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Men’s college basketball tiers: Ranking 47 teams from contenders to Cinderellas

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Men’s college basketball tiers: Ranking 47 teams from contenders to Cinderellas


The start of the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season feels like years ago. Before it tipped off, we ranked 80 teams based on how we expected them to end the year, including whether they would be real factors in the NCAA tournament.

Some of those projections held strong. UConn still looks like it could capture its third national title in four tries. Duke and Texas Tech have shaped into the Final Four contenders we forecasted them to be. And Nebraska has lived up to its billing as a comeback candidate, following up last season’s 7-13 Big Ten run to win its first 20 games of this campaign. The Cornhuskers have a real chance to be the men’s basketball version of Indiana football — a turnaround champion.

There were also misses. Arizona as just a second-weekend threat? The Wildcats have spent seven straight weeks atop the AP Top 25. We were also low on Vanderbilt, pinning the Commodores as a bubble team; they won their first 16 games.

There was no way to know then what we know now. But we did leverage the information we’ve gathered to this point to take another shot at ranking teams into their proper categories. This time, we’ve reduced the list to just 47.

ESPN’s Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf try to make some sense of what has unfolded thus far.

Jump to:
Title favorites | Final Four contenders
Sweet 16 threats | Final Four or first-round exit?
Can win a game | Cinderellas

Tier I: National championship favorites

Arizona Wildcats
Michigan Wolverines
UConn Huskies

Each of these teams cracked this tier at different points during the nonconference stretch of the season.

For Arizona, it was its road win at UConn in mid-November — after already notching wins away from home over Florida and UCLA (Auburn and Alabama would soon join that group). For Michigan, it was the historically impressive performances at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas during Feast Week, particularly the 40-point win over Gonzaga in the event’s championship game. UConn’s came later, but a string of wins over BYU, Illinois, Kansas and Florida — none at home — combined with a return to full health clearly put the Huskies in the top tier nationally.

Arizona currently sits at 21-0 after beating BYU in Provo on Monday, leading by as many as 19 points and looking utterly dominant for most of the game. Tommy Lloyd has a clear national championship favorite, with an ideal balance of youth and experience, guards and bigs and the best defense he has had since taking over in Tucson — by far. The Wildcats can beat teams in different ways, with Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries anchoring the perimeter, and Koa Peat, Motiejus Krivas and Tobe Awaka controlling the paint. Ivan Kharchenkov‘s emergence as one of the elite defenders in the Big 12 takes the Wildcats to another level at that end of the floor, too.

Michigan, meanwhile, suffered its first loss of the season in early January after opening the season with 14 straight wins, many of them by 30-plus points. Dusty May has leaned heavily on size, starting three players 6-foot-9 or taller, but the Wolverines are still able to defend as well — and get up and down the floor as fast — as any team in the country. Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara form an elite frontcourt, while Elliot Cadeau has made strides as a shooter and decision-maker.

UConn’s efficiency numbers aren’t quite up to par with the other two teams in this tier, but the Huskies have found a way to win close games throughout Big East play, and they’re already battle-tested from a brutal nonconference schedule. Dan Hurley’s crew took some time to get fully healthy, but now that it is, he has a team much more in line with his two title-winning groups of 2023 and 2024. There’s depth, size, point guard play and plenty of shotmakers on the perimeter with the likes of Alex Karaban, Solo Ball, Braylon Mullins and Silas Demary Jr. — Borzello

Tier II: Final Four contenders

Duke Blue Devils
Houston Cougars
Purdue Boilermakers
Iowa State Cyclones
Gonzaga Bulldogs
BYU Cougars
Illinois Fighting Illini
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Texas Tech Red Raiders

The NCAA tournament is often defined by the performances of players who step up in high-stakes moments, which means success in March depends on talent capable of shifting into a higher gear. The teams in this tier certainly are not without their flaws, but they could close the gap between them and the national championship favorites if their respective stars reach their ceilings in the weeks ahead.

Cameron Boozer is, at least statistically speaking, having a season that rivals those of the greatest Duke players over the past 25 years. His offensive rating is currently higher than the offensive ratings JJ Redick, Zion Williamson and Cooper Flagg had during their National Player of the Year campaigns. Boozer is a household name, in part because his father Carlos Boozer helped Duke to a national title in 2001, but the rest of these teams are here without any of their own thanks to breakout performances by emerging stars.

