UConn)
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Ball’s return adds familiarity and scoring punch to UConn’s guards. He thrives in transition and brings clutch shooting experience. The Huskies will lean on him for perimeter consistency.
13. Chris Cenac (Houston)
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The freshman center will develop behind deep frontcourt depth. He’s raw but shows flashes of rim protection and interior scoring. His limited minutes could blossom into a bigger role.
12. V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor)
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Vaaks is an international freshman who gives Providence frontcourt flexibility. His combination of height and shooting makes him intriguing. If his jump shot holds up, he could carve out rotation minutes.
11. Roddy Gayle Jr. (Michigan)
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Gayle brings a potent scoring spark and versatility after transferring from rival Ohio State. He dropped a season-high 26 points in Michigan’s comeback win and seamlessly stepped into a starting role.
10. Bez Mbeng (Yale)
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Mbeng earned Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year honors with relentless on-ball defense and 143 steals — third-most in program history. He also averaged a career-high 11.1 points and 4.1 assists last season while continuing to improve offensively. Expect him to anchor Yale’s backcourt and wreck opposing guard rotations with his length and instincts.
9. Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
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Peterson won the 2025 Naismith High School Player of the Year after leading his team to a state title. He is a 6'6" guard known for his scoring, defense, and all-around game. Kansas expects him to make a big impact right away in the Big 12.
8. A.J. Dybantsa (BYU)
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The Kentucky-transfer forward carries elite scoring upside and versatility. He stretches defenses with his shooting and length. His game reminds scouts of young Durant prototypes.
7. Derik Queen (Maryland)
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The Big Ten Freshman of the Year led Maryland in offensive rating and clutch moments. He’s the heartbeat of their tournament run. His two-way impact makes him a rising star.
6. Vladislav Goldin (Michigan)
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Goldin’s frontcourt presence transferred to Michigan mid-season. He averaged strong blocks and rebounds at his previous school. His physicality gives Michigan reliable interior defense.
5. Johni Broome (Auburn)
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Broome dominated as consensus All-American, averaging 18.6 PPG and 10.8 RPG. He manned the paint with post moves and rim protection. He brings veteran leadership and SEC toughness.
4. Cooper Flagg (Duke)
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Flagg won the Wooden Award and ACC Player and Rookie of the Year as a freshman. He averaged 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.2 APG, and 1.4 BPG. This 6-foot-9 phenom controls both ends of the floor with an NBA-ready game.
3. Kon Knueppel (Duke)
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Knueppel sharpens Duke’s wing with elite shooting and high basketball IQ. His efficient perimeter play made him a high draft prospect. His clutch threes helped secure ACC and Final Four success.
2. Liam McNeeley (UConn)
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McNeeley dropped 38 points and 10 boards in a breakout freshman game versus Creighton. Coach Hurley praised his competitive fire and sidekick chemistry. He’s a rising star in UConn’s championship mix.
1. Hunter Dickinson (Kansas)
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Dickinson logs powerful double-doubles and anchors Kansas’ veteran frontcourt. His low-post scoring remains a matchup nightmare. Expect more consistent dominance as a senior leader.