Men's basketball 2026 recruiting class rankings

Days after No. 1 senior Tyran Stokes committed to Kansas, we released what we thought would be our final recruiting class rankings of the 2026 cycle. Given the neverending nature of roster construction, perhaps we should have seen future changes on the horizon.

"Reclassification" has been one of the buzzwords of the 2026 recruiting cycle, with four recent ones requiring us to update the class rankings once again.

The most notable of them came when Marcus Spears Jr., the No. 1 prospect in the 2027 class, decided to reclassify and commit to Texasfor the upcoming season. The Longhorns now own a top-five class -- and they get the added benefit of Spears needing to spend two years in college due to the fact he's a 2009-born prospect and too young for the 2027 draft.

Meanwhile, Jake Diebler already had one of the best recruits in recent Ohio Statehistory in Anthony Thompson, but L.J. Smith's decision to reclassify gave the Buckeyes a pair of top-30 prospects and an instant-impact class.

Alabamacommit Anderson Diaz also made the move up from 2027 at the start of July, while Louisvillefound its way into the rankings following top-10 center Obinna Ekezie's choice to reclassify and suit up for the Cardinals this fall.

Here's how the 2026 class rankings now stand.

Note: Class rankings are determined by a mathematical formula weighting different factors related to the quality and quantity of players in the class.

2026 SC Next 100 player rankings

1. Arkansas Razorbacks

No. 2 G Jordan Smith

No. 14 SF JaShawn Andrews

No. 16 SF Abdou Toure

International five-star PF Miikka Muurinen

International four-star C Maper Maker

C Ilia Frolov

A top-ranked John Calipari recruiting class shouldn't surprise anyone. He finished with the No. 3 class in 2025, his first full cycle at Arkansas, after consistently competing near the top at Kentucky and Memphis. And with the late-April addition of Muurinen, the Razorbacks will finish the cycle at No. 1.

But beating out Duke for Smith in February is the headline for this Razorbacks class. Smith is the best guard in the 2026 class, and he can play either backcourt position. He's a winner and has proved that on the AAU, high school and international circuits.

Calipari was also able to keep the best prospect in the state of Arkansas home, closing strong to beat out Missouri and LSU for Andrews. He has tremendous physical tools and showed improvement on his perimeter shot over the spring and summer.

The Razorbacks also edged out Providence for Toure, a Connecticut native who is a terrific finisher, and difficult to stop when he gets going to the rim. He's been among the biggest risers over the past few months.

Muurinen isn't ranked in the SC Next 100 because he doesn't attend a high school in the United States, but his scout grade would have him in the top five nationally. He's a high-ceiling frontcourt prospect.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Smith

Smith is both physically and emotionally ready to take on the challenges of the SEC. He brings elite on-ball defense and transition ability, along with a scoring and playmaking résumé. He combines elements of Marcus Smart, Victor Oladipo and Eric Bledsoe in his game.

2. Duke Blue Devils

No. 5 PF Cameron Williams

No. 17 PG Deron Rippey Jr.

No. 29 SF Bryson Howard

International five-star C Joaquim Boumtje Boumtje

Four-star C Maxime Meyer

Williams single-handedly boosted the class into the top three nationally when he committed, choosing Duke over Arizona and Texas. He has some of the best long-term potential in the class and should make an immediate impact at both ends of the floor.

Before being overtaken by Arkansas, the Blue Devils were in the top spot at the beginning of 2026, after the addition of Rippey. He's an explosive player with the ball in his hands, capable of getting to the rim at will, and he can also key a team's defense with his on-ball aggressiveness.

Howard was a key get for Scheyer as well, picking Duke over North Carolina and Kentucky. He was one of the biggest risers in the country last spring and summer, bringing outstanding perimeter shooting.

The Blue Devils then beat out North Carolina in late April for Boumtje Boumtje, considered one of the elite centers in the 2026 class. He's only 16 years old so he'll be in Durham for at least two years. Meyer is more of a project, but he'll be a multiyear college player and will have time to develop in Durham.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Williams

Duke will have high-level rim protection next season along with 3-point ability from the 6-11 Williams. The mobile big man should acquire more strength, a better base and lower leverage once he steps on campus. His upside and tools make him a future draft lottery pick.