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1:08

Cameron Boozer’s 19-point double-double leads Duke rout of Louisville

Cameron Boozer’s 19-point double-double leads Duke rout of Louisville

After recording a career-high 32 points in a narrow but critical win over Illinois in December, Nebraska’s Pryce Sandfort gave the Cornhuskers a chance at another important victory at Michigan on Tuesday despite being down two starters to injury and ultimately falling 75-72. Illinois’ Keaton Wagler has had similar head-turning performances, having led the Fighting Illini to a road win over Purdue with a program-record 46 points for a freshman, while standout Kylan Boswell was sidelined this past Saturday.

At Houston, Kingston Flemings has emerged as a projected top-five NBA draft pick and had a career-high 42 points in the loss to Texas Tech this past Saturday. He is notably the first freshman whom coach Kelvin Sampson has trusted to act as a catalyst for the Cougars. At Purdue, Braden Smith leads the nation in assists (9.0 per game) as the spark that has kept us believers amid a Boilermakers slump. And at Iowa State, Tamin Lipsey has found Joshua Jefferson — a legit contender for national Player of the Year — for a flurry of buckets as the Cyclones joust for the Big 12 title.

If Graham Ike (ankle) is healthy soon and Braden Huff (knee) returns to form in time for the NCAA tournament, a Gonzaga team that could have one of the best defenses of the Mark Few era will have a chance to enjoy postseason success. And finally, Texas Tech stars JT Toppin and Christian Anderson — who combined for 43 points, 16 rebounds and 12 assists in this past Saturday’s win over Houston — could be a winning combination for the Red Raiders again in March. — Medcalf

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1:16

Houston Cougars vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Game Highlights

Houston Cougars vs. Texas Tech Red Raiders: Game Highlights

Tier III: Second-weekend threats

Michigan State Spartans
Florida Gators
Arkansas Razorbacks
Kansas Jayhawks
Vanderbilt Commodores
Virginia Cavaliers
Alabama Crimson Tide

This tier is full of teams that have notable strengths but glaring weaknesses that could prevent them from advancing beyond the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight despite being capable of reaching those second-weekend rounds.

We know what Kansas is capable of when Darryn Peterson (21.6 points per game) is available. The Jayhawks are a top-15 defensive team with the luxury of a high-level star, but Peterson’s injury concerns could be an issue if they linger into March (he’s missed 10 of their 20 games so far).

On paper, BYU has arguably all the talent a head coach could want. AJ Dybantsa is in the running for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA draft. Richie Saunders is one of the top shooters in the country. And Rob Wright III is averaging 5.2 assists for a top-10 offense. Yet, the Cougars are also 13th in turnover rate in the Big 12, surrendering the ball on 17% of their possessions.

Tom Izzo loves this Michigan State roster and Jeremy Fears Jr. (8.9 assists per game) is the right leader for a team that’s playing some of the best defense in America. The Spartans have also committed turnovers on one-fifth of their possessions in Big Ten play.

Florida has gotten its act together over the past six weeks in a reversal that has rebooted talk of a back-to-back national championship run for the Gators. But their lineups that include Boogie Fland and Xaivian Lee together are rated 126th in overall efficiency among the two-player lineups in the SEC, per EvanMiya.

Darius Acuff Jr. is a projected NBA draft lottery pick who leads Arkansas and the best offense in the SEC. John Calipari’s problem? Opposing conference opponents have made 57% of their shots inside the arc against the Razorbacks, who rank 15th out of 16 SEC teams in that metric at KenPom.

Vanderbilt had drawn comparisons to Indiana football as an underdog that won at an unexpected rate, and with Tyler Tanner — who wasn’t ranked as a high school recruit by ESPN — evolving into a potential first-round NBA draft pick. But the Commodores, with the worst SEC defense inside the arc, might not have the defensive chops to advance past the Sweet 16 despite having the talent to get there. You could say the same for first-year coach Ryan Odom Virginia or Labaron Philon Jr. (22.2 PPG) and Alabama’s high-powered offense. — Medcalf

Tier IV: Final Four or first-round exit?

