Ranking college basketball's loaded freshmen class in March Madness, from Cameron Boozer to Darryn Peterson

The 2025-26 college basketball season might have the best freshmen class we've ever seen.

From the moment Cameron Boozer stepped onto the floor at Duke, it was clear that the high school hype wasn't just noise — it was a warning. Boozer will win the National Player of the Year Award, leading Duke to the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. But it isn’t just Boozer dominating the headlines.

Across the country, rookies like Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, and Tennessee's Nate Ament have transformed their programs into immediate title contenders. Even with Caleb Wilson sidelined at North Carolina, the sheer density of "one-and-done talent — nearly all of whom are projected to sweep the top of the 2026 NBA Draft — has made this season feel like a changing of the guard in real-time.

It's fair to say that with all the talent these first years have to boast, one of them might go to the NBA with a national championship ring.

So, with March Madness here, let's rank the top freshmen of the 2025-26 class.

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1. Cameron Boozer, Duke

Boozer might not be the No. 1 pick come the NBA Draft in June, but he was the undisputed best player in college basketball this year. The presumptive Wooden Award winner comes in at No. 1 on the list.

Boozer’s freshman campaign at Duke has been nothing short of legendary, culminating in him becoming the highest-rated player in the history of the KenPom Player of the Year standings. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged a dominant 22.7 points and 10.2 rebounds, making him the first Division I player in 30 years to post a 700-point, 300-rebound, 100-assist season while shooting over 50% from the field.

His consistency was unprecedented, as he recorded at least 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists in every single game — the longest such streak by any player this century. After sweeping the ACC Player and Rookie of the Year awards and leading the Blue Devils to a second consecutive conference title, Boozer was named the Sporting News National Player of the Year and first team All-American, cementing his status as a lock for the top of the 2026 NBA Draft.

College basketball's top player lies in Durham. Coming into college, all he did was win, and he continued that with the Blue Devils, leading Duke to the top overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

"When adversity comes, he is not fazed by it," Duke coach Jon Scheyer said to SN's Mike DeCourcy. "He's just got the unique composure to handle those moments. I credit him for just being wired – just being obsessed with basketball and studying the game for a long time. I think it makes him incredibly prepared for those moments."

SN AWARDS: All-America team | Player of the Year | Coach of the Year

2. A.J. Dybantsa, BYU 

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In any other season, AJ Dybantsa isn’t just the top freshman in the country—he’s likely the runaway favorite for every National Player of the Year trophy on the shelf. The 6-foot-9 BYU phenom is currently on pace to become the first underclassman to lead the nation in scoring since 2021, averaging a staggering 25.3 points per game while shooting over 51% from the floor.

His debut season in Provo has been a total demolition of the record books. In January, he shattered Danny Ainge’s 48-year-old school record for points in a game by a freshman with a 43-point masterpiece against Utah. He then took his show to the Big 12 Tournament, where he dropped 40 points on Kansas State to break Kevin Durant's freshman tournament scoring record. Beyond the raw numbers, Dybantsa has evolved into a complete offensive engine, averaging nearly 7 rebounds and 4 assists, including a turnover-free performance against K-State that made him the only D-I player this century to post a 40/5/5/3 line with 70% shooting and zero fouls.

Whether he’s pulling up from the logo, creating in the post, or flying for a signature transition slam, Dybantsa is performing at a level that makes him a clear-cut once-in-a-generation star. But what is also staggering about the freshman is his workload: since the beginning of February, the star has played at least 36 minutes in every game. BYU lost Richie Saunders to a season-ending ACL, but the freshman from Brockton, Mass gives them a way to win on any given night.

BENDER: Expert predictions for March Madness

3. Darryn Peterson, Kansas

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If you needed context for how good this freshman class is, the projected No. 1 overall pick is ranked at No. 3 on the list

Peterson isn't just a high-level recruit; he is widely considered the most polished scoring guard to enter the college ranks in over a decade. Bill Self has repeatedly called him the "best player we've recruited" during his 23-year tenure at Kansas — surpassing even Andrew Wiggins and Josh Jackson in terms of pure offensive readiness.

