2026 NBA draft big board rankings: Top 100 prospects
Here is the updated top 100 big board for the 2026 class after an exciting college season.
NBANBA DraftNCAA Men's Basketball
Full story
With the college basketball season in the books, the transfer portal open and the predraft process underway, it's time to update our top 100 for the 2026 draft class.
For the first time this cycle, there's a change at No. 1: AJ Dybantsa takes that mantle as the dust has settled on the season, earning the rank with a strong close to his freshman season that helped move the needle for NBA executives. Still, the very top of the draft remains open for discussion, with Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer holding compelling cases to go first, and a group of talented players, including Caleb Wilson, Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr. and Kingston Flemings, still jockeying for position in the lottery. The stratification at the bottom of the standings reflects how excited league executives remain about the quality of top-end talent in this class.
Beyond the top names, the biggest question now is who winds up in the draft. The impact of NIL earnings and the roster fluidity of the transfer portal continue to make staying in college more compelling for players who have remaining eligibility. This is something NBA teams have anticipated all season, with the financial incentives to stay in college much friendlier for the majority of freshmen, sophomores and juniors. How that impacts the depth of this draft will be a critical storyline to follow, as teams ascertain the talent curve and how to operate with picks outside the lottery. Meanwhile, college seniors will have a big opportunity next week to compete in front of teams at the Portsmouth Invitational.
Players have exactly 60 days before the draft (the late-June date of which has yet to be finalized by the NBA), going into the draft combine and a high-impact lottery on May 10. The likely wave of college returners means this list will inevitably remain fluid up through the NCAA's May 27 early entry withdrawal deadline.
Here are ESPN's updated top 100 rankings for the 2026 draft class, including breakdowns for the top 25. This process is informed by my own player evaluations and intel from around the NBA and college ranks, and it offers a representation of the available player pool and insight into executives' and scouts' views.
Quick links: 2026 mock draft | More draft coverage
Dybantsa strengthened his case as a No. 1 pick candidate with a stellar freshman year, proving that he is capable of carrying a significant offensive workload and demonstrating growth as a decision-maker. His positional size, physical upside and makeup give him an excellent base to build on long term. He has plenty of room to shore up his ballhandling, perimeter shooting and individual defense, realistic areas for improvement that will determine what level of stardom and team success he'll ultimately reach. He will enter the NBA on a growth trajectory and with a number of unteachable positive qualities.
After a strong individual close to the season, amid BYU's struggles without Richie Saunders, Dybantsa has become the player NBA executives most commonly project to be selected first, with the expectation that he'll be a star wing scorer with the capacity to drive winning on both sides of the ball in the long run. In a draft replete with high-level talent, he has positioned himself as the easiest answer at No. 1.
2025-26 stats: 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists in 35 games
Although Peterson has ceded ground to Dybantsa in the No. 1 discussion, there's a widespread belief around the NBA that he's capable of much more than what he was ultimately able to show at Kansas. He's the most gifted scorer and shotmaker in the class, with room to improve as an on-ball creator. NBA teams will continue to be diligent in understanding the context of his season, with a full-body cramping episode in the preseason creating a health setback that seemingly colored the rest of Peterson's freshman year, both physically and mentally.
Ultimately, NBA teams want to know that Peterson will be fully available and understand what it will take to get the best version of him in the pros. He'll have a chance to answer some of the lingering questions in the predraft process, where his medical report and team interviews will carry extra weight. Although the No. 1 discussion will remain up for debate, there's an opportunity for him to stabilize his stock over the next two months and make the decision process simpler for high lottery teams.
2025-26 stats: 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists in 24 games
Boozer carried Duke within one chaotic sequence of a Final Four berth, bringing a close to his dominant season. He didn't leave much else on the table, leading college basketball with a 17.1 box plus-minus score, shooting 39.1% from 3, and backing up his reputation as a big-time winner, also winning the Naismith and AP Player of the Year awards. There remains debate in NBA circles as to where his development ultimately tops out relative to the other options atop the draft, but there's little doubt that Boozer will continue finding ways to produce at a high level and help raise a team's floor.
It's hard to argue with Boozer's body of work, impeccable offensive feel and productivity, which have drawn comparisons from scouts to players such as Domantas Sabonis and Kevin Love. While he's not quick or vertically gifted, and there's some concern he might get exploited defensively in certain situations, there's plenty of reason to love the things he does well.
2025-26 stats: 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists in 38 games
The public was deprived of postseason Wilson after a pair of hand injuries brought his season to an early end, cutting short his breakout campaign. Although there was perhaps a missed opportunity to force the issue, he remains in an excellent position as a consensus top-four prospect with room to improve in nearly every facet of his game. Wilson projects to eventually add value on both ends of the floor as an explosive, toolsy forward with the potential to drive secondary offense and evolve into a versatile defender.