St. John’s Red Storm
Kentucky Wildcats
Louisville Cardinals
North Carolina Tar Heels
Tennessee Volunteers

We haven’t quite figured out this group yet, despite being nearly three months into the season. They could lose on the first day of the NCAA tournament, or they could be among the four teams left standing in Indianapolis. Nothing would surprise us.

St. John’s had a rocky first two months, with inconsistent guard play and an atypical Rick Pitino defense. But with six wins in a row entering the week and better role allocation in recent weeks, we’re not counting out this preseason top-five team.

Kentucky was considered the most disappointing team in the country when it was 5-4, and again when it was 9-6; then the Wildcats rattled off five wins in a row prior to Tuesday’s 25-point road loss to Vanderbilt. Injuries have really hindered Mark Pope’s team, but what if Kam Williams and Jayden Quaintance come back? The Wildcats would get an offensive boost from Williams’ shooting while Quaintance would be an immediate upgrade defensively.

Louisville will hope to get things rolling again now that Mikel Brown Jr. has returned from the lower back injury that kept him out for more than a month. The Brown and Ryan Conwell backcourt is as good as it gets. Even with the star freshman available, however, the Cardinals have only one win over a surefire NCAA tournament team.

North Carolina showed its ceiling and floor over the weekend when it trailed by 16 against Virginia and couldn’t guard anyone … and then came back to win, overpowering the Cavaliers with size and shotmaking. Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar are an elite post duo, but Hubert Davis needs consistent point guard play and defense.

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0:24

Caleb Wilson throws down two-handed slam for UNC

Caleb Wilson throws down two-handed slam for UNC

Under Rick Barnes, Tennessee has typically had elite defenses and been prone to droughts offensively. Not this season’s team — although neither unit has been particularly impressive in SEC play. There’s still potential with Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Nate Ament leading the way, and the Vols showed it at Alabama last weekend. And if the defense turns around to play at the level of previous Barnes-coached teams, suddenly the Vols can go toe-to-toe with most teams in the country. — Borzello

Tier V: Can win a game

Clemson Tigers
Georgia Bulldogs
SMU Mustangs
Iowa Hawkeyes
Auburn Tigers
NC State Wolfpack
Saint Mary’s Gaels
Saint Louis Billikens
Wisconsin Badgers
Villanova Wildcats
Utah State Aggies
Texas A&M Aggies
UCF Knights
Miami Hurricanes
UCLA Bruins
Ohio State Buckeyes
San Diego State Aztecs

This is a deep group, but all of these teams have shown flashes of being able to win a game in the NCAA tournament — even if some find themselves sweating on Selection Sunday.

Some have already shown they can beat high-level teams on a given night: Auburn won at Florida over the weekend and has wins over Arkansas and St. John’s. Wisconsin handed Michigan its lone loss thus far, in Ann Arbor. UCLA has been mostly inconsistent, especially against good teams, but beat Purdue and has won four of five entering the week. And Georgia blew out Arkansas.

Others have elite players who are good enough to carry them to a win: Iowa has Bennett Stirtz, NC State has Darrion Williams. Ohio State has plenty of talent in its starting five, and Bruce Thornton is a bona fide star. Boopie Miller puts SMU in this group as well.

For others, it’s simply a fact of us believing in their talent, coaching or general identity.

Randy Bennett’s Saint Mary’s teams are always a threat in March. Saint Louis is a legitimate top-25 squad and could find itself in position to win more than one game in the tournament. Utah State is annually destined to be in a coin-flip first-round matchup. Villanova, Texas A&M and Miami are all better than expected in Year 1 under new head coaches. UCF owns a win over Kansas and isn’t going away as a competitive Big 12 team. And San Diego State struggled early, but the Aztecs find themselves atop the Mountain West and have March pedigree. — Borzello

Tier VI: Potential Cinderellas

Miami (Ohio) RedHawks
Murray State Racers
McNeese Cowboys
Liberty Flames
Yale Bulldogs
UNC Wilmington Seahawks

Over the past three NCAA tournaments, 10 teams outside the five high-major conferences — that were also double-digit seeds — won at least one game. The teams on this list all have the potential to join them, beginning with Miami (OH), a team that has won its first 21 games of the season. The RedHawks have made 39% of their 3-point attempts and 62% of their shots inside the arc, both top-20 marks nationally.

