Jason Burgos
The 2026 edition of the NCAA Tournament has arrived and will decide the new champion of men’s college basketball. But to get to the finals, you need elite talent. So who are the best players taking to the floor this week? We look to answer that question with our ranking of the top 20 players in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
20. Rueben Chinyelu, Florida
Nigerian-born big man Rueben Chinyelu took a big leap forward in his junior season with Florida. After being a notable contributor during their title run last year, Chinyelu evolved into a double-double machine for the Gators in 2025-26. Posting 11.2 points, 11.5 boards (first on the team), and 1.1 blocks in 24.8 minutes.
Florida isn’t a one-seed in the tournament and in a position to win another title without Chinyelu being a major difference maker.
19. Christian Anderson, Texas Tech
JT Toppin was the top scorer for Texas Tech all season, and his high-level skills at putting the ball in the basket are why he earned All-American First Team honors. However, it overshadowed how important guard Christian Anderson was to the team.
He is second in scoring (18.9) and finished third in the country for assists (7.6). While Toppin was their best scorer, Anderson was the Red Raiders best offensive player, and it’s why he also earned All-American honors (third team) this year.
18. Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt sophomore Tyler Tanner took a big step forward in his second season with the Commodores. After averaging 5.7 points and 1.9 rebounds last year, the Tennessee native led the team in scoring (19.1) and assists (5.1) while adding over two steals a night. He had a boatload of 20-plus point games this season, and he was a major reason why Vandy nearly won the SEC Conference Tournament last week.
17. Braden Smith, Purdue
Purdue is a tough out for any team in the nation because it is filled with veteran impact players. The best of the bunch is guard Braden Smith. The senior is the heart and soul of their team and is arguably the best floor general in the country. His 9.1 assists a night are second in the nation.
If the Boilermakers make it to the Final Four this spring, the second-team All-American likely would have played a huge role in that run.
16. Thomas Haugh, Florida
Florida has a real chance to win a second straight natty because of junior Thomas Haugh. After being a key role player during this title run last year, the third-team All-American was thrust into a prominent role and has delivered all season for the Gators.
The Pennsylvania native is a key part of the Florida offense, but his ability to also be a versatile impact player on defense is why he is one of the best players in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
15. Dominique Daniels Jr., Cal Baptist
Cal Baptist senior Dominique Daniels Jr. is one of the hidden gems in this year’s NCAA Tournament. The leader of the WAC champions is fifth in the nation in scoring (23.2) because of a seriously diverse offensive game. There is little he can’t do on that side of the ball, but the athletic guard has also consistently shown an ability to be clutch.
Cal Baptist could create some memorable moments in this year’s tourney because of Daniels.
14. Nick Boyd, Wisconsin
Wisconsin was a standout team in the Big Ten this season because of the performance of senior guard Nick Boyd. The Badgers’ star leads the team in scoring (20.6) and assists (4.2) and is their go-to guy late in games. Yet, he is just as good at breaking down defenses and getting teammates great looks. Boyd is one of the toughest players in the nation to deal with when he has the ball in his hands.
13. Keaton Wagler, Illinois
Illinois had a much better season than some projected in 2025-26, and the main reason why is the emergence of freshman Keaton Wagler. The Kansas native earned second-team All-American honors by leading the Fighting Illini in points (17.9) and assists (4.4). The youngster is a skilled scorer and had a 46-point night against Big Ten Conference champs Purdue in January.
12. Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama
For many college basketball experts, Alabama is seen as a sleeper team with Elite 8 potential in this month’s tournament. The reason why is that sophomore Labaran Philon Jr. is leading the No. 1 scoring offense in the nation (91.7 PPG).
The third-team All-American is a fantastic ball-handler who gives defenses headaches because of his ability to attack the rim and also beat them from deep.
11. Jeremy Fears, Michigan State
Jeremy Fears has been a headache for Michigan State this season. At his worst, he’s gained a reputation as unpredictable and a dirty player. But when he is focused and has his head in the game, he is probably the best classic point guard in the nation.
Fears leads the country in assists (9.2) while also posting 15.7 points and 1.3 steals a night. It’s why he is a second-team All-American. If the Spartans reach the Elite 8, it will be because of the Illinois native.
