Ranking the Top 10 Freshman in the Country: Where Aj Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer land
By Rob Reinhart
The 2025–26 college basketball season is shaping up to be one of the most talent-rich in recent memory. From polished scorers to NBA-ready athletes, this freshman class has it all — and the balance of power across the country could shift dramatically because of it.
At the top, BYU lands a generational wing. Duke and Kansas reload with future lottery picks. And several programs outside the blue-blood circle have landed game-changers who could make an immediate splash.
Here’s The Reinhart Report’s breakdown of the top 10 freshmen who’ll define college basketball’s next two seasons:
1. AJ Dybantsa – BYU
Class: 2025 (reclassified from 2026)
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6'9", 200 lbs
Hometown: Brockton, MA
Overview:
The consensus No. 1 overall recruit in the country, Dybantsa is arguably the most polished wing prospect since Jayson Tatum at the prep level. He’s reclassified to enter college early, bringing a professional-level approach and skill set rarely seen at 18.
Strengths:
Elite shot creation: Smooth handle and pull-up jumper from all three levels.
NBA-ready body: Long, athletic frame that allows him to guard multiple positions.
Two-way motor: High defensive IQ and transition finishing.
Composure: Poised beyond his years; rarely rattled under pressure.
Weaknesses:
Can occasionally over-dribble and settle for jumpers.
Strength development still ongoing to handle physical defenders.
College Outlook (2025–26):
Expect Dybantsa to step in as a day-one starter and potential All-American candidate at BYU. He could average 17–20 PPG and be a one-and-done lottery pick.
2. Darryn Peterson – Kansas
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6'5", 190 lbs
Hometown: Cuyahoga Falls, OH
Overview:
Peterson combines physical maturity with elite scoring instincts. He’s drawn comparisons to Bradley Beal for his blend of power and finesse and will be the centerpiece of Kansas’s next recruiting class.
Strengths:
Explosive scorer: Quick first step and deep shooting range.
Strong frame: Absorbs contact well, already college-ready physically.
Playmaking ability: Capable of creating for others when doubled.
Competitive fire: Known gym rat and relentless in big games.
Weaknesses:
Decision-making can waver; occasionally forces shots.
Defensive consistency still developing.
College Outlook:
Likely Kansas’s leading scorer as a freshman. Could put up 15–18 PPG and contend for Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
3. Cameron Boozer – Duke
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6'9", 230 lbs
Hometown: Miami, FL
Overview:
The son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron plays with a level of polish and basketball IQ that’s rare for his age. A true combo forward who can score inside or out, he’s Duke’s centerpiece for 2025.
Strengths:
Fundamentally elite: Footwork, touch, and court vision.
Physical: NBA-level strength, dominates smaller defenders.
Team-first mentality: Efficient and selfless.
Rebounding: High motor on the glass.
Weaknesses:
Not a natural perimeter creator; more effective in structured offenses.
Average lateral quickness on switches.
College Outlook:
Fits perfectly into Duke’s frontcourt system. Projected to average around 14 PPG and 8 RPG with efficient shooting percentages.
4. Nate Ament – Tennessee
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6'9", 195 lbs
Hometown: Fairfax, VA
Overview:
Ament is one of the most intriguing long-term prospects in the class — a 6'9" forward with perimeter skills and wing-like mobility.
Strengths:
Length and athleticism: Ideal modern stretch-forward profile.
Fluid offensive game: Can handle and shoot from deep.
Defensive upside: Long wingspan allows for shot disruption.
Weaknesses:
Needs to get stronger; sometimes pushed off spots.
Streaky shooter from deep.
College Outlook:
At Tennessee, Ament could thrive in Rick Barnes’s defensive system. Potential breakout star by year two.
5. Mikel Brown Jr. – Louisville
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6'2", 175 lbs
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Overview:
A polished floor general with advanced command of pace and space, Brown blends high IQ with elite shooting touch.
Strengths:
Dynamic playmaker: Shifty handle and elite vision.
Pull-up threat: Deadly off the dribble from mid-range and beyond.
Poise under pressure: Plays with confidence in big moments.
Weaknesses:
Undersized; can struggle against bigger guards.
Needs to tighten turnover control.
College Outlook:
Could immediately start for Louisville. Think 13 PPG and 5 APG as a freshman with high highlight potential.
6. Caleb Wilson – North Carolina
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6'10", 210 lbs
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Overview:
Wilson is a versatile forward who thrives as a face-up scorer and defensive anchor. UNC values his motor and rim protection.
Strengths:
Elite rebounder: Controls the glass on both ends.
Shot-blocking instinct: Natural rim protector.
High motor: Plays every possession at full speed.
Weaknesses:
Needs to polish offensive consistency.
Limited handle in isolation settings.
College Outlook:
He’ll be a defensive anchor early. Expect 8–10 PPG, 7 RPG, and strong defensive metrics.
7. Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6'3", 185 lbs
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Overview:
A confident lead guard with explosive scoring instincts and flair, Acuff is a perfect fit for Arkansas’s fast-paced offense.
Strengths:
Shot creation: Quick release, deep range.
Athleticism: Finishes well through contact.
Clutch gene: Big-time performer under pressure.
Weaknesses:
Shot selection can be questionable.
Needs to refine defensive awareness.
College Outlook:
High-ceiling guard who could average 14 PPG and 4 APG as a freshman if given full reins.
8. Jamier Jones – Providence
Position: Small Forward
Height/Weight: 6'6", 200 lbs
Hometown: Sarasota, FL
Overview:
Jones is an athletic, high-energy wing who brings toughness and defense first.
Strengths:
Elite vertical athlete: Transition finisher and lob target.
Defensive mindset: Willing to guard top wings.
Work ethic: Motor and hustle standout traits.
Weaknesses:
Offensive game still raw.
Jumper needs refinement.
College Outlook:
Should carve out minutes early due to defense and hustle. Potential glue-guy starter by year two.
9. Kruz McClure – DePaul
Position: Combo Guard
Height/Weight: 6'5", 185 lbs
Hometown: Indianapolis, IN
Overview:
McClure is a scoring guard with smooth mechanics and feel for the game.
Strengths:
Good size for guard: Can shoot over smaller defenders.
Efficient shooter: High release, consistent mechanics.
Smart cutter: Reads spacing well.
Weaknesses:
Needs to improve strength and defense.
Not a true point guard facilitator yet.
College Outlook:
A promising long-term player who could develop into a key scorer by sophomore season.
10. Cal Furnish – Oral Roberts
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6'4", 180 lbs
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
Overview:
A talented mid-major signee who’s been a prolific high school scorer with a competitive edge.
Strengths:
Scorer’s mentality: Can fill it up from deep.
Basketball IQ: Reads defenses well for a young guard.
Leadership qualities: Vocal, high-character player.
Weaknesses:
Athleticism gap compared to top-tier recruits.
Needs to adjust to college-level speed.
College Outlook:
Could be an instant-impact scorer in the Summit League — possibly Freshman of the Year material within his conference.
Final Takeaway
This incoming group of freshmen highlights a shift toward positionless, versatile talent. Dybantsa and Peterson headline the group as potential one-and-dones, while Boozer, Ament, and Wilson could anchor programs for multiple years. Players like Acuff, Jones, and Furnish will thrive in roles that reward energy and consistency — rounding out a deep 2025–26 freshman class.