3. Kansas Jayhawks

No. 1 SF Tyran Stokes

No. 22 PG Taylen Kinney

No. 67 PF Davion Adkins

No. 92 SF Trent Perry

Four-star SG Luke Barnett

PF Atticus Richmond

C Grant Mordini

One year after landing potential No. 1 NBA draft pick Darryn Peterson, Bill Self again has a superstar headed to Lawrence in Stokes, the best player in the class. He's too strong for most wings and too skilled for most big men, and he's capable of doing a little bit of everything on the floor.

He joins another top-20 recruit in immediate-impact point guard Kinney, who has the size and playmaking ability to cause matchup problems against smaller backcourts, is a terrific scorer with a variety of finishing moves and is developing as a playmaker.

Self secured a string of pledges in the wake of Kinney's commitment, starting with Perry three days later, then Adkins a week after that. The latter's physical tools portend an incredibly high ceiling. The former, meanwhile, is long and should give help at both ends of the floor.

The Jayhawks also landed a top-50 recruit for the class of 2027, Javon Bardwell, in-between Perry and Adkins.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Stokes

Stokes brings a unique, versatile skill set and an NBA frame to Kansas. He's a big threat when he collects a defensive rebound and pushes the break, because he can be both a playmaker or finisher. But his greatest strengths are his passing vision, and a consistency of getting to the free throw line.

4. Texas Longhorns

No. 4 PF Marcus Spears Jr.

No. 21 SG Austin Goosby

No. 47 SF Bo Ogden

Four-star SG Joe Sterling

Three-star C Coleman Elkins

PG Mantas Laurencikas

Sean Miller didn't land any high school recruits in his first spring at the helm in Austin, but he's transforming his perimeter lineup with this incoming group. For most of the cycle,Goosby was the biggest name, picking Texas over BYU. He was the top player in the state of Texas and has shown two-way potential given his ability to play either guard spot and disrupt the game defensively. He also impressed NBA scouts during the McDonald's All American practices.

But Texas skyrocketed into the top five after the addition of Spears, the former No. 1 prospect in the 2027 class. The 6-10 forward reclassified into the 2026 class in early July, picking Texas over Arizona, LSU and Kentucky. Spears' two-way ability puts the Longhorns into the national championship conversation.

Ogden was a terrific first pickup in September. He was one of the best scorers on the 2025 Adidas 3SSB circuit and is an elite perimeter shooter, making nearly 53% of his 3-point attempts.

Sterling is another excellent shooter, making better than 44% of his 3s on the 2025 Puma circuit.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Spears

An elite frontcourt prospect, Spears has the size, mobility and switchability NBA evaluators covet, plus a 7-2 wingspan and defensive versatility. He has a chance for legitimate two-way impact in college before he continues on to the pros.

5. Michigan Wolverines

No. 19 G Brandon McCoy

No. 31 C Quinn Costello

No. 51 PF Lincoln Cosby

No. 97 SG Joseph Hartman

Three-star SF Malachi Brown

International C Marcus Moller

Mike Boynton did a terrific job of keeping this group intact after Dusty May left the Wolverines for the Dallas Mavericks in late June. Michigan remains in the top five, where it has been since the night it dominated Arizona in the Final Four -- and receivedMcCoy's commitment at halftime. A highly touted prospect early on, McCoy has great positional size at 6-4 and should make a two-way impact.

It's also no surprise to see this class has plenty of size, given the way Michigan has operated with multiple bigs in its lineups the past couple of seasons. Costello was one of the bigger breakouts last spring as a stretch big who can make shots from the perimeter, while 7-3 Danish center Moller has generated buzz. Cosby reclassified from the 2027 class and likely won't make a huge immediate impact given a recent ACL injury -- but he was a top-10 recruit prior to moving up, and has a great deal of potential.

Hartman, meanwhile, can really shoot from 3.

Biancardi's most important recruit: McCoy

McCoy is one of the fastest players in the class. He's an advanced finisher and rebounder for his size, and he likes both pressure defenses and playing an aggressive defense. His free throw and jumper will be the focal point in the offseason transition.