Under first-year head coach Bill Armstrong, McNeese has forced turnovers on 25% of its opponents’ turnovers, exceeding the tally of last season’s Cowboys team that reached the second round under Will Wade.

Murray State guard Javon Jackson (17.0 PPG) is one of the best mid-major players in America. UNC-Wilmington has seven players averaging at least nine points per game, depth that could make the team dangerous in March. Liberty is shooting 52% from the field, No. 2 in the country. And Yale has made 41% of its 3-point attempts, also second in the nation.

If your favorite team has to go through one of these squads in March, they might go home earlier than anticipated. — Medcalf



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Lahore Qalandars crush Hyderabad Kingsmen in PSL 11 opener – SUCH TV

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Lahore Qalandars crush Hyderabad Kingsmen in PSL 11 opener – SUCH TV



Defending champions Lahore Qalandars secured a commanding 69-run victory over Hyderabad Kingsmen in the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) opener, powered by Fakhar Zaman’s fluent fifty and a disciplined bowling performance at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Set to chase a daunting 200-run target in their maiden PSL appearance, the Kingsmen’s batting unit faltered and could accumulate 130 before getting bowled out in 20 overs.

Captain Marnus Labuschagne remained the top-scorer for the Kingsmen with a cautious 26 off 22 deliveries, followed by No.9 batter Riley Meredith, who made an unbeaten 19 off 25 deliveries.

Besides them, opener Saim Ayub (17), experienced all-rounder Hammad Azam, and tailender Mohammad Ali, 10 each, were the only other batters to amass double figures.

For the Qalandars, Haris Rauf, Sikandar Raza and Ubaid Shah bagged two wickets each, while Mustafizur Rahman and captain Shaheen Shah Afridi chipped in with one scalp apiece.

Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s decision to bat first paid dividends as the holders racked up 199/6 in their 20 overs despite a brief top-order collapse.

The three-time champions made a flamboyant start to their innings, courtesy of an 84-run partnership between their openers, Fakhar and Mohammad Naeem.

The crucial partnership was eventually broken by Hassan Khan on the second delivery of the ninth over when he got Naeem caught at long-on by Rizwan Mehmood. The right-handed opener walked back after scoring a 19-ball 30, comprising four fours and a six.

Qalandars then lost two more wickets in the next two overs as top-order batter Abdullah Shafique (four) got run out, while Fakhar fell victim to Hassan shortly after bringing up his half-century.

The left-handed opener remained the top-scorer for the Qalandars with 53 off 39 deliveries, studded with nine fours.

Following the back-to-back setbacks, Haseebullah Khan and Parvez Hossain Emon (14) put together an anchoring 37-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which culminated with the latter’s dismissal in the 16th over.

Haseebullah was then involved in a brisk 45-run partnership with all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who played a quickfire 24-run cameo off just 10 deliveries, featuring two sixes and as many fours.

The wicketkeeper batter remained unbeaten with a 28-ball 40, while Asif Ali and captain Shaheen made handy contributions at the backend, scoring nine and 12 not out, respectively.

For the Kingsmen, Riley Meredith and Hassan picked up two wickets each, while Mohammad Ali made one scalp.



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The unexpected path that led Morgan and Frankie Price to Arkansas gymnastics

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The unexpected path that led Morgan and Frankie Price to Arkansas gymnastics


MORGAN PRICE STANDS at the kitchen table next to older sister Frankie, trailing her fingertips over the front panel of a well-worn leather vest. The faded, black material is dotted with colorful patches that offer a glimpse at the life of its owner: their father, Chris.

“I mean, shoot, this was the real him,” Morgan said after spotting a particularly playful patch, which read Bad Ass Brother. Seconds later, Frankie swallows a laugh as she finds another.

Chris Price played for the Kansas City Royals in the late 1990s. But when the sisters reach for memories of their dad, he’s often driving off on one of his custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Morgan remembers watching from the laundry room. Frankie is closer, in the garage.

“He would always look back and wave and have the biggest smile on his face,” she said.

But both agree the roaring rumble of the exhaust is a sound they’ll never forget. It punctuates one of the few memories the Prices have of their dad, who died after a 2009 motorcycle accident at age 36. Frankie was 6 years old, Morgan was 4, and their sister Kristin, 2.

