The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season is poised for unprecedented parity, with preseason All-America teams highlighting a mix of established veterans like Purdue’s Braden Smith and Texas Tech’s JT Toppin, alongside electrifying freshmen such as Kansas’s Darryn Peterson, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, and Duke’s Cameron Boozer. This year’s selections emphasize experience and versatility, setting the stage for a wide-open national championship race.
As the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season approaches, the air is thick with anticipation and the promise of parity. The latest preseason All-America teams from major outlets like USA TODAY Sports and The Athletic have painted a clear picture: a deep, talented field where no single team or player dominates the conversation. Leading the charge are two undisputed stars, Purdue guard Braden Smith and Texas Tech forward JT Toppin, both earning top honors on multiple lists.
The sentiment across the collegiate landscape points to an era where the blend of seasoned veterans, impactful transfers, and highly touted freshmen creates a dynamic and unpredictable environment. This year’s preseason rankings, released in late October 2025, reflect a game that is as old and experienced as it has ever been, yet consistently infused with fresh talent ready to take the national stage.
USA TODAY Sports Crowns its All-America First Team
The USA TODAY Sports preseason All-America team features a compelling mix of returning powerhouses and exciting newcomers. Headlining the selections are two names consistently at the top, joined by a trio of freshmen expected to transform their programs immediately.
G Braden Smith, Purdue
Braden Smith enters his senior year as the undisputed leader of No. 1 Purdue. His exceptional court vision and scoring ability make him a front-runner for national player of the year accolades. Last season, Smith finished second nationally with 313 assists, while elevating his scoring average to 15.8 points per game. He remains a pivotal force in Purdue’s quest for a national championship, a title that has eluded the Big Ten since 2000. Smith’s journey has seen him evolve from co-star to the primary offensive engine, a transition he navigated seamlessly, earning him the Bob Cousy Award and First-Team All-American honors previously.
G Otega Oweh, Kentucky
Named the preseason SEC Player of the Year, Otega Oweh led the Wildcats with 16.2 points per game in 2024-25. His increased comfort within Coach Mark Pope’s fast-paced offense is expected to unlock even more production, potentially making him the first Kentucky player in nearly a decade to lead the conference in scoring. Oweh’s experienced presence is vital for a Kentucky squad with Final Four aspirations.
F JT Toppin, Texas Tech
JT Toppin‘s ascension was undeniable in the latter half of last season. The Texas Tech forward averaged 18.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game overall, peaking in the NCAA Tournament with averages of 19.3 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks during the Red Raiders’ Elite Eight run. As the clear top option for Texas Tech this season, Toppin is primed for an even more dominant campaign, building on his previous recognition as a Second-Team All-American and a co-recipient of national player of the year honors with Johni Broome and Cooper Flagg.
F AJ Dybantsa, Brigham Young
The nation’s top overall recruit, AJ Dybantsa brings an exceptional blend of size, athleticism, and shooting touch to Brigham Young. The 6-foot-10 small forward has already proven his mettle in international competition and is expected to play a crucial role as BYU aims for its first Final Four appearance in program history. His immediate impact will be a key storyline to watch.
C Alex Condon, Florida
Despite an ankle injury that hampered his 2024-25 season, Alex Condon delivered a stellar performance in Florida’s national championship victory over Houston. Averaging 10.6 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last year, Condon is projected to be a dominant force in the SEC, potentially becoming a consistent double-double threat and a future first-round NBA draft pick.
The Athletic’s Perspective: A Wide-Open Field with a Lean Towards Experience
Adding another layer to the preseason excitement, The Athletic’s staff panel highlighted the sheer depth of talent across college basketball, noting a “wide-open, split-vote field” with 26 players receiving at least one vote. Their list leans heavily on experience, with eight of ten honorees being upperclassmen, including five transfers who ranked among the top available in the offseason. Stylistically, The Athletic’s team reflects the modern game with four true guards and six versatile forwards capable of playing both perimeter and post roles.