6. Alabama Crimson Tide

No. 20 SF Jaxon Richardson

No. 30 SF Qayden Samuels

No. 36 PG Anderson Diaz

No. 37 SF Tarris Bouie

It has been a roller-coaster recruiting cycle for Nate Oats' program. The Crimson Tide were initially ranked when they had commitments from Bouie and Chris Washington Jr. Then Washington decommitted, and the Tide dropped out. Then Samuels committed, bringing them back into the top 15. He is one of the best pure scorers in the class, capable of scoring at all three levels. Diaz reclassified up from the 2027 class just before the July live period, pushing the Crimson Tide's class up a few more spots.

Bouie is at his best in the open court but can score at all three levels, and he showed more consistency on his 3-point shot at the Nike Peach Jam in July. He's also likely to make an immediate impact as a defender.

The best player in the group, however, is Richardson, younger brother of Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson and son of former NBA veteran Jason Richardson. He's explosive and will upgrade the defensive unit from day one.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Richardson

Richardson is the best vertical player of this class, able to rise with an explosive force and velocity that can't be matched. His 3-point shot needs attention this offseason, but his middle game is his strength. He brings momentum-changing plays, defensive ability and hustle.

7. USC Trojans

No. 6 F Christian Collins

No. 23 C Adonis Ratliff

No. 33 C Darius Ratliff

Coming out of the early signing period, USC was easy to peg as a group poised to rise over the winter -- mostly because of the Ratliffs, who had emerged as arguably the biggest stock risers in the 2026 class in the fall.

Adonis raised eyebrows after the 7-footer made nine 3s in a game last fall. He's also a switchable defender who can block shots. Darius is the more physically ready of the twins, capable of making an impact defensively as a rim protector and on the glass.

Eric Musselman's class then jumped significantly with the addition of Collins, who committed in mid-March and gives USC its third McDonald's All American of this cycle. He's an explosive player who causes problems for opponents with his size and ability to score in different ways.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Collins

Collins' smooth midrange game and ability to finish in transition and in space are his greatest strengths. But he's also a switchable defender with an ability to stay in front of the ball and contest shots. He plays with a high-end motor and purpose.

8. Michigan State Spartans

No. 27 SG Jasiah Jervis

No. 38 C Ethan Taylor

No. 53 PG Carlos Medlock Jr.

No. 94 PF Julius Avent

After not landing a top-25 recruiting class in the last cycle, Tom Izzo bounced back in a strong way -- finishing inside the top 10.

Jervis, who had established himself early as a priority for the Spartans, committed in early November. The New York native is a terrific offensive player who had a strong summer 2025 and will bring an attack-minded skill set to East Lansing.

Taylor runs the floor well and should be a plus-player defensively right off the bat.

Medlock is an in-state product who now plays at Link Academy (Mo.) and is the son of former Eastern Michigan star guard Carlos Medlock. He's under 6-foot, but is adept at beating defenders off the bounce and getting into playmaking positions.

Avent is another Northeast recruit and should fit the Michigan State archetype in the frontcourt: He's long and doesn't shy away from contact.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Jervis

He scores the ball from anywhere with efficiency. He's not afraid of defending and will guard on the perimeter, work to get over screens and rebound down. He is one of the best two-way scoring guards in the class and brings to mind former Spartan-turned-Milwaukee Buck Gary Harris.

9. Missouri Tigers

No. 8 PG Jason Crowe

No. 15 PF Toni Bryant

No. 98 SF Aiden Chronister

The Tigers hadn't landed a five-star prospect since the 2017 class. They have two in this cycle, thanks to the momentum built by Dennis Gates, who led the Tigers to one of the most impressive turnarounds in the country in 2024-25 -- and continued this past season with an NCAA tournament appearance.

Crowe led the Nike EYBL in scoring last summer and is arguably the most explosive offensive player in the class. He's a left-handed guard who gets by his defender at will.

Fellow five-star Bryant was a priority early in the cycle for Gates -- he is tremendously athletic and excels in transition.

Finally, Chronister is a prolific 3-point shooter who should get open looks courtesy of Crowe's drive-and-kick ability.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Crowe

He is not only the Tigers' most important recruit of this class, he is the second-highest ranked recruit ever to commit to Missouri, following No. 2 Michael Porter Jr. in 2017. Crowe brings immediate scoring prowess that is needed in tight SEC games. The bigger the stage, the bigger he plays.