Frankie and Morgan say it took several years before they truly understood the impact of the loss. By then, gymnastics had become the outlet through which they honored their father’s memory.

“Chris was very much behind that,” Marsha Price said of the girls’ interest in the sport, “making sure that every day it was, ‘What are you going to do to be better tomorrow?'”

The mantra is a lodestar, left by Chris for his daughters.

“My ‘why’ is representing my last name,” said Frankie, who spent the last four years overcoming injuries and honing her resilience as an Arkansas Razorback. Morgan, meanwhile, repeatedly made history in her three years with Fisk University, which launched the first HBCU gymnastics team in 2023.

But at the end of last season, the sisters came to a crossroads. With a final year of college eligibility left, they each questioned whether or where to spend it.

Individual reflection ultimately led them to the same place: Frankie and Morgan would finish their careers together in Fayetteville.

“We hold it with a lot of pride to be a Price Girl,” Morgan said.


IT’S NINE HOURS before Arkansas’ home meet against fellow SEC foe Kentucky. The Gymbacks warm up on the floor of an empty Bud Walton Arena, sliding over foam rollers as a group before breaking off to perform their own pre-meet rituals.

Frankie heads to a corner of the floor where she will later begin her routine for thousands of Arkansas faithful. For now, she only marks the moves. But her eyes hold an intensity that helps bring to mind the iconic notes of Dr. Dre’s “The Next Episode,” featuring Snoop Dogg — a song that has been part of Frankie’s floor routines her entire Razorbacks career.

“I am Frank Dogg,” she said. “Like, I got that dog in me, you know what I mean?”

Frankie verbally committed to Arkansas at age 14. She spent high school dreaming of her collegiate debut. But in 2021, just before arriving on campus, she tore her ACL. The 18-month-long recovery process meant she would have to redshirt her freshman season, putting off competition for yet another year.

When she finally entered the Razorbacks vault and floor lineups — with a brace on her right knee, worn ever since — she brought big skills, and an even bigger personality.

“Frankie has this way of just captivating fans and captivating people, even her teammates,” said head coach Jordyn Wieber, who has spent the past seven seasons building Arkansas into a top-10 program. And Frankie has helped make it happen.

In 2023, during her redshirt freshman season, Frankie became the fourth Razorbacks gymnast to tally a 9.975 on floor, good for Arkansas’ highest score since 2014. The following year, she helped Arkansas earn its first 198-plus team score in program history, as well as a spot in the NCAA championship.

Last season, the Gymbacks were in pursuit of a repeat championship appearance. They had already qualified for the regional final when Frankie took the floor in the last routine of the last rotation. But at the end of her first pass, she landed her double layout short and immediately collapsed.

“It was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life,” she said.

Frankie was carried off the floor, later learning she had ruptured her Achilles tendon. Two days later, she cheered from the sideline as Arkansas competed in the regional final — “for Frankie,” Wieber said after the injury. But the Razorbacks finished in the fourth spot, failing to progress to the national championship.

A few weeks later, Frankie, then a senior, found herself in Wieber’s office. “What do you think about one more year?” her coach asked.

“After my injuries that I’ve been through, I had to just kind of take a step back and focus on my ‘why,'” Frankie said. “My ‘why’ is representing my last name. And that goes back to my dad, because I know that he would want me to push through the hard times and do what I can to represent being a Price Girl.”

The answer to Wieber’s question was simple. She would return to Arkansas to spend her fifth and final season as a Gymback.


IT’S THREE HOURS before the meet begins, and the Razorbacks have returned to the arena floor.

This time, however, the subdued mood of the morning has given way to a lighter energy, as teammates pose for photos and recruit each other to record TikToks.

Amid the activity, Morgan pulls Frankie aside for pictures. For a few moments, they stand hip to hip, an arm around the other’s waist, before breaking off once again.

“If you walked in the gym, you wouldn’t be able to tell they’re sisters,” Wieber said, “because in the gym, they’re teammates.”

The separation is subtle. Yet the Price Girls know each has been destined to chart their own path.

In 2021, shortly after Frankie began her freshman year, Morgan also committed to Arkansas. She says her sister did not factor into her decision, citing instead an excitement to be part of a growing program. The following year, however, Fisk announced it was launching a gymnastics team. Morgan saw this as an even greater opportunity to contribute. She decommitted to Arkansas in favor of Fisk.

