For the first time since 2023, Duke will not end the recruiting cycle with the No. 1 recruiting class in the country.
The Blue Devils sat atop the rankings back in early March, but Arkansas has jumped them with recent five-star additions.
It shouldn't be a surprise to see John Calipari at the top, though. When he was at Kentucky, the Wildcats were Duke's biggest competitor for top-ranked recruiting classes. And the last time Jon Scheyer didn't have the No. 1 class, it was because of Calipari and the Wildcats. Once again, Calipari returns to the top, with Arkansas.
The Razorbacks already had two five-star prospects in Jordan Smith and JaShawn Andrews, then added five-star Finnish forward Miikka Muurinen in late April. Top-25 wing Abdou Toure also rose to five-star status in the final player rankings for the class of 2026. Arkansas is the only class in the country with more than two five-star prospects -- and it has four of them.
Among the other big risers in the final class rankings are USC and Michigan, which both landed five-star recruits. BYU, Arizona, Baylor and Illinois are the newest additions to the rankings.
Note: Class rankings are determined by a mathematical formula weighting different factors related to the quality and quantity of players in the class.
Final boys' 2026 SC Next 100 player rankings
1. Arkansas Razorbacks
No. 2 G Jordan Smith
No. 12 SF JaShawn Andrews
No. 14 SF Abdou Toure
International five-star PF Miikka Muurinen
A top-ranked 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 this class. Smith is the best guard in the 2026 class, and he can play either backcourt position. He's a winner and has proven 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 athlete and finisher, and difficult to stop when he gets going to the rim. He's been among the biggest risers over the last 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 an athletic, 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. 4 PF Cameron Williams
No. 15 PG Deron Rippey Jr.
No. 26 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. 20 PG Taylen Kinney
No. 63 PF Davion Adkins
No. 88 SF Trent Perry
Four-star SG Luke Barnett
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.
ESPN 100 No. 1 recruit Tyran Stokes gets the steal and slam
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. Michigan Wolverines
No. 17 G Brandon McCoy
No. 28 C Quinn Costello
No. 47 PF Lincoln Cosby
No. 93 SG Joseph Hartman
Three-star SF Malachi Brown
International C Marcus Moller
Michigan moved into the top five on the same night it dominated Arizona in the Final Four, when McCoy committed to the Wolverines during halftime. A highly-touted prospect early on, he 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 Dusty May has operated with multiple bigs in his lineups the past couple 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 some 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 play an aggressive defense. His free throw and jumper will be the focal point in the offseason transition.
5. USC Trojans
No. 5 F Christian Collins
No. 21 C Adonis Ratliff
No. 30 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 stockrisers in the 2026 class in the fall.
Adonis raised eyebrows after the 7-footer made nine 3s in a game in the 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 into the top five 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 mid-range 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.
6. Michigan State Spartans
No. 25 SG Jasiah Jervis
No. 34 C Ethan Taylor
No. 49 PG Carlos Medlock Jr.
No. 90 PF Julius Avent
After not landing a top-25 recruiting class in the last cycle, Tom Izzo bounced back in a strong way -- finishing just outside the top five. 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.
7. Missouri Tigers
No. 7 PG Jason Crowe
No. 13 PF Toni Bryant
No. 94 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.
8. Alabama Crimson Tide
No. 18 SF Jaxon Richardson
No. 27 SF Qayden Samuels
No. 33 SF Tarris Bouie
It's 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. But 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.
Bouie is at his best in the open court, but can score at all three levels and 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, the younger brother of Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson and the son of former NBA veteran Jason Richardson. He's explosive and will upgrade the defensive unit from day one.
Alabama commit Jaxon Richardson, son of 2-time NBA dunk contest winner Jason Richardson, dazzles with a jam over five people to win the McDonald's All American dunk contest.
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.
9. Oklahoma State Cowboys
No. 36 PF Latrell Allmond
No. 44 SG Anthony Felesi
No. 87 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.
10. 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.
Reuckert 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 lessen.
11. Purdue Boilermakers
No. 48 PG Luke Ertel
No. 71 C Sinan Huan
No. 72 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 that 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 ball-handling, 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.
12. Maryland Terrapins
No. 8 PF Babatunde Oladotun
No. 54 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.