10. North Carolina Tar Heels

No. 25 PF Maximo Adams

No. 80 SF Kevin Thomas

Five-star C Sayon Keita

Three-star SG Malloy Smith

PF Alexandros Samodurov

North Carolina had a top-10 class with Dylan Mingo's commitment. But when he decommitted, Carolina fell completely out of the rankings -- and now returns, after new coach Michael Malone landed Keita. A Mali native who has been playing in Spain, Keita has incredible length and will make his biggest impact on the defensive end of the floor, but he also moves well and can finish.

Adams' recruitment was something of a blue-blood battle, with Carolina edging out Michigan State, Kentucky and Texas. He was one of the biggest breakout stars of last spring and summer's grassroots season, putting up huge statistical performances and putting himself on the map as a legitimate top-25 prospect.

Thomas should provide depth, while talented international center Samodurov will likely battle Keita for starter's minutes up front.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Keita

Keita, named the Defensive MVP at the NBPA Top 100 Camp, puts constant pressure on defenses. He protects the paint by blocking and altering shots, and creating transition opportunities for his teammates. He is also a very active rebounder. He consistently plays above the rim and is physically ready for the rigors of ACC basketball.

11. Oklahoma State Cowboys

No. 40 PF Latrell Allmond

No. 48 SG Anthony Felesi

No. 91 SF Jalen Montonati

Four-star SG Parker Robinson

Steve Lutz leaned on the transfer portal for the 2025-26 roster but is looking to establish a foundation in Stillwater starting next season with an incoming freshman group headlined by three top-100 prospects.

Allmond is the top name after a terrific 2025 summer on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. He can really make an impact around the rim, and is capable of playing with his back to the basket and dominating the backboards at both ends of the floor. He has also shown a developing face-up game out to the perimeter.

Getting Felesi, who decommitted from Pitt in early April, late in the process was a big boost for the class. He's a two-way impact player and should see the floor early.

Lutz also made it a priority to keep Montonati, the top recruit in Oklahoma, in his home state. Montonati is a shooter who moves really well without the ball. And Robinson, out of Overtime Elite, has been on the radar since early in his high school career, and will bring a versatile offensive game.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Allmond

Allmond will add size, rebounding and physicality inside. His productivity level has increased with each season and there are nights when he can manufacture a double-double because of his relentlessness. His outside shot is starting to develop, too.

12. BYU Cougars

No. 6 SF Bruce Branch III

No. 83 SF Dean Rueckert

C Will Openshaw

A year after landing No. 1 prospect AJ Dybantsa, Kevin Young once again landed an elite five-star perimeter recruit. While not as explosive or dynamic as Dybantsa, Branch is one of the best pure scorers in the 2026 class. He reclassified up from 2027 after impressing on the 2025 Adidas summer circuit, making nearly 40% of his 3-pointers. He has length and the ability to rise up and make shots over smaller defenders.

Rueckert is another big-time 3-point shooter from Utah, who should benefit from the pressure that Robert Wright III, Collin Chandler and Branch put on defenses to open up perimeter shot attempts.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Branch

Branch possesses a triple-threat attack from a live dribble. His on-ball defense with a rangy wingspan plus his coachability will bring out his complete game. As he gets stronger and slows down, his turnovers will decrease.

13. Purdue Boilermakers

No. 52 PG Luke Ertel

No. 75 C Sinan Huan

No. 76 SG Jacob Webber

Four-star C Rivers Knight

Four-star C Jamyn Sondrup

With one of the oldest teams in Division I and a starting lineup featuring four seniors this past season -- as well as a propensity to build via the high school ranks instead of the transfer portal -- Matt Painter knew he needed plenty of reinforcements from the recruiting trail for his next roster.

The highest-ranked prospect in the Boilermakers' group, Ertel, has been committed the longest, picking Purdue back in August 2024. He's tough, he can create for others and he's a very good 3-point shooter.