“I knew that the decision that I was making was bigger than just gymnastics,” she said.

By becoming a Bulldog, Morgan was making history. In 2024, as a sophomore, she won the all-around title at the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitation Championship (then known as the USA Gymnastics Women’s Collegiate National Championships), an end-of-season tournament for limited-scholarship teams. And in 2025, she became the first HBCU gymnast to score a perfect 10.0, before taking home a second WCGNIC all-around title.

After climbing to such heights, she couldn’t help but hear the echoes of her father’s ethos.

“I know my dad would want me to strive to be the best,” she said. “I set and reached all my goals that I wanted to at Fisk, and so I was like, ‘You know what? For my last year, I really want to challenge myself.'”

Several weeks after Wieber asked Frankie about another season in Fayetteville, the head coach received a similar question from her sister.

Morgan says she never forgot how supportive Wieber was of her decision to attend Fisk.

“She cares about us as a person first, and then an athlete,” Morgan said. So Morgan decided to reach out and see how the Razorbacks staff would receive a second commitment. “They were just super excited, fully open arms, and so I knew it was the right decision.”

Morgan would transfer to Arkansas to spend her fourth and final season as a Gymback. In May, the sisters shared the news on social media with a photo in which they stood back-to-back, arms crossed and faces focused. It would be the first of many they’d take in matching cardinal leotards. The following month, Fisk announced it was discontinuing its gymnastics program after the 2026 season, a move that shocked members of the inaugural team.

“I think the fact that we’re able to be together, train together, live together, go through our last year of college together,” Frankie said, “is just a great chance for us to bond even more and just stay connected through life.”


IN THE MINUTES before the meet begins, many of the Gymbacks have already taken the floor, their silhouettes outlined by roving spotlights and the jumbotron’s gentle glow. The voice of the PA announcer fills the darkened arena as he begins to name Arkansas’ upperclassmen.

When Morgan, then Frankie, is introduced, they each take a turn atop the podium in the center of the floor, waving back at the swell of cheers.

“They just carry this swagger about them.” Wieber said. “When we walk into an arena with Frankie and Morgan on our team, that gives the whole program, the whole team, just an extra level of confidence.”

This couldn’t have been more evident in Arkansas’ performance against Kentucky. The Razorbacks began on vault, Morgan in the anchor position. With Frankie, Marsha and Kristin cheering her on, Morgan executed a flawless Yurchenko 1.5, scoring the first perfect 10.0 in Arkansas history. Seconds after the score was announced, Frankie wrapped Morgan in an embrace.

Several Gymback sticks followed on the uneven bars, balance beam and floor, where Frankie scored a 9.925, tying her season high. Morgan was the first to congratulate her, bounding onto the floor to share an enthusiastic double high-five.

Though the regular season meet ended in a tie, Arkansas finished ahead of Kentucky at the SEC championship, placing seventh. The performance helped the Razorbacks secure the No. 9 seed in the postseason, automatically qualifying them for the second round of the NCAA tournament.

The Price Girls have spent their entire gymnastics careers in pursuit of “being better tomorrow.” As they reach the close of their final collegiate season, both say they hope it culminates with Arkansas at the NCAA championship.

“The end of it all is that we’re a family,” Frankie said of the team. “No one’s doing it alone — we’re doing it together.”





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The 2026 ESPN Fantasy Baseball draft guide: Rankings, tips, stats, strategy and more

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The 2026 ESPN Fantasy Baseball draft guide: Rankings, tips, stats, strategy and more


Whether you are trying fantasy baseball for the first time or are an experienced vet, the 2026 ESPN fantasy baseball draft guide has everything you need to help you crush your drafts.

From rankings and mock drafts to sleepers, breakouts and who you should — or should not — draft, we’ve got you covered from every angle, all in one convenient place.

This draft guide will be updated frequently, so keep checking in for more insight, analysis, and projections.