10. Graham Ike, Gonzaga
Two-time WCC POTY Graham Ike is the top star on a Gonzaga team that will be a problem in the tournament. The fifth-year senior has been a steady and reliable go-to player dating back to his second season at Wyoming in 2021-2022. However, in 2025-26, he elevated his game to lead a 30-3 Bulldogs team in points (19.7) and rebounds (8.2). The third-team All-American is a polished collegiate veteran who is one of the best forwards in the nation.
9. Yaxel Lendeborg, Michgan
When Michigan won the transfer portal bidding war for UAB star Yaxel Lendeborg, the hope was that he would make a difference, and the Wolverines could get a nice run in the tournament. However, he has exceeded expectations, and the team is a serious contender to win it all this month because of the forward.
Lendeborg leads the team in scoring (14.6) and steals (1.2), and is second in boards (7.0) and assists (3.2). In one of the best conferences in the country, there was no doubt he was the Big Ten POTY this year.
8. Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
So many players are one or two and done in men’s college basketball. However, Iowa State star Joshua Jefferson used all of his collegiate eligbility and it’s benefited his chances of being a first-round pick in the draft.
The senior was the unofficial MVP of the Big 12 as he led the Cyclones in boards (7.6), but is second in points (16.9), assists (4.9), steals (1.7), and blocks (0.9). He has done everything at a high level for Iowa State and has them set up for a deep run this month.
7. Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s
Former Kansas recruit Zuby Ejiofor had his best season yet in his senior year with St. John’s. The Big East POTY is the heart of the Red Storm on offense and defense. He leads the program in points (16.3), rebounds (7.1), assists (3.5), and blocks (2.1). Ejiofor’s ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball is a big reason why the Johnnies are a dark horse pick by some college basketball experts.
6. Jaden Bradley, Arizona
Arizona is seen as a serious threat to win the NCAA Tournament this year because of Big 12 POTY Jaden Bradley. The fact that he earned that honor while teammates like Koa Peat and Brayden Burries get more attention shows how important he is to the Wildcats.
The senior makes a big impact every night because of his clutch playmaking, leadership, and outstanding on-ball defense. Bradley is a hidden gem in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
5. Kingston Flemings, Houston
It is difficult to get to the finals of the NCAA Tournament. Houston did that in 2025 and came up just short of the program’s first natty. Going to back-to-back title games is even harder, but the Cougars could do it this month because of freshman Kingston Flemings.
The Texas native has had a breakthrough season, scoring 16.4 points a game, and has a 42-point night on his resume in 2026. The All-American is one of the best guards in the country and is poised to be a lottery pick in June.
4. Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Kansas star Darryn Peterson has been a source for headlines over the last couple of months. While many NBA Draft experts believe he should be the No. 1 pick in June, he created big questions about his dedication to the Jayhawks during the regular season. Nevertheless, when he is on the floor, he is, arguably, the most dangerous scorer in the country and can ravage opposing defenses with ease.
3. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Similar to Keaton Wagler at Illinois, Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. has not only been one of the best freshmen in the country, but he has been a POTY candidate in 2026. The SEC POTY and first-team All-American leads the Razorbacks in points (22.9) and assists (6.5), and the SEC Conference champions are a serious dark horse in the tournament because of the nasty talent of Acuff Jr.
2. AJ Dybantsa, BYU
BYU tumbled down and out of the top 25 over the final months of the 2025-26 season. However, things could have been far worse if not for June’s other potential No. 1 pick, AJ Dybantsa. The forward leads the nation in scoring (25.3) and is an absolute handful for any team in the nation because of his impressive athleticism and scoring versatility at 6-foot-9.
1. Cam Boozer, Duke
Duke was the No. 1 team in the country and is the top seed in the NCAA Tournament because of the fantastic play of freshman Cam Boozer. The son of former NBA star Carlos Boozer led the Blue Devils in points (22.5), rebounds (10.2), and assists (4.2) in 2025-26. The ACC Player of the Year is a threat on the inside and outside and has winning intangibles. It’s why he is a heavy favorite to be the 2026 National Player of the Year.