Seven-footer Huan was the commitment who initially vaulted Purdue into the top 25; he's a left-handed big man with shot-blocking ability and developing face-up touch on the offensive end. Webber will make an impact in West Lafayette with his shooting -- he's one of the elite perimeter shotmakers in the class and rose more than 20 spots this spring.

Knight will provide frontcourt depth when he arrives on campus, while Sondrup won't enroll until 2028 after completing his two-year mission.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Ertel

Ertel brings the ballhandling, toughness, IQ and court awareness of Braden Smith -- whom he is replacing. He brings immediate shooting and passing ability. Defensively, he will pressure the ball and help his teammates.

14. Maryland Terrapins

No. 10 PF Babatunde Oladotun

No. 58 SG Kaden House

Four-star PF Austin Brown

Four-star PF Adama Tambedou

The Terps jumped into the rankings when House committed on Halloween and then skyrocketed into the top 15 thanks to Oladotun's commitment toward the end of the signing period. He was a statement recruit for Buzz Williams, who beat out Arkansas and Georgetown for him after he reclassified up from the 2027 class. He's an effective shotmaker at 6-10 and can guard multiple positions.

House, the son of former NBA veteran Eddie House, is a big-time scorer who loves to get into the teeth of the defense and finish in traffic. Williams will love House's intensity on the defensive end of the floor, too.

Tambedou is a physical force on the interior who dominates the offensive glass and finishes with power.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Oladotun

He gives Maryland a major upgrade of talent and sends a statement that the Terrapins staff are serious about keeping the best local talent at home. Williams has a proven track record in player development and winning.

15. Baylor Bears

No. 11 PG Dylan Mingo

No. 35 SF Elijah Williams

PF Tegra Makabu

Baylor went from a one-player class that was well outside the top 25, to being in the top 20 with the late April addition of Mingo -- who had committed to North Carolina in February before reopening his recruitment after the coaching change in Chapel Hill. He's one of the elite guards of this class. He missed much of the last year due to injury, but he's a high-ceiling backcourt player with length, size and high-level playmaking ability. He was also the MVP of the NBA Top 100 camp last summer.

Williams is the son of longtime NBA player and coach Monty Williams, and committed to the Bears a year ago. He does his best work when driving off the dribble and can score effectively at the rim or the free throw line.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Mingo

Mingo shows outstanding combination guard skills and IQ with terrific size at 6-5. He can shoot over smaller players but also understands how to move without the ball to score. He's excellent at driving, kicking out and relocating concepts. Could be a strong point of attack defender or a wing defender. Scott Drew has a difference-maker.

16. Ohio State Buckeyes

No. 13 SF Anthony Thompson

No. 28 SG L.J. Smith

Four-star PF Alex Smith

C Vuk Lazarevic

A strong surge down the stretch of last season cooled off Jake Diebler's seat considerably, and he's looking to build off that hot finish in the 2026-27 campaign. The headliner is Thompson, who became the Buckeyes' highest-ranked men's basketball recruit in a decade when he committed in October. He's a tremendous offensive talent, with excellent shooting ability and a well-rounded scoring skill set.

Ohio State jumped into the rankings, however, following the reclassification of L.J. Smithfrom 2027. He initially committed to Ohio State in November as a high school junior, and he was one of the best shooters in prep basketball.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Thompson

His combination of shooting touch, body control and 7-4 wingspan should allow Thompson to make an immediate impact. He can space the floor, score from all three levels and impact ball-screen actions as either a creator or screener, giving him some of the more impressive offensive tools in the class.

17. Illinois Fighting Illini

No. 24 G Quentin Coleman

No. 55 SF Lucas Morillo

Four-star SF Lincoln Williams

Three-star PF Landon Davis

Three-star SG Ethan Brown

Three-star SF Zavier Zens

Illinois' quest for back-to-back Final Four appearances will center around its retention -- but Brad Underwood needed an injection of playmaking on the perimeter, too. Getting former Wake Forest commit Coleman in early April has checked that box. Coleman went from being unranked into the top 30 with a tremendous senior season, starting last summer on the grassroots circuit. He can shoot the ball effectively but has blossoming playmaking ability as well.

