With the 2025 NBA Draft now behind us, the spotlight shifts to the highly anticipated 2026 draft class. Scouts and front office decision-makers have been closely monitoring this group, which boasts some elite talent that could easily be the top picks in any given year. The buzz is palpable, as not only the top tier but also an exciting second and third tier of prospects is emerging. Let’s dive into some of the names that are already generating significant buzz ahead of next season.
1. Darryn Peterson, Kansas Jayhawks
Peterson has been on the cusp of the national spotlight for a while, often overshadowed by standout prospects like AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer. However, his recent performances have turned heads, notably with a jaw-dropping 61-point game against Dybantsa’s Utah Prep earlier this year. Standing at 6’6″ with a powerful frame, Peterson’s blend of size and polished offensive skills—coupled with an exceptional ability to score from all three levels—makes him a compelling No. 1 pick candidate. At Kansas, surrounded by teammates who will allow him to shine, expect him to put up impressive numbers.
2. AJ Dybantsa, BYU Cougars
Dybantsa has been drawing comparisons to NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant since his high school days. His 6’9″ frame, combined with a remarkable 7-foot wingspan, lends itself to elite scoring prowess and defensive intensity. He has proven his versatility in various roles, whether as a primary scorer in prep school or as a defensive stalwart for USA Basketball’s U17 team. His time at BYU under former NBA assistant Kevin Young should see him featured prominently, making Provo a hotspot for NBA scouts next season.
3. Cameron Boozer, Duke Blue Devils
While Boozer has occasionally been viewed as having a lower ceiling than his peers, his relentless production and winning pedigree are hard to ignore. He led his high school to four state championships and a Chipotle Nationals title this year while also claiming multiple Peach Jam titles with his AAU team. Some question his ability to be the top scoring option at the NBA level, but Boozer’s track record suggests he’ll continue to find ways to win. He’s poised for a breakout season at Duke, where his competitive nature will be on full display.
4. Nate Ament, Tennessee Volunteers
Ament may be a bit raw compared to the top three prospects, but his potential is sky-high. He’s made significant strides over the last two years, and despite needing to build his frame, he shows flashes of being a gifted scorer. At Tennessee, he will benefit from a physically dominant team, allowing him to grow defensively while likely taking on a bigger offensive role than he would have at some other schools.
5. Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville Cardinals
Brown, who fits into the older segment of his class, has emerged as a strong prospect, especially after a recent growth spurt that has left him with an NBA-ready build. He made waves on the All-Star circuit recently and will look to capitalize on that momentum at Louisville under Pat Kelsey, where the coaching staff has provided considerable shooting support.
6. Jayden Quaintance, Kentucky Wildcats
Quaintance’s initial enrollment at Arizona State at just 17 years old made him less available for the traditional one-and-done path. However, his early flashes of brilliance, showcased by a formidable block rate, suggest he has elite potential. After transferring to Kentucky post-ACL injury, if he can return to form, he definitely has a chance to break into the elite ranks of this draft class.
7. Karim Lopez, New Zealand Breakers
Hailing from a unique background that included time in Mexico and Spain, Lopez’s seasoning in New Zealand’s NBL has set him up for success. Despite being only 17, he has already made a name for himself as a starter for the Breakers and looks to build upon that in his second season.
8. Chris Cenac, Houston Cougars
Cenac’s physical attributes—size, length, and mobility—indicate a bright future, especially as he continues to develop in various defensive roles. While he’s still a work in progress regarding consistency, joining Kelvin Sampson’s defensive-minded system at Houston should help him elevate his game.
9. Nikolas Khamenia, Duke Blue Devils
Duke is on track to produce multiple first-round talents in the 2026 draft, with Khamenia being a standout among that group. He brings size, an impressive passing ability, and a crafty playing style that makes him a versatile option even without elite athleticism.
10. Caleb Wilson, North Carolina Tar Heels
Wilson, fresh off a Peach Jam title alongside Boozer, has begun building his case as an early lottery pick. His defensive versatility and flashes on the offensive end position him for a significant role at North Carolina, especially as they look to rebound from a subpar previous season.
11. Dash Daniels, Melbourne United (Australia)
The younger brother of rising Hawks star Dyson Daniels, Dash is set to make a name for himself in the NBL. As a physical defender with keen instincts, he’ll have the chance to stake his claim in the top 10 of the draft next year.
12. Darius Acuff, Arkansas Razorbacks
Tracking Acuff’s development will be key this season under coach John Calipari. His elite shot-making and ball-handling skills stand out, and while he may be undersized and less impactful on defense, his offensive prowess could see him rise in the rankings.
13. Braylon Mullins, UConn Huskies
After a standout performance on the Adidas circuit, Mullins, a sharpshooter from the Midwest, is looking to follow in the footsteps of last year’s standout, Kon Knueppel. He’ll have a key role at UConn, where his shooting can make an immediate impact.
14. Tounde Yessoufou, Baylor Bears
After breaking the California high school state scoring record, Yessoufou’s transition to Baylor in the Big 12 will be closely watched. His scoring ability should play a pivotal role on a team eager to make a deep NCAA tournament run.
15. Bennett Stirtz, Iowa Hawkeyes
One of college basketball’s inspiring stories, Stirtz has transitioned from a Division II background to one of the top point guards at Drake. His move to Iowa alongside head coach Ben McCollum presents an exciting challenge against Big Ten competition.
More Names to Know:
Sergio De Larrea (Valencia, Spain), Dame Sarr (Duke Blue Devils), Isaiah Evans (Duke Blue Devils), Koa Peat (Arizona Wildcats), Brayden Burries (Arizona Wildcats), Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan Wolverines), Tahaad Pettiford (Auburn Tigers), Alex Condon (Florida Gators), Isiah Harwell (Houston Cougars), JoJo Tugler (Houston Cougars), Braden Smith (Purdue Boilermakers), Karter Knox (Arkansas Razorbacks), Labaron Philon (Alabama Crimson Tide), Hannes Steinbach (Washington Huskies), Magoon Gwath (San Diego State Aztecs).
As teams and fans start to glance towards the future, the 2026 class offers a tantalizing glimpse into what’s next for the NBA, filling the landscape with potential stars ready to make their mark.
