Freshman Superlatives -- CBB

The 2025-2026 College Basketball Season has been different than past seasons in many ways. The NIL and Transfer Portal era has changed the scope of the sport -- Guys are staying in school longer, international players are coming over to play, scumbags like Nate Oats are getting NBA G-Leaguers to come back and bolster the roster.

But one thing that has stayed the same -- and something that almost feels like a throwback to the 2010's -- is the amount of Freshman that have entered the College Basketball world and are DOMINATING. This is the best Freshman class we've seen in years in terms of top-level talent and 1st year guys that are leading some of the best teams in CBB.

While Last year's Freshman class was also very strong -- especially when you look at how well Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, VJ Edgecombe, and so many others are performing in the NBA. Flagg and Knueppel were the only ones who made deep tourney runs with Duke. This season, it feels like so many of the Star Freshman are also on teams that could make noise in March Madness.

Today, I wanted to give all of these Freshman some shine -- rather than trying to rank them from best to worst. There are so many great Frosh in the sport, and everyone has an opinion on who's the best -- so I'm giving out my superlatives for the big-name 1st years. I'll let the reader make their own call -- while I present why all of these guys are incredible prospects.

Most Productive/Consistent Star: Cameron Boozer (Duke)

Should come as no surprise, being as Boozer is anywhere from a -300 to -350 favorite to win Player of the Year across all of College Basketball. He's 2nd in the nation in scoring (23.5 ppg), leads Duke in scoring, rebounds (9.8), assists (4.1), and steals (1.8). Has fewer games with under 20 points than he does with 25+ points. He does it all for the Blue Devils -- has a great all-around game on both ends of the floor, and will be a worthy Player of the Year Winner, as well as a Top-3 pick.

Most Tantalizing Prospect: Darryn Peterson (Kansas)

Of the elite freshmen, Darryn Peterson is the most difficult to analyze, because he's been on the court the least -- missing a month early on with a hamstring issue, and being in and out of the lineup since returning. But when he is on the court -- you'll be hard-pressed to find a player regardless of class better than Peterson. He is a STUD with a polished offensive arsenal -- from jumper to handle to finishing. Even with injury concerns -- he's the best NBA prospect in this class to me, and I'd be taking him #1 if I was an NBA GM.

Most Surprising Star: Keaton Wagler (Illinois)

Of any player in Today's Blog -- Keaton Wagler had far and away the least publicity coming into the CBB season. But from Game 1, it was clear Brad Underwood and his staff found yet another diamond in the rough guard. A 6'6 combo with scoring and playmaking chops (18 ppg, 4 apg) -- Wagler's efficiency (48/44/82 splits), aggression, and decision-making have made him ILL's most valuable players. 46 points and 9 triples in a road win @ Purdue -- absolute hooper.

Most Fun to Watch - Guard: Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)

The next two go hand-in-hand -- Most Fun to Watch-Frosh. And starting at guard, I haven't seen anyone more fun that Darius Acuff -- from freshmen to seniors. He's an absolute blur at the PG position -- great combo of quickness, athleticism, and skill. He's a terrific passer (6.2 apg), dynamic scorer (20+ ppg), is highly efficient (49% FG, 41% 3-pt FG), and is a walking highlight reel every night. One of Coach Cal's Top ___ Best Point Guards? Embrace debate.

Most Fun to Watch - Big Man: Caleb Wilson (UNC)

Of course I'm biased toward my Tar Heels, but if you chalk this up as a biased pick just because he plays for UNC -- you haven't been watching Caleb Wilson. He leads all of College Basketball in Dunks with 65 (!!) -- most of which are SC-Top-10-Play material. He dunks everything, racks up steals and blocks (3 stocks a game) to make plays in transition. He's also a double-double threat nightly who improves as a playmaker every game (20/10/3 on the year).

Highest Variance, Ceiling: AJ Dybansta (BYU)

There is no question Dybansta is one of, if not THE, most talented player in the country. He's got a 30-point triple-double, a 43-point performance, and is 3rd in the nation at 23.3 ppg. He's an elite athlete with shot-making intangibles. But we've also seen him struggle with TOs at times (3 per game), shot selection (6-24 FG, 1-8 from 3 in a home loss to AZ) and defensive positioning (just 4 stocks over his last 5 games). The potential is undeniable, but there's room for improvement.

The Meteoric Riser: Kingston Flemings (Houston)

Kingston Flemings could probably fit in the "Most Underrated" category too -- but after his 42-point game @ Texas Tech, he's becoming a household name. Coming into Houston, a team fresh off a National Championship appearance, returning both lead guards in Sharp and Uzan -- Flemings as a freshman is their most important player. His game is smooth -- equally deft scoring from the perimeter and the paint. 17 ppg, 5.5 apg, 2 steals, nearly 40% from 3 -- there isn't a player I've been more impressed by than Flemings.

The Sleeping Giant: Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)

Of all the players on this list, I think it's fair to say Mikel Brown Jr. has had the most disappointing season thus far. He's dealt with some injuries, missed about a month of games, has struggled with efficiency (38% FG, 28% 3-pt FGs), had a horrible night against Duke. However, this is a kid I'd be buying stock in as March approaches. A pair of 20-point games in wins over SMU & VT -- MBJ is a dynamic offensive weapon that hasn't scratched the surface of his potential yet.

Most Under-Rated: Koa Peat/Brayden Burries (Arizona)

This Arizona Freshman duo may not be a traditional choice for under-rated, considering their team is 22-0 and #1 in the country. But with the depth and veterans on the Arizona roster -- I think it's easy to forget that 2 freshmen have arguably been the 2 best players on the best team in the nation.

Peat exploded onto the scene with a 30+ point game against defending champs Florida on Night 1 of the season, but has settled in as a 15/6/3 guy for the Cats. Burries had a slower start, but the 6'4 combo has been the perfect compliment to Jaden Bradley -- and has racked up 7 games of 20+ points.

Most Unknown Studs:

Hannes Steinbach (Washington)

Ebuka Okorie (Stanford)

Jake Hall / Tomislav Buljan (New Mexico)

Joel Foxwell (Portland)

Nick Janowski (St. Thomas MN)

Fairfield Stags Basketball

And to close things out, I'm going to hit you with a handful of Freshman across the country -- the first 2 being lesser-known stars, and the last few being almost entirely unknown studs.

Starting with Hannes Steinbach of U-Dub, the 6'11 German forward may be a lottery pick with his rebounding and shooting potential. 17.6 ppg, 11.4 rpg (3rd in nation) and shoots 37% from 3.

Ebuka Okorie is top 10 in the nation in scoring (21.8 ppg), with 10 games of 25+ points. He's a pure bucket-getter with a bag of rim-finishes, shooting ability, and boundless tenacity.

The #1 team in the Mountain West right now is New Mexico -- and their tandem of freshmen may lead the lobos to the Tournament. Hall (15.5 ppg, 44% 3-pt) and Buljan (12 ppg, 10 rpg) have come out of nowhere and been great for UNM.

There are 3 players in College Basketball with more than 160 assists on the year -- Braden Smith, Jeremy Fears Jr., and Portland's Joel Foxwell -- a freshman putting up 15 ppg and 7 apg.

Nick Janowski of the Thommies is a 17 ppg stud for one of my favorite niche mid-major squads.

And Fairfield starts 4 freshmen currently — one who’s Top 10 in rebounds per game nationally (Brandon Benjamin).

That's all I've got for today -- if there's a freshman on your list that didn't get shouted out in today's blog, let us know in the comments below!