Fleshing those skills out is going to take time -- although Wilson is unpolished as a ball handler and a perimeter shooter (he shot just 7-for-27 from 3-point range), his physicality and motor largely compensated in college. His skill level has to improve for him to truly function on the perimeter in the NBA, which means his projection requires a bit more imagination than the other consensus top prospects.
2025-26 stats: 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists in 24 games
Wagler cemented his breakout season with a Final Four berth, as the primary driver of an elite Illinois offense that stalled out against an experienced UConn team. Although he had some ups and downs in the tournament, Wagler's long-term upside was on full display. His smart decision-making, perimeter shooting (39.7%) and positional size advantage give him an excellent foundation as he adds strength and gains experience.
Part of the appeal with Wagler at the next level is his ability to drive quality offense not only as a ball handler, but also as a tall perimeter player who can see over the defense and is constantly willing to make the next pass -- a quality scouts loved about Tyrese Haliburton at Iowa State. Wagler's ability to enhance lineups raises his NBA floor significantly, with his upside tied to how efficient and technical he can become as a lead guard. As a late-blooming, well-rounded and quick-thinking player on an obvious growth trajectory, it's hard not to see Wagler becoming a long-term backcourt fixture.
2025-26 stats: 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists in 37 games
Acuff finished the season on a heater, leading Arkansas to a Sweet 16 berth and an SEC tournament title while winning SEC Player of the Year honors. It's hard to have a better freshman season than that, and he has vaulted himself into the mix as a top-five candidate as the most NBA-ready of the talented freshman point guards.
His ability to dictate game flow, elevate in traffic for tough jumpers and find open teammates easily off the bounce gives him real offensive star power to boost his candidacy. Acuff impressively limited turnovers (2.2 per game) while handling a 29.5% usage rate and shooting 44% from 3, building a strong all-around offensive profile for a lead playmaker. Questions persist around his defensive limitations, but teams in need of a true point will have to take a long look early in the draft.
2025-26 stats: 23.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists in 36 games
Although Flemings cooled off a bit offensively in the final month of the season, he has proved himself as a winning player and explosive playmaker with the potential to anchor a backcourt long term. NBA teams were impressed with the way he handled pressure and emerged as the top player on an excellent Houston team that ultimately didn't have a ton of consistent offensive contributors around him.
Flemings puts immense pressure on the paint with his speed, finishing and willingness to play through contact. He is an unselfish and skilled passer who shines on the open floor. Though his jumper still has room for improvement, he has made significant strides with his confidence and alleviated some of those concerns. Flemings' size, pace and upside continue to set him apart in a deep, talented point guard class.
2025-26 stats: 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists in 37 games
Knee and ankle injuries in February interrupted Ament's strong second half, but he returned to contribute to Tennessee's surprise Elite Eight run. Although he often left scouts wanting more this season, his skill level and fluidity at his size and flashes of shotmaking fit a valuable archetype and supply a strong developmental base in the long run.
It's likely Ament won't be ready to contribute to a winning team as a rookie, but players in his mold are hard to find and tend to be valuable in an NBA driven by perimeter size and skill. Scouts are split on the likelihood of him reaching his ceiling, as he's not an explosive athlete and has had some challenging moments this season. His best flashes in what was a suboptimal team context at Tennessee have kept him in the lottery mix.
2025-26 stats: 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists in 35 games
Brown sat out Louisville's final six games with a lingering back injury, missing the postseason and ending his season in a state of flux. NBA teams are well aware of his talent as a playmaker, and many scouts believe he's capable of outperforming his 34% 3-point clip, but the incomplete nature of his season will place value on his medical.
The missed time made Brown tricky to evaluate for NBA execs, raising concerns about his availability and efficiency struggles amid a heavy reliance on taking tough shots. The high points of his season showcased his shotmaking and vision, which, coupled with plus positional size, give him intriguing upside. A positive predraft process will be pivotal for him to make his case in a very deep guard class.
2025-26 stats: 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists in 21 games
Although Burries struggled in Arizona's final tournament games against Purdue and Michigan, he earned a place in the lottery conversation over the course of a strong freshman season. He's not elite in any one area, but he proved himself as a multifaceted contributor who's comfortable on and off the ball and adds value defensively and on the glass. He's a whole year older than most of the other top freshmen and is viewed by teams as a back-half lotto candidate.
Scouts feel Burries' upside scenarios revolve around whether he develops into more of a full-time ball handler, with his frame playing up better in that role than on the wing. Sharpening his handle and playmaking skills in the long run will be crucial to making that work, with his style of play more reliant on strength and craft than explosive athleticism.