Other resources: Sign up! | Projections | Rankings | Depth charts | Eligibility Rules


Rankings, cheat sheets, mock drafts

ESPN expert rankings: Points leagues | Head-to-head categories/rotisserie

Cheat sheet central: Printable PDFs to take to your draft

The 2026 ESPN Cheat Sheet: You’ve read their names all preseason long, it’d be a shame to forget them now

Dynasty rankings: Top 300 players for 2026 and beyond

Prospect rankings: Kiley McDaniel ranks rookies for 2026 fantasy value

“The Perfect Draft” Our experts reveal the ideal outcome for the first two rounds of a 10-teamer from each slot’s POV

Mock draft No. 1 (ESPN points leagues)
Round-by-round picks and a roster snapshot of all 10 teams from our Feb. 10 mock

Mock draft No. 2 (ESPN category-based leagues)
Round-by-round picks and a roster snapshot of all 10 teams from our March 3 mock

Mock draft No. 3 (ESPN points leagues)
Round-by-round picks and a roster snapshot of all 10 teams from our March 16 mock

Fantasy baseball 101

A lapsed fan’s guide to fantasy baseball in 2026
Haven’t been paying attention this offseason? Eric Karabell catches you up

Nine tips to help you win your league
Tristan H. Cockcroft with strategies and angles that will make you a more competitive player

Everything you need to play, draft and run a league
Tristan H. Cockcroft lists the players he wants on as many fantasy teams as possible

Tools of the trade: How to use the ESPN fantasy app to your advantage
Tips for newcomers on how to best use the tools available in ESPN’s fantasy baseball game

Advice and expert intel

Read the warning label before drafting these guys
Who does Tristan H. Cockcroft think will underachieve in 2026? We have the names

20 must-have fantasy baseball draft picks for 2026
Tristan H. Cockcroft’s list of overlooked pitchers with the skills to shine in 2026

2026’s ‘Do Draft’ list: Go get Webb, Freeman and more
Eric Karabell wants these guys on his 2026 fantasy teams. You should too

Kings of Command: Nine fantasy breakout pitchers to draft late
Tristan H. Cockcroft’s list of overlooked pitchers with the skills to shine in 2026

Do NOT Draft: Why PCA, Seager and others could ruin your season
Eric Karabell warns you to steer clear of these players in 2026

Bold predictions for every team: American League | National League
Eric Karabell plants his flag with some bold fantasy-relevant predictions

Jeff Passan’s MLB season preview: Predictions, fantasy tips, more

From Vladdy to Arraez: 33 players who jump out for 2026
Tristan H. Cockcroft highlights the players — and stats — that have grabbed his attention

Should you avoid drafting players taking part in the WBC?
Tristan H. Cockcroft looks at the history of the WBC and how it has impacted fantasy

Don’t forget these injured players on draft day
Eric Karabell’s list of guys to keep on your radar for the last few rounds of your drafts

News or noise: What’s the fantasy baseball impact from news around MLB?
Hearing a lot of buzz, but don’t know what to make of it? Here’s where you should turn

Park factors: What is the true fantasy impact of where MLB teams call home?
Todd Zola breaks down what makes MLB stadiums favor pitching versus hitting

Fantasy baseball’s $100 man: Why you need to break the bank for Ohtani
Tristan H. Cockcroft discusses how much should you bid on fantasy’s top player

Top players to watch this spring: Acuna, Strider lead list
Eric Karabell outlines players in interesting new situations most likely to have fantasy impact in 2026

What to expect from Murakami, Okamoto, Imai and others
Todd Zola dives into the statistics to set expectations

Hot stove: fantasy impact of offseason trades and signings
Expectations for all of the players who have changed teams this winter


MLB betting info: World Series odds | AL futures | NL futures | 2026 Betting guide


Prospect watch

2026 fantasy baseball picks: MLB rookie, prospect rankings
Kiley McDaniel ranks rookie-eligible players for their potential 2026 fantasy contributions

Karabell’s top 10 prospects to consider drafting for 2026 leagues
A gaggle of shortstops leads the list of alluring fantasy newcomers

Ten names to know from the Arizona Fall League
Check out Eric Karabell’s eyewitness account of AFL action


Download the ESPN Fantasy Sports app, have every player at your fingertips.
Available on the App Store and Google Play.


Looking back on 2025

Which pitchers are MVPs, LVPs of 2025?
The best and the worst fantasy hurlers from last season

Which hitters are MVPs, LVPs of 2025?
Some of the top bats that surprised, for better or worse



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