Basketball fans around the world are concerned for the future of the NBA. With LeBron’s departure inevitable, the NBA has struggled to find the new face of its league. However, they shouldn’t have to search too much longer. The 2025-2026 freshman class is considered one of the best all-time. Cameron Boozer is leading the blue-blood Duke Blue Devils, AJ Dybantsa is at the helm at BYU, and Darryn Peterson is playing an interesting yet incredible role for the Kansas Jayhawks. The NBA may be in good hands; however, these freshmen are in the midst of one of the most memorable college basketball seasons of all time.
This is considered by some to be the most talented freshman class in history. All three of these programs have a real shot at winning a national championship, and March Madness could be an all-time classic. However, these three are at the top of college basketball, but who is truly the best of the bunch?
With only a month away from March Madness, these players are not only preparing to compete for a national championship, but they are also competing to become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. All of these players have minimal flaws in their game, making it an incredibly difficult decision for whoever wins the NBA Lottery.
In this article, I will be breaking down college basketball superstar freshmen that are changing CBB and diving into their 2025-2026 season.
*Research was conducted on Sports Reference.
AJ Dybantsa: Big Money, Bigger Impact at BYU
Dybantsa made headlines before the 2025-2026 season, committing to BYU. He signed as one of the highest paid college athletes ever, earning between $5-$7 million in NIL. BYU has developed a great program, but recruiting AJ Dybantsa pushed the program’s ceiling to another level. He was the No.1 recruit coming into this season, and he has played the part to perfection.
The combo-forward has been incredible this season, averaging 23.3 PPG, shooting 53% from the field and 33% from 3-point range. What makes Dybantsa such a dangerous prospect is the fact that he combines his scoring ability with defensive potential. He currently stands at 6-9, 210 pounds and has plenty more opportunity to grow.
How has BYU looked as a program? They have struggled against top ranked opponents, losing to programs like Arizona, Texas Tech, and recently losing to another all-time freshman with Kansas. However, they will be a top seed for March Madness, and they should have a great chance of making a run at the National Championship.
Dybantsa joined a BYU program that has had a great track record in recent years, winning games during March Madness. Can this team overcome some of the other top schools in the country? We will have to wait and see, but at this point, AJ Dybantsa is making a case for being arguably the best NBA prospect from this freshman class.
Darryn Peterson: Limited Minutes, Unlimited Impact at Kansas
While Dybantsa is more than likely the highest-paid player in CBB, Peterson isn’t too far behind him, making an estimated $3 million. He, as well as the rest of these freshmen, was also a highly recruited prospect. He has taken the CBB world by storm, and in limited minutes and games, he has come the favorite to be the No.1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Peterson is the most efficient and dynamic freshman we have ever seen in CBB. In just 12 games, he is averaging 21.1 PPG, shooting 49.4% from the field and 43.2% from 3-point range. He has played limited minutes here and there, and people are starting to speculate if this load management has come into play. Regardless of injuries or load management, he has played incredibly in the minutes he has played.
Kansas has been solid all season long, with its signature win being a dominant showing against Dybantsa and BYU. Peterson only played 20 minutes in that game; however, he scored 18 points and led Kansas to another great win. They have great wins against Iowa State and Texas Tech as well. With Peterson’s minutes increasing as the season progresses, Kansas should be a team to watch out for when March comes around.
Kansas is one of the most historic basketball programs in the country. Countless NBA players and March Madness runs have given Kansas the “Blue Blood” recognition. Peterson has continued Kansas’ legacy and could become the best prospect of the bunch. The dynamic scorer has continued to wow fans and should be at the top of every team’s draft board.
Cameron Boozer: Duke’s Star Following an NBA Bloodline
Cameron Boozer has been talked about for years as the next great prospect in CBB. He is the son of a former NBA All-Star and Duke Blue Devil, making it no surprise that he followed in his father’s footsteps. Even with his father’s success, Cameron has the opportunity to be even greater. Even though he has been terrific, it feels like his name is being overshadowed by the other freshman.
Boozer is the second leading scorer in the country, scoring 23.5 PPG, just edging out Dybantsa. He is also averaging nearly 10 RPG and an incredible 4.1 APG for a power forward. Boozer has been incredibly efficient, shooting 58.6% from the field and 38% from 3-point range. Out of the three freshmen on this list, Boozer is arguably the most valuable to his team.
Duke has been incredible this season, consistently being projected to be a #1 seed in March Madness. Their only loss of the season was a one-point loss to a stellar Texas Tech squad. Duke’s schedule down the stretch is challenging, facing five current Top-25 teams. However, they will more than likely hold a #1 seed in the tournament and should be the favorite to win the ACC. Duke is another historic program, arguably the most historic in the nation, and Cameron Boozer has continued the legacy left by his father.
Duke is another historic program, arguably the most historic in the nation, and Cameron Boozer has continued the legacy left by his father. Boozer is the consensus top-3 pick heading closer to the NBA Draft. Depending on what happens in March, he could earn himself into No. 1 pick territory. He is going to be an incredible building block for any NBA team and could become the franchise player of whatever team drafts him.
The 2025-2026 freshman class is considered to be the best in recent memory. Even with commotion over G-League and former NBA players coming back to CBB, freshmen are those who are dominated the sport. Dybantsa, Peterson, and Boozer are going to be the top three picks in the upcoming NBA Draft, and I do not believe you can make the wrong selection. Each freshmen has the change to become a legendary players, and they have the chance to lead their team to a National Championship in March. What a time to be a CBB fan.
*If you are interested in more CBB content, check out our weekly Bracketology!