Shared Excellence: Players Appearing on Both Prominent Lists
Unsurprisingly, Braden Smith and JT Toppin were unanimous selections on The Athletic’s First Team, mirroring their top billing from USA TODAY Sports. Additionally, freshmen phenoms Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson also made The Athletic’s First Team, indicating broad consensus on their immense potential. Florida’s Alex Condon earned a spot on The Athletic’s Second Team, further solidifying his status as a player to watch.
Unique Selections and Rising Stars from The Athletic
The Athletic’s list also brought attention to several players not featured on USA TODAY Sports’ first team, highlighting the diverse talent pool this season:
- Yaxel Lendeborg, Graduate Forward, Michigan: A fascinating story, Lendeborg transferred to Michigan after leading UAB in every major statistical category last season (17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.8 blocks, 1.7 steals). His versatility and Dusty May’s creative offensive schemes promise an exciting year for the Wolverines.
- Bennett Stirtz, Senior Guard, Iowa: A Division I newcomer last season, Stirtz led Division I in win shares at Drake before following his coach to Iowa. His efficiency and poise were evident, especially against NCAA Tournament competition.
- Darrion Williams, Senior Forward, NC State: An All-Big 12 First-Team honoree at Texas Tech, Williams averaged 21 points and 7.3 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament before transferring to NC State. He’s expected to be a single-game-winning talent for the Wolfpack.
- Donovan Dent, Senior Guard, UCLA: The Mountain West Player of the Year, Dent was a highly sought-after transfer. He became the first player since 1997 to average 20 points and six assists while shooting 49% overall and 40% from three, making him a critical piece for UCLA’s deep tournament aspirations.
- Trey Kaufman-Renn, Senior Forward, Purdue: The second Purdue player on The Athletic’s list, Kaufman-Renn led the Big Ten in usage rate and was a national leader in paint points. With new defensive support, he’s poised to be an even more dominant offensive force, drawing comparisons to former consensus First-Team All-American Drew Timme.
The Freshmen Phenoms: A Glimpse into the Future
This season is also notable for one of the most talented freshman classes in recent memory, with several poised for “one-and-done” superstar status. Their inclusion on preseason All-America lists underscores a shift towards immediate impact from elite high school prospects.
F Cameron Boozer, Duke
Following in the footsteps of Cooper Flagg, Cameron Boozer arrives in Durham as a top-three overall recruit. At 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds, he offers a powerful interior presence combined with an all-around game perfectly suited for Jon Scheyer’s emphasis on versatility. Boozer’s extensive winning pedigree, including three consecutive Peach Jam titles and four high school state championships, points to an immediate impact player for Duke.
G Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Kansas coach Bill Self famously called Darryn Peterson “the most talented incoming freshman we’ve signed,” a high praise from a multiple national title-winning coach. The 6-foot-6 guard, ranked No. 2 in the 2025 class, has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Donovan Mitchell and Kobe Bryant due to his athleticism, craftiness, and ability to score from anywhere. Peterson, the reigning Naismith Boys High School Player of the Year, is expected to lead the Jayhawks’ offense and be a top pick in next summer’s NBA draft.
A Historical Context: Preseason Hype vs. AP Realities
While preseason All-America teams set the stage, it’s worth recalling how these predictions align with the official end-of-season Associated Press (AP) selections. The 2024-25 AP First Team, for instance, featured stars like Braden Smith (Purdue), Cooper Flagg (Duke), Johni Broome (Auburn), Mark Sears (Alabama), and Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida), demonstrating a mix of established and breakout talents. Looking back further, the AP All-America teams consistently feature players who elevate their games throughout the season, often including names that were less prominent in the preseason. This season’s wide-open nature suggests plenty of opportunity for new stars to emerge and challenge these initial projections.
The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season promises to be a thrilling journey, defined by fierce competition and a diverse pool of talent. From the steady leadership of Braden Smith and JT Toppin to the explosive potential of freshmen like Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer, fans can look forward to a captivating season where every game holds significant implications for the national championship picture.
