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Myron Medcalf
Multiple Authors
The men’s college basketball season of 2025-26 has been marked by outstanding players, making it one of the most thrilling seasons in recent history. The influx of talented freshmen and impactful transfers has produced multiple players who are quickly becoming household names.
But who else deserves your attention?
We’ve highlighted 25 emerging stars—athletes who’ve overcome injuries, returning players who’ve made noteworthy improvements within their programs, and newcomers who have made significant impacts in their debut Division I seasons.
Last season, Haugh played a pivotal role as a bench player for Florida during their championship run in San Antonio. This season, he has emerged as a serious All-America contender and a first-round NBA draft prospect, potentially steering the Gators towards consecutive national titles. His scoring average has soared from 9.8 to 16.9 points while he continues to contribute 6.0 rebounds per game.
Anderson shone in the Sweet 16 last season, and now he is making the most of an increased role—averaging 38.7 minutes per game, up from 30.5. With averages of 19.6 points per game, 7.7 assists per game, and a 43.9% shooting rate from beyond the arc, he is poised as an All-America candidate. With teammate JT Toppin sidelined for the season, Anderson will need to take on multiple roles for the Red Raiders in March.
Under Nate Oats, Alabama has achieved top finishes in offensive efficiency with the help of former All-America guard Mark Sears. Now, as a sophomore, Philon has taken the reins, averaging 21.3 points and effectively doubling his freshman average of 10.6.
even with being named MaxPreps’ Kansas High School Player of the Year for 2024-25, Wagler received few offers, with Illinois being among only two high-major schools to extend him one. Now, the 6-foot-6 guard is a pivotal factor for the Fighting Illini as they aspire for their first Final Four appearance since 2005, aiming for Big Ten Player of the Year and a spot in the NBA draft lottery.
After being a benchwarmer in his freshman year, Tanner is now in the running for SEC Player of the Year, averaging 18.5 points and leading Vanderbilt to what will be just its second NCAA tournament appearance since 2017. His performance has also put Mark Byington in contention for National Coach of the Year.
Momcilovich contributed 11.5 PPG on the 2024-25 Iowa State squad that earned a 3-seed but was ousted in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Currently, he is enjoying a career-best season, averaging 17.4 points while boasting a remarkable 50.7% from three-point range, the top mark in the nation. The 6-foot-8 forward has become the linchpin of a top-20 offense.
even with the challenges with Darryn Peterson’s playing time, Kansas has relied on Bidunga’s consistent performance. Per advanced analytics platform EvanMiya, the Jayhawks are plus-28.7 points per 100 possessions in his presence, benefiting from his defensive prowess, averaging 9.2 RPG.
The 6-foot-10 big man is arguably crucial for UConn’s success. After just one start last season, Reed has started every healthy game this season (24). The Huskies perform at their peak when he is on the court, as analytics show they are plus-11.5 points per 100 possessions with him in play.
The reigning national champion Gators have dropped only two games since December 9, boasting the third-best defense in the nation during this period. Chinyelu’s contribution to this success? Opponents are shooting merely 37% against him around the rim.
Mark Few has suggested that Huff might return from a left knee injury just in time for the NCAA tournament, making the 6-foot-10 star eligible for this list. Since he last played on January 8, Gonzaga’s offensive efficiency has plummeted to 62nd, underscoring his significant impact during a breakthrough season hampered by injury.
Mast missed the entire 2023-24 season due to a knee issue, but has returned to spark Nebraska’s impressive 20-0 start. The 6-foot-10 center ranks among the elite in America with his well-rounded skill set: he’s in the top three for points (13.8), rebounds (6.1), and assists (3.1) for the Cornhuskers.
Cameron Boozer is the star of a formidable Duke squad, but Evans is a vital player for their success. He has drained 44.4% of his three-point attempts during a five-game winning streak, marking a significant improvement for a player who increased his scoring from 6.8 points to 14.7 compared to last year.
Last season, Holloway was a backup to All-America point guard Mark Sears. Now, he has stepped up significantly, averaging 16.4 points and 4.9 assists during Alabama’s current seven-game winning streak.
A lower leg injury limited Krivas to just eight games last season, but he has reemerged as a pivotal player for an Arizona team that won its first 23 games. He’s averaging 10.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks, and cooperation Sports rates him as an elite offensive and defensive player this season.
In high school, the 6-foot-2 guard was not seen as a top prospect in New Hampshire. Now, Okorie ranks fifth nationally in scoring (22.8), making a remarkable ascent as a freshman who was previously off the radar. He has scored 30 or more points on five occasions this season.
Ngongba has emerged as one of Duke’s key players, continually improving with each game. The 6-foot-11 center was instrumental in helping the Blue Devils overcome one of the strongest frontcourts in the nation when they defeated then-No. 1 Michigan recently, achieving 60.2% shot accuracy while limiting opponents to 52% shooting around the basket.
Chandler has been a steady starter for Kentucky, a year after averaging just 10.4 minutes per game. The 6-foot-5 guard has made a remarkable jump as a shooter, improving from 34.7% to 43.1% from three-point range this season (including 46.1% in SEC matchups).
Miller has made substantial progress this year, increasing his scoring from 13.2 PPG and 34.1% from beyond the arc last season to 18.6 and 41.9% this year, putting SMU in contention for an at-large NCAA tournament bid for the first time in nearly a decade. He scored a total of 50 points in the team’s key wins against North Carolina and Louisville.
Following the signing of the 6-foot-9 forward from Belgium, first-year head coach Ryan Odom predicted that the freshman would “have an immediate impact in our frontcourt.” Ridder has fulfilled those expectations with an output of 15.9 PPG and 6.4 RPG. With him on the floor, Virginia has recorded 121.3 points per 100 possessions.
Assessing the potential of young European talents in college can be challenging; however, New Mexico may claim the Mountain West championship in Eric Olen’s inaugural season largely thanks to his recruitment of Buljan. Averaging nearly a double-double (11.9 points, 9.8 rebounds), the Croatian standout is making waves.
Hill played just 6.2 minutes last season but now leads VCU with 14.3 points while shooting 36.5% from three, contributing to the team’s push for the Atlantic 10 title and a third NCAA tournament appearance in four years.
At just 5-foot-11, Johnson ranks among the nation’s top players, having made impressive strides from 6.6 PPG last season to 17.4 this year. His contributions also include 3.5 APG and 2.6 SPG while shooting 40.9% from long range.
The standout player for the Spartans has shown remarkable growth in scoring (12.3 PPG), rebounding (9.3 RPG), and free-throw shooting (86%). The 6-foot-9 forward’s development as a deep-ball shooter, hitting 40% on 4.1 attempts per game, has greatly aided Tom Izzo’s team in their quest for a deep tournament run.
The 6-foot-6 sophomore forward, making 59% of his shots within the arc, stands as a two-way asset for Josh Schertz’s squad. McCottry is recognized as a “very good” defensive player on a Billikens team performing at a top-25 defensive level this season. While Robbie Avila is the face of the program, McCottry plays a crucial role in the team’s achievements during the 2025-26 season.
The 6-foot-2 freshman received limited scholarship offers despite being named Pennsylvania Player of the Year. Averaging 18.3 points for Merrimack, which is vying for its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance, the five-time MAAC Rookie of the Week is turning heads and making those who overlooked him reconsider.