Morillo is a playmaker with size, someone who can create mismatches due to his 6-7 height and ability to create for himself and others in the half court. He's not a great shooter, but he can attack off the bounce. Zens was a solid late pickup for Underwood; he, Williams, Davis and Brown will provide depth and develop as their careers progress.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Coleman

You can run a play for Coleman or put the ball in his hands to make a play, as he has demonstrated next-level shooting, passing and a controlled handle. He competes efficiently and will take on the challenge to defend both on and off the ball. His body needs to live in the weight room this summer. His game is not too different to that of Keaton Wagler.

18. Arizona Wildcats

No. 3 SG Caleb Holt

No. 56 SG Cameron Holmes

C Endurance Aiyamenkhue

F Maksim Brnovic

Arizona was one of the few programs to lean into freshmen this past season, starting three first-year players en route to a Big 12 championship and Final Four appearance. With Brayden Burries and Koa Peat off to the NBA, Tommy Lloyd will once again have a one-and-done talent entering the program. Holt is the highest-ranked commit for Arizona since DeAndre Ayton in 2017. He has won three gold medals with Team USA and is simply one of the elite two-way players and winners in the 2026 class.

Holmes is a versatile offensive player who can get to the rim off the bounce or make shots from the perimeter. He'll likely come off the bench as a freshman in Tucson, but should make an impact in the rotation.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Holt

Holt is one of the few in this class who is a strong factor on both ends of the floor. He relies on sound decision-making and fundamentals. He's a strong, tough and long switchable defender, and his offensive prowess has also taken off. His 3-point shooting is an area that needs improvement.

19. West Virginia Mountaineers

No. 18 PG Miles Sadler

No. 78 C Amadou Seini

Four-star C Aliou Dioum

Four-star PG Keonte Greybear

West Virginia is a top 20 class thanks to the rapid rise of point guard Sadler and the addition of big man Seini.

Sadler, who was terrific at the Nike Hoop Summit, chose the Mountaineers over a list that also included Tennessee, Oklahoma, Maryland, UCLA and USC. He's an elite playmaker, capable of finishing himself or getting his teammates involved. He's difficult for defenders to stay in front of, due to his speed and ability to read the game. His defense will also be an immediate asset.

Seini is a 7-1 center from Cameroon who was absolutely dominant at the Chipotle Nationals and put up huge numbers at the FIBA U19 World Cup last summer.

Ross Hodge also landed a pair of four-stars in Dioum and Greybear. Dioum, in particular, came alive last July at the Nike Peach Jam, showing shot-blocking potential and improved efficiency around the rim.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Sadler

The most important position in basketball is still the point guard. Sadler penetrates and touches the paint at will, and at times is a one-man press break. Hodge has his trusted PG on the way to Morgantown.

20. Florida State Seminoles

No. 44 C Marcis Ponder

No. 65 SG Martay Barnes

Four-star PF Collin Paul

Four-star SG Brandon Bass Jr.

Three-star PG Jasen Lopez

SG JD Jones

SG Elisee Assui

Luke Loucks' first full recruiting class at Florida State is deep. Ponder is the big name as a massive 6-11, 300-plus-pound center who fits the ethos Florida State established under Leonard Hamilton.

Barnes committed to the Seminoles shortly after reclassifying from the 2027 class; Loucks' emphasis on playing with pace and shooting 3s will suit Barnes perfectly.

Paul and Bass will help on the perimeter. Paul is a long wing playmaker, while the left-handed Bass is an excellent shooter from the perimeter. Finally, Lopez is a two-sport star who plays wide receiver in football.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Ponder

If Ponder continues to commit to his conditioning program, he could be one of the most talked about and recognized freshmen in the ACC. He is physically imposing right now, and he is putting up big numbers.

21. Vanderbilt Commodores

No. 84 PG Anthony Brown Jr.

No. 99 SF Ethan Mgbako

Four-star C Jackson Sheffield

SG Mavrick Hawkins

PG Baylor Allen

SG Chase Byington

The Commodores hadn't landed a single SC Next 100 recruit since the 2018 class, when they had three. Fast-forward seven years, and coach Mark Byington and Vandy were one of the first programs in the country to land three top-100 recruits during this recruiting cycle.