His scoring profile is a rare blend of modern analytics and old-school midrange mastery. While most freshmen struggle with efficiency, Peterson shot 38.4% from deep and over 82% from the free-throw line, all while possessing a 6-foot-10.5 wingspan that allows him to elevate and shoot over defenders with a Kobe-esque poise. He became the first KU freshman in history to record six 3-pointers and five steals in a single game, and his 32-point masterclass against TCU remains the fourth-highest scoring performance by a freshman in the Bill Self era.

What truly separates him from his peers is his professional pace; he doesn't just rely on athleticism, but rather a sophisticated handle and physical strength that allows him to absorb contact and get to his spots at will. Despite the time lost to debilitating cramping episodes, Peterson finished the regular season as the highest-scoring freshman in Kansas history (19.8 PPG), and is a near-lock for the top pick of the 2026 NBA Draft.

HISTORY OF UPSETS BY SEED:
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4. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas

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The 6-foot-3 Detroit native has been a revelation in his debut season at Arkansas, becoming just the third player in history to be named SEC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year in the same season, joining Anthony Davis and Brandon Miller.

Acuff has operated as the ultimate offensive engine for John Calipari, averaging an elite 22.9 points and 6.5 assists while leading the Razorbacks to their first SEC Tournament title in 26 years. He officially joined "Pistol" Pete Maravich as the only players to ever lead the SEC in both scoring and assists in the same season — a statistical feat that seemed untouchable until Acuff’s arrival. His performance in the SEC Championship was a signature one-for-the-ages moment, as he dismantled Vanderbilt with 30 points and 11 assists, securing Tournament MVP honors.

What makes his season truly historic is the sheer volume of his production combined with elite efficiency. He is the only player in NCAA history to average 20+ points and 6+ assists while shooting over 43% from three-point range. Whether he's hitting step-back triples or executing high-level reads in the pick-and-roll, Acuff has proven that he is the premier floor general in the country. Entering the NCAA Tournament, some are considering him the best player in the country.

In any other year, there would be no debate — Acuff would be the unanimous choice for every freshman honor in college basketball.

MORE: March Madness expert predictions

5. Caleb Wilson, North Carolina

Wilson will not take the court for the 2026 NCAA Tournament after suffering a heartbreaking, season-ending broken thumb, but he is undeniably the reason the Tar Heels are in the field.

Widely considered North Carolina's most electric NBA prospect since Vince Carter, Wilson achieved something never before seen in Chapel Hill: he became the first Tar Heel in history to lead the program in points, rebounds, and assists per game. Over 24 starts, the 6-foot-10 phenom averaged 19.8 points — the highest scoring average ever for a UNC freshman — alongside 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks. His one-of-one athleticism made him the nation's premier rim-runner, leading the country in dunks before his injury, and he anchored a squad that achieved a historic "Triple Crown," defeating Duke, Kansas, and Kentucky in the same season for the first time ever.

What truly solidified his status as a Carolina legend, however, was his performance on the biggest stages. In the first meeting against Duke, Wilson was the sole reason the Tar Heels stayed afloat, tallying 17 first-half points on a variety of "impossible" shots that silenced the critics of his jumper. The Atlanta, Georgia native arrived on campus speaking openly about his desire to be a legend, and he backed it up with a relentless mentality. Even after a fractured left hand sidelined him in February, he displayed his trademark work ethic to nearly return before the freak thumb injury during a practice dunk ended his campaign.

Though his season was cut short, Wilson's legacy is already secured. Having been named a Second-Team All-American by the Associated Press and a Third-Team selection by the Sporting News, he joins Tyler Hansbrough as one of only two players in program history to qualify for an honored jersey as a freshman. When the No. 6 seed Tar Heels tip off against VCU in Greenville, the superstar will be on the sidelines with them; his No. 8 jersey is already destined for the rafters of the Dean E. Smith Center.

