This yr’s freshman class entered the season as probably the most hyped in latest reminiscence. Not solely did the group meet expectations, however they exceeded them. It must be remembered as arguably the best freshman class in school basketball historical past.
Within the coming weeks and months, there can be debate about who would be the No. 1 decide within the 2026 NBA Draft. It could possibly be any of Duke’s Cameron Boozer, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, or Kansas‘ Darryn Peterson. Both method, all three gamers have celebrity potential on the subsequent stage.
Then you might have Arkansas‘ Darius Acuff Jr., who may go down as one of the best freshman guard coach John Calipari has had in his profession. Keaton Wagler went from unknown recruit to the offensive engine on Illinois‘ Ultimate 4 workforce. And you may’t neglect about Houston guard Kingston Flemings, who was nearly as good as anybody in school basketball at attending to his spots within the mid-range.
Boozer was named CBS Sports activities’ Freshman and Participant of the 12 months after placing collectively probably the most constant and greatest seasons by a first-year participant. With Boozer headlining the checklist of our All-Freshman workforce, right here is who else made the lower.
2025-26 CBS SPORTS ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM
Cameron Boozer | Duke | PF | 6-9 | Fr.
The son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer is a projected top-three decide within the 2026 NBA Draft. What made him such a particular participant at Duke this season was his passing and basketball IQ. Few submit gamers can run an offense the best way he did, constantly staying composed and making the suitable reads out of the submit.
As a scorer, Boozer used his measurement to overpower defenders and get to the free-throw line at a excessive charge.
Following up on what Cooper Flagg achieved at Duke final season was a tall process, however Boozer exceeded the hype. He was one of the best participant in school basketball for a lot of the season.
AJ Dybantsa | BYU | SF | 6-9
Dybantsa arrived with essentially the most hype of any BYU prospect since Jimmer Fredette and lived as much as the billing. He completed the season as school basketball’s main scorer, averaging 25.5 factors per recreation.
Dybantsa continued to enhance over the course of the season and took on a bigger position on each ends of the ground after star guard Richie Saunders suffered a season-ending knee harm.
His play after the calendar turned to 2026 has put him firmly within the dialog to be the No. 1 general decide on this summer time’s NBA Draft. In his closing school recreation, he scored 35 factors in a loss to Texas within the first spherical of the NCAA Event.
Darius Acuff Jr. | Arkansas | PG | 6-3
In most seasons, Acuff could be the clear-cut nationwide participant and freshman of the yr. What he did offensively at Arkansas was nothing wanting phenomenal. His capacity to attain in any respect three ranges set him aside.
Acuff got here near breaking De’Aaron Fox’s NCAA Event report for many factors by a freshman. He scored 36 factors towards Excessive Level and completed with 88 factors in three event video games.
Acuff was a knockdown shooter and a sophisticated playmaker.
Keaton Wagler | Illinois | PG | 6-6
Wagler is likely one of the greatest success tales in school basketball in recent times. As soon as an unheralded recruit out of Kansas, he emerged as Illinois‘ greatest participant over the course of the season and is projected to be a top-10 decide on this summer time’s NBA Draft.
Led by Wagler, Illinois is within the Ultimate 4 for the primary time since 2005. The Preventing Illini have notable depth, however deep March runs require a star guard to cleared the path. That is precisely what Wagler has been for the Illini.
Kingston Flemings | Houston | PG | 6-4
Flemings joined a loaded Houston roster contemporary off a nationwide title recreation look and emerged as its greatest participant because the season progressed. He thrived within the midrange, the place he was as efficient as anybody within the sport at attending to his spots and enjoying at his personal tempo.
He was additionally sturdy on the defensive finish, averaging 1.5 steals per recreation. Flemings mixed that with environment friendly scoring, taking pictures 47.6% from the sphere, 38.7% from 3-point vary and 84.5% from the free-throw line.