2025-26 stats: 16.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 39 games
11. Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
Height: 6-9 | Age: 19.0 | Previous ranking: 10
Lopez enters the draft coming off a productive second season in the NBL, with a mix of positional size, developing skill and toughness that creates a pathway for long-term success. He totaled the most points ever by a draft-eligible Next Stars player and also tied the mark for combined steals and blocks, showing improvement as the season went on and shooting 50% from the field as an 18-year-old playing against much older competition.
Scouts' questions center around how much offense Lopez will be able to create for himself and how much he'll improve as a shooter (32.6% from 3), as he isn't fleet of foot and has to rely more on skill and craft as a perimeter-oriented forward. He will have an opportunity to answer those questions and get in front of teams in the predraft process.
Lendeborg's outstanding final college season culminated in a national title for Michigan, sending him into the predraft process with momentum. Although he will turn 24 in September, scouts view him as ready to contribute to a rotation, particularly coming off a strong close to the season in which he showcased his shotmaking (52.9% from 3 in his final 11 games) and ability to play in transition.
It's difficult to find players like Lendeborg, who can play on the perimeter and guard multiple positions with his strong frame and 7-foot-4 wingspan, enabling him to fit into all types of lineups while keeping size on the floor defensively. Although Lendeborg's age points to limited developmental upside, that versatility should be of interest to any team in need of frontcourt help beginning in the late lottery.
2025-26 stats: 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists in 40 games
Haugh further proved himself this season as a capable all-around player who makes winning contributions on both ends, something that won't be diminished by Florida's early tournament exit. He's old for a first-round pick, but much of what he does should translate to the NBA level, putting him in late lottery consideration for teams that need immediate help.
Haugh's positional size, mobility, toughness and nonstop motor make him a versatile frontcourt option who wins extra possessions and doesn't need his number called to produce. He likely won't create much offense for himself, but his skill set slots in well alongside star talent. Showcasing his room for growth as a 3-point shooter (32.6%) will be key in predraft workouts.
2025-26 stats: 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists in 34 games
14. Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Junior | 7-3 | Age: 21.0 | Previous ranking: 32
Mara greatly helped himself during Michigan's championship run, turning in a signature performance scoring 26 points against Arizona's excellent defensive frontline in the Final Four. His strong close to the season (averaging 13.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in his final 24 games) helped rejuvenate his status as a prospect after two down years at UCLA.
In a class that is light on obvious high-upside talent at center, Mara's unusual mix of skills, coupled with his huge frame, warrants more serious consideration from teams looking to address that position. He's an excellent passer, skilled with the ball and shot 66.8% from the field, with the sheer size to be a deterrent defensively. It's a unique mix of traits that should, at the very least, help him succeed as a change-of-pace option in the NBA. He's a poor free throw shooter (56.4%), but he had more success down the stretch and has flashed some capacity in warmups to eventually stretch his range beyond the arc. Mara has vaulted himself squarely into first-round territory if he opts to enter the draft.
2025-26 stats: 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 40 games
Steinbach finished a productive year in a losing context, recording 20 double-doubles and showcasing his dependability. His above-average skill and feel, and ability to operate out of different spots on the floor, give him a good chance to carve out an NBA role. Although not a dynamic scorer, Steinbach does offer floor-spacing potential, making 34% of his 3s this season.
He's viewed by scouts as undersized for a center and likely not quick enough to guard at power forward, something that could ultimately cap his path to being a top-end starter. Still, Steinbach offers an attractive long-term floor as a rotation big man.
2025-26 stats: 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists in 30 games
Philon finished the season with a career-high-tying 35 points in a Sweet 16 loss to Michigan, going out on a strong individual note that served as a reminder of his scoring talent and competitiveness. He ultimately made an excellent decision to stay in college, improved his shooting splits across the board, made nearly 40% of his 3s, and proved capable of higher offensive usage, now looking like a guard who can provide a real offensive spark in the NBA.
As a score-first guard lacking top-end strength and explosiveness, Philon projects most safely as a combo guard who can give teams scoring punch off the bench. That might keep him on the fringes of the lottery in a very strong guard class, but teams in need of extra shot creation and backcourt depth should value what he brings.
2025-26 stats: 22.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists in 33 games
Mullins became one of the faces of the NCAA tournament after his buzzer-beating logo 3 against Duke sent UConn to the Final Four. Although he struggled to knock down shots against Michigan, he stepped up with four 3s against Illinois in the semifinal, including another critical late-game make to seal the game. He has left scouts wanting more at times, but Mullins' shooting prowess and tough mental makeup have shone through in key spots.
Mullins now has an interesting decision to make, with an opportunity to capitalize on his strong tournament and work his way up the board. Teams will be eager to see more of him on the ball in predraft workouts as they assess what else he can bring offensively beyond his gravity as a shooter. There's also a real opportunity to go higher in the 2027 draft, which is currently lighter on top-end talent, if he returns to what would presumably be a heavily featured role for the Huskies.