MORE: Ranking 10 best NBA Draft prospects in 2026 March Madness

6. Kingston Flemings, Houston

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Houston is known for its national championship-caliber teams, but this year it also has one of the best freshmen in the nation. Kingston Flemings hasn't just fit into Kelvin Sampson’s demanding system; he has completely redefined the ceiling for a Houston point guard, becoming the first freshman in program history to be named a Sporting News All-American.

While Sampson’s teams are traditionally built on veteran grit, the 6-foot-3 Flemings has taken the reins with a maturity that belies his age. He currently leads the Cougars in points (16.4 PPG), assists (5.3 APG), and steals (1.6 SPG), operating with a 2.9 assist-to-turnover ratio that ranks among the most disciplined in the country. His "breakneck but under control" pace has made him a nightmare in the Big 12, punctuated by a historic 42-point explosion against Texas Tech that shattered the school’s 46-year-old freshman single-game scoring record.

What makes Flemings truly special is how he pairs elite efficiency—shooting nearly 40% from deep—with the relentless "ballhawk" defensive mentality that Sampson requires. He’s a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award and a projected top-10 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft because he can beat teams in every phase of the game. Whether he’s exploding past defenders for high-scoop finishes at the rim or acting as the "engine" of the nation's most feared defense, Flemings has proven he is the rare superstar who can thrive in the "blood and guts" culture of Houston basketball.

SN EXPERT BRACKETS: DeCourcy (Arizona) | Bender (Michigan) | Iyer (Arizona) | Gay (UCLA women)

7. Keaton Wagler, Illinois

Unlike many of the blue-chip freshmen on this list, Keaton Wagler arrived in Champaign as a virtual unknown. Ranked as the No. 261 recruit in the country out of Shawnee Mission Northwest (KS), the 6-foot-6 guard held just two Power Four offers before exploding into one of the most efficient scorers in the nation. Since moving into the starting point guard role on November 28, Wagler has been a model of consistency, scoring in double figures in 24 consecutive games and leading the Illini in scoring, assists, and offensive rating.

The defining moment of his meteoric"rise came on January 24 at Mackey Arena, where Wagler delivered a performance for the ages. In a hostile road environment, he torched No. 4 Purdue for a career-high 46 points, shattering the Illinois freshman scoring record and setting a new Mackey Arena record for a visiting player. Wagler’s "superstar outburst" included a school-record nine 3-pointers, as he single-handedly dismantled the Boilermakers’ defense with a mix of deep triples and elite footwork.

Now a Second-Team AP All-American and the Big Ten Freshman of the Year, Wagler has transformed from a "scrawny" three-star prospect into a projected NBA lottery pick. As the engine of an Illinois offense that ranks among the nation's best, he is the primary reason the No. 3 seed Fighting Illini head into the West Region as a legitimate national title contender.

IN-DEPTH REGION BREAKDOWNS: East | West | Midwest | South

8. Brayden Burries, Arizona 

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The 6-foot-4 Arizona guard hasn’t just been a contributor for Tommy Lloyd; he has been the engine of a Wildcats team that spent most of the season ranked No. 1 in the country and swept the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles. Burries finished the regular season averaging 15.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, but those numbers only tell half the story of his "clutch" DNA. He saved his most dominant performances for the biggest moments, sweeping the Big 12 Player and Newcomer of the Week honors in February after leading Arizona to back-to-back road wins over BYU and Arizona State.

Just this past week, after a rare shooting slump, Burries closed the door on Houston in the Big 12 Championship game, scoring Arizona’s final 10 points of the first half and knocking down the clinching free throws to secure the trophy. What makes Burries a projected NBA lottery pick is his professional-grade efficiency and three-to-one assist-to-turnover ratio. He became the first freshman in program history to lead a 30-win Arizona team in three-pointers made, providing a lethal perimeter threat alongside veteran Jaden Bradley.