Brown is the highest ranked of the group. The point guard had a terrific 2025 summer on the Nike EYBL circuit and is a high-usage scorer and distributor with plenty of playmaking chops.

Mgbako is the younger brother of former five-star prospect and current Texas A&M forward Mackenzie Mgbako, and is beginning to expand his offensive game on a similar trajectory.

Sheffield does most of his work around the rim and is physically ready for the college game.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Brown

Byington will need Brown to score against high-level defenses in SEC play. He already demonstrates the toughness required to succeed in the high-powered conference.

22. Houston Cougars

No. 32 C Arafan Diane

No. 43 PG Ikenna Alozie

Four-star PG Tyus Thomas

C Djafar Silimana

Houston didn't have a single commitment entering the second week of the early signing period, but came out a few weeks later with two top-40 recruits. And both fit Kelvin Sampson's system perfectly.

Diane is one of the best centers in the class -- and inarguably the most physically dominant center in high school basketball. The 7-footer controls the paint and the backboards but is more skilled as a passer than you might think.

Alozie, who was on high-major radars since early in his high school career, is physically ready for the college game. He possesses tremendous speed with the ball in his hands and is nearly impossible to keep out of the lane when he's able to get downhill. He's also an active defender, especially on the ball. Sampson will love his defensive motor.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Diane

Diane brings enormous size, girth and great hands with inside touch. Still new to the game, once he seals his defender in the paint he is hard to stop. Make no mistake, he will be an immediate inside presence on both ends of the court for Houston.

23. Louisville Cardinals

No. 9 C Obinna Ekezie

No. 54 SF Boyuan Zhang

Three-star SG Isaac Ellis

Louisville had one of the elite transfer portal classes in the country this spring, and Pat Kelsey then moved on to the high school recruiting trail, with Ekezie's May decision to reclassify up and commit to the Cardinals one of the bigger offseason headlines for the program. He has outstanding physical tools and plays above the rim at both ends of the floor. He'll combine with Flory Bidunga to form a superb one-two punch down low.

Zhang committed about a week after Ekezie, and although he doesn't have the lofty expectations of his classmate, the California native brings scoring punch and potential from behind the arc.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Ekezie

Ekezie oozes physicality and finishes above the rim with force, whether as a lob threat, screener or from the dunker spot. An elite shot blocker and rebounder with the ability to clean the glass outside his area, he runs the floor well in transition and is most effective around the basket, though he's beginning to expand his game beyond the paint as well.

24. Stanford Cardinal

No. 71 SF Aziz Olajuwon

Four-star PG Julius Price

Four-star SG Isaiah Rogers

Four-star SG Elias Obenyah

Four-star PF Drew Anderson

Kyle Smith landed his first SC Next 100 recruit in September when Olajuwon chose the Cardinal over Cincinnati, Vanderbilt and Houston. The son of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem, he took a big jump last summer, showing real development as a passer and perimeter shooter.

Both Rogers and Obenyah are capable of making plays with the ball in their hands and will bring backcourt depth, while Price is an excellent 3-point shooter who could prove to be a savvy addition for Smith. Anderson flipped from Oregon State to Stanford in March.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Olajuwon

A big wing with scoring and shooting ability, he helps elevate the Cardinal roster with talent and name recognition. He produced and played very well on the Nike EYBL circuit last summer. There is plenty of room for growth in his game, and he has the potential to be the go-to guy for Stanford.

25. UConn Huskies

No. 34 SF Colben Landrew

No. 42 SG Junior County

UConn had a top-five recruiting class in 2025, landing multiple top 25 recruits in the same class for the first time since the ESPN recruiting database launched in 2007. With more retention and a bigger emphasis on the transfer portal this offseason, the Huskies will be content with their pair of top-45 recruits.

Landrew has steadily risen up the rankings since last summer and is now squarely inside the top-35 nationally. He combines toughness with a developing offensive game.

County is a combo guard who can make plays as a scorer or distributor, and plays with a motor.

Biancardi's most important recruit: Landrew

Landrew is physically gifted. His 3-point shot is a weapon, and when he drives, he attacks in straight lines with power and handles contact well. Because of his sturdy frame and shooting range, he could play and guard as a small forward or a small-ball power forward.

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