2025-26 stats: 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists in 33 games
Cenac made some important improvements this season but remains a ways from being ready to add value in an NBA game, making him polarizing for evaluators who are split on his long-term prospects. A fluid big man with developing offensive skills, the strides Cenac has made in terms of competing on every play and handling physicality bode well, but his consistency as a scorer left something to be desired.
He should be an intriguing name to follow this spring, with untapped upside and an opportunity to rise in the predraft process, factoring in his youth, tools, trajectory and the dearth of top center talent, but he could also have a better chance at the lottery a year from now with a better sophomore season.
2025-26 stats: 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.7 assists in 37 games
With iconic stories, hit Originals and live sports, there's something for everyone on Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. Get all three for a price you'll love.
Anderson didn't finish the season playing his best basketball, with an injury to star forward JT Toppin significantly hampering Texas Tech and making Anderson's life more difficult. He won NBA teams over with his stellar shooting (41.5% from 3) while taking on an expanded role this season, now projecting as a quality game manager who's comfortable on and off the ball and can navigate ball screens.
He now faces an interesting draft decision, with the option to stay in school, be a major NIL earner and make a run up the board in next year's thinner point guard class, or to capitalize on a stellar sophomore season and work his way up this year's board with a strong predraft process.
2025-26 stats: 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists in 33 games
Quaintance played in just four games this season after recurring knee issues sidelined him coming off last year's ACL surgery. Those circumstances make him a tricky case ahead of the draft, given the limited minutes he'll have on his résumé and the limitations around his archetype as an undersized 5-man who doesn't space the floor. His defensive upside and ability as a lob target, both of which were on display his freshman year in a losing context at Arizona State, will keep him in the top 20 conversation. NBA teams will look closely at his medical, and it remains to be seen how many of the questions he'll be able to answer on the predraft circuit.
2025-26 stats: 5.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists in 4 games
Although he struggled to make an impact in Duke's loss to UConn, Evans stepped up in several key spots in March and displayed all-around improvement this season, upping his usage and efficiency as a starter. His excellent frame and ability to shoot from range off movement will always be an NBA calling card, and he has had some positive flashes using his length defensively.
Evans offers real long-term scoring upside if he can gain strength, sharpen his handle and continue to improve his decision-making. There's room for him to rise on the board if he opts to enter the draft, but also potentially more for him to show in college.
2025-26 stats: 15.0 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists in 38 games
Peat has been one of the more divisive players in the class, with scouts conflicted on whether his physicality, toughness and defensive smarts can overcome his midrange-heavy shot selection in the long run. He shot just 7-for-20 from 3 this season and 62.3% from the foul line, creating an obvious path to improving his stock in 2027 if he opts to stay in school and focus on development.
His winning history and intangibles should make Peat a first-round candidate regardless, but it will take a strong predraft process to answer the overarching questions about how his offensive game translates to the NBA, where he'll have less of a physical advantage and will have to become more pronounced on the perimeter.
2025-26 stats: 14.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists in 36 games
Stirtz played a focal role in Iowa's surprising Elite Eight run, with his poise and ability to control the game helping drive winning despite his streaky shooting performances. He played every minute of the tournament, and his heavy usage on a team that didn't have a ton around him suggests that things might get easier for him in the pros, where he should have more open looks and can better maximize his ability as a ball-screen operator.
Scouts are split on Stirtz's long-term upside, as he's not the quickest, doesn't always get great separation from defenders and will likely need a ball screen to create shots at a high level. But it's fair to think he can rise up the board from here, with guard-needy teams likely to look in his direction as a plug-and-play option, particularly if other players with eligibility opt to return to college.
2025-26 stats: 19.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists in 37 games
Carr is another player facing a tricky draft decision: He has a real chance at the first round coming off a breakout in his third year of college but could also better maximize his earning potential if he stays in school. He's a candidate to rise in the predraft process, with the type of explosiveness and shooting ability that typically stand out in workout settings.
Despite a down year for Baylor, Carr was reasonably efficient (61.8% TS) on high volume. He offers a viable NBA framework as a highflyer with shotmaking chops and a 7-foot-1½ wingspan who can add value defensively and on the glass.
2025-26 stats: 18.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists in 34 games
As the defensive backbone of an excellent Arizona team, Krivas helped his stock in a major way this season and has put himself in the first-round mix if he opts to enter the draft. He's an above-average athlete for his size, with a no-frills, lunch pail game as a play finisher and paint deterrent. He was among the most impactful defenders in college basketball and looks ready to slot in as a viable backup big. From a financial perspective, the pull of NIL could make staying in school, where he'd again be among the top bigs in college basketball, a more viable option.
2025-26 stats: 10.4 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists in 39 games