Whether he’s exploding for a career-high 31 points on the road or anchoring the backcourt of a national title favorite, Burries has proven he is a "one-of-one" talent who would be the undisputed face of college basketball in almost any other year.

MORE: NCAA Tournament Day 1 picks

9. Nate Ament, Tennessee

Ament  started his debut season at Tennessee as a polarizing prospect, the 6-foot-10 wing has blossomed into one of the most versatile connective stars in the country, earning Second-Team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman honors.

Ament’s season has been defined by a dramatic flip of the switch in conference play. After a slow start, he evolved into a hyper-efficient scorer, averaging 17.5 points and a team-high 6.6 rebounds. He etched his name into the record books with a legendary performance against Alabama, becoming the first D-I freshman since Chase Budinger in 2007 to drop at least 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists on the road against a ranked opponent. His ability to use his length to shoot over defenders and his newfound physicality in attacking the rim —earning a top-20 national ranking in free throw attempts — has made him a nightmare matchup for the SEC's elite.

Despite a late-season injury that sidelined him for two weeks, Ament returned to the floor for the SEC Tournament looking like a top-10 lock. In his tournament debut, he torched Auburn for 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks, proving that he is the engine behind Tennessee’s postseason aspirations. As a finalist for the Julius Erving Award, Ament heads into the NCAA Tournament as a projected lottery pick and the primary reason the No. 6 seed Volunteers are a trendy pick for a deep March run.

MORE: Using KenPom to pick the NCAA champion

10. Koa Peat, Arizona

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Peat’s arrival in Tucson was nothing short of cinematic. In his collegiate debut against No. 3 Florida, he delivered a legendary 30-point, 7-rebound, 5-assist performance—the second-most points ever by an Arizona freshman in their first game. He dominated the reigning national champions with a physical, "downhill" style that signaled he was ready for the college game from day one.

While his freshman campaign has seen the typical "up and down" stretches expected in the grueling Big 12, Peat has a knack for reclaiming the spotlight exactly when it’s brightest. After battling foul trouble and inconsistency during the middle of the conference slate, he reminded the country of his lottery-level ceiling during the Big 12 Tournament. In the championship game against Houston’s elite defense, Peat was a force, scoring 21 points and anchoring the interior as the Wildcats secured their first Big 12 title.

An All-Big 12 Third Team and All-Freshman selection, Peat heads into the NCAA Tournament as a projected top-five pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His blend of brute strength and polished skill makes him a "one-of-one" matchup nightmare—the kind of player who would be the centerpiece of the national conversation in almost any other season.

MORE: The ultimate guide to March Madness

11. Braylon Mullins, UConn

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A five-star recruit out of Greenfield, Indiana, Mullins has quickly evolved into a linchpin for Dan Hurley’s UConn Huskies during the 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-6 shooting guard has lived up to his shooting reputation, averaging 12.0 points per game and earning three Big East Freshman of the Week honors. His impact was felt early when he dropped 17 points to help lead the Huskies to their first-ever victory at Kansas' Allen Fieldhouse in December.

Mullins is more than just a floor-spacer; his transition from high school phenom to a pro-ready collegiate wing has been seamless due to his defensive tenacity and high basketball IQ. He currently leads all Big East freshmen in three-pointers made, highlighted by a career-high 25-point performance against Creighton, where he knocked down six triples. Beyond the scoring, he’s been a disruptive force on the perimeter, averaging over a steal per game and proving he can hold his own in the physical Big East.

As the tournament approaches, Mullins’ draft stock is skyrocketing, with many analysts projecting him as a potential lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His ability to hit tough shots off screens and relocate in Hurley’s complex offensive sets has drawn comparisons to former Husky stars like Jordan Hawkins.