25 Breakout Stars Defining the 2026 College Basketball Season

The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season has been marked by exceptional talent, with both freshman phenoms and impactful transfers emerging as key players. Several athletes have rebounded from injuries, whereas others have significantly improved their performance, making this one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory. Here are 25 breakout stars to watch, players who are exceeding expectations and shaping the landscape of college basketball.

Rising Stars to Watch

This list highlights players who have demonstrated significant growth, whether returning to form after setbacks or making an immediate impact as newcomers. The selections are based on performance this season, with consideration for future potential.

• Haugh (Florida): A key reserve during Florida’s 2024-25 championship run, Haugh has grow an All-America candidate, averaging 16.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. He is poised to lead the Gators to a potential repeat title.
• Anderson (Texas Tech): Stepping into a larger role, Anderson has elevated his game to All-America status, averaging 19.6 points, 7.7 assists, and shooting 43.9% from three-point range. With teammate JT Toppin sidelined, Anderson is crucial for the Red Raiders’ success.
• Philon (Alabama): Continuing the tradition of strong Alabama guards like Mark Sears, Philon is averaging 21.3 points as a sophomore, doubling his freshman scoring output. He is a key catalyst for the Crimson Tide’s offense.
• Wagler (Illinois): Despite limited high-major offers, Wagler has quickly become a standout freshman for Illinois, potentially leading them to their first Final Four since 2005 and positioning himself as an NBA draft lottery pick.
• Tanner (Vanderbilt): After not starting as a freshman, Tanner is now a contender for SEC Player of the Year, averaging 18.5 points and leading Vanderbilt towards its second NCAA tournament appearance since 2017.
• Momcilovich (Iowa State): Building on his contribution to the 2024-25 team, Momcilovich is averaging a career-high 17.4 points and leading the nation in three-point shooting at 50.7%.
• Bidunga (Kansas): A consistent presence for Kansas, Bidunga has a significant positive impact on the court, with the Jayhawks performing 28.7 points per 100 possessions better when he plays. He likewise contributes 9.2 rebounds per game.
• Reed (UConn): Arguably UConn’s most significant player, Reed has started every game he’s been healthy for this season, and the Huskies are 11.5 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court.
• Chinyelu (Florida): A key component of Florida’s strong defense, opponents are shooting just 37% around the rim against Chinyelu.
• Huff (Gonzaga): Despite a knee injury, Huff’s impact on Gonzaga’s offense is clear, with the team’s efficiency dropping when he’s sidelined. He averages 17.8 points per game.
• Mast (Nebraska): Returning from a knee injury, Mast is leading Nebraska with a well-rounded game, averaging 13.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
• Evans (Duke): A critical catalyst for Duke, Evans has significantly improved his three-point shooting, connecting on 44.4% of his attempts during a recent five-game winning streak.
• Holloway (Alabama): Stepping up from his role as a backup, Holloway is averaging 16.4 points and 4.9 assists during Alabama’s seven-game winning streak.
• Krivas (Arizona): Returning from an injury that limited his playing time last season, Krivas is a key anchor for Arizona, averaging 10.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks.
• Okorie (New Hampshire): A surprising breakout star, Okorie is fifth in the country in scoring with 22.8 points per game.
• Ngongba (Duke): Improving with each game, Ngongba helped Duke defeat Michigan, making 60.2% of his shots and holding opponents to 52% around the rim.
• Chandler (Kentucky): Showing significant improvement as a shooter, Chandler is now shooting 43.1% from three-point range, up from 34.7% last season.
• Miller (SMU): Miller’s leap in performance—from 13.2 PPG and 34.1% from three to 18.6 and 41.9%—is driving SMU’s potential for an at-large NCAA tournament bid.
• Ridder (Virginia): Living up to expectations as a freshman, Ridder is averaging 15.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, contributing to Virginia’s strong offensive performance.
• Buljan (New Mexico): Making an immediate impact, Buljan is nearly averaging a double-double with 11.9 points and 9.8 rebounds.
• Hill (VCU): The leading scorer for VCU, Hill is averaging 14.3 points on 36.5% shooting from three.
• Johnson (Saint Louis): One of the most improved players in America, Johnson has increased his scoring from 6.6 PPG to 17.4 PPG, while also contributing 3.5 assists and 2.6 steals per game.
• Spartan (Michigan State): Showing significant improvement in scoring, rebounding, and three-point shooting, Spartan is giving Michigan State a boost in their pursuit of a deep tournament run.
• McCottry (Saint Louis): A two-way threat for Saint Louis, McCottry is a “very good” defensive player and a key component of their top-25 defense.
• Merrimack Freshman (Merrimack): Averaging 18.3 points, this freshman has led Merrimack in its pursuit of its first Division I NCAA tournament appearance.

These 25 players represent the exciting talent and dynamic shifts happening in college basketball this season. Their performances are not only shaping their teams’ destinies but also establishing them as future stars to watch.