13. Arizona Wildcats
No. 3 SG Caleb Holt
No. 52 SG Cameron Holmes
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 possibly 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's won three gold medals with Team USA and is simply one of the elite two-way players and winners in the 2026 class.
Caleb Holt, the No. 4-ranked player in the SC Next 100 for the Class of 2026, commits to Arizona.
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.
14. West Virginia Mountaineers
No. 16 PG Miles Sadler
No. 74 C Amadou Seini
Four-star C Aliou Dioum
Four-star PG Keonte Greybear
West Virginia is one of the biggest movers up the rankings since the fall, thanks to the rapid rise of point guard Sadler and the late 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 in 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.
15. Texas Longhorns
No. 19 SG Austin Goosby
No. 43 SF Bo Ogden
Four-star SG Joe Sterling
Three-star C Coleman Elkins
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. Goosby is 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.
Ogden was a terrific first pickup in September. He was one of the best scorers on the 2025 Adidas 3SSB circuit and is a truly 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: Goosby
Goosby scores and playmakes as a combination guard with terrific positional size. On defense, he displays a knack to block shots with his wingspan. Under Miller's tutelage, he has a chance to get to the next level.
16. Florida State Seminoles
No. 40 C Marcis Ponder
No. 61 SG Martay Barnes
Four-star PF Collin Paul
Four-star SG Brandon Bass Jr.
Three-star PG Jasen Lopez
SG JD Jones
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.
17. Vanderbilt Commodores
No. 80 PG Anthony Brown Jr.
No. 95 SF Ethan Mgbako
No. 97 C Jackson Sheffield
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 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.
18. Baylor Bears
No. 9 PG Dylan Mingo
No. 32 SF Elijah Williams
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.
19. North Carolina Tar Heels
No. 23 PF Maximo Adams
Five-star C Sayon Keita
SG Malloy Smith
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. The Mali native, who has been playing in Spain, 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.
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.
20. Stanford Cardinal
No. 67 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.
21. Illinois Fighting Illini
No. 22 G Quentin Coleman
No. 51 SF Lucas Morillo
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 halfcourt. He's not a great shooter, but he can attack off the bounce. Zens was a solid late pickup for Underwood; he, 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.
22. Houston Cougars
No. 29 C Arafan Diane
No. 39 PG Ikenna Alozie
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. UConn Huskies
No. 31 SF Colben Landrew
No. 38 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-40 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.
24. Oregon Ducks
No. 35 SF Tajh Ariza
No. 81 PF Kendre Harrison
Four-star SF Seven Spurlock
Oregon has an intriguing three-player class, with Ariza -- son of former NBA veteran Trevor Ariza -- the big priority. The Ducks beat out USC for his commitment, and his ceiling is as high as any wing in the class. He has great passing ability for his size and possesses impressive physical tools.
Harrison committed to Oregon in November 2024 for both football and basketball, and is more highly regarded on the gridiron, despite his top-100 standing on the hoops side. He's a five-star football recruit and the No. 1 tight end in the 2026 class.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Ariza
Ariza brings a wealth of physical tools and skill to the court at 6-9, with a 7-plus-foot wingspan. His versatility stands out as his greatest strength -- he has demonstrated the ability to rebound on defense and push the ball in transition to either finish the play or facilitate to an open man.
25. Indiana Hoosiers
No. 42 SF Vaughn Karvala
No. 69 PF Trevor Manhertz
Four-star SG Prince-Alexander Moody
Darian DeVries has his first top-25 recruiting class at Indiana. Karvala should be an immediate-impact addition because of his shooting ability, and the Hoosiers will need him, with the departures of Tucker DeVries and Lamar Wilkerson. He possesses a high ceiling and has room to add to his game alongside his 3-point threat.
Manhertz's commitment -- and accompanying reclassification up from the 2027 class -- is what pushed the program into the top 25. The lefty can really shoot from beyond the arc, and will likely make his biggest impact in Bloomington a couple years down the road. Moody can contribute at both ends of the floor and can play either backcourt position.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Karvala
Indiana's offense under DeVries has moved to a high-volume 3-point shooting system that averages over 10 made 3s a game. Most of Karvala's attempts come from behind the arc, and he is currently shooting 33%. Once he gains strength, he will blossom in Bloomington.