Sports
The 25 best boys’ high school basketball players, regardless of class
After a long month of July on the road, it’s time to update the boys high school basketball recruiting player rankings. Several new names from the rising senior class have been knocking on the door of the top 100, including Carlos Medlock Jr., a smart, tough, scoring point guard who recently announced his commitment to Michigan State.
The biggest news of the month however was Babatunde Oladotun, the No. 1 player in the class of 2027, deciding to reclassify to the class of 2026. Where does he land in the top 100?
Reclassifying up definitely comes with challenges and a different form of evaluation. Cooper Flagg and A.J. Dybantsa did it most recently — but they are both rare examples of being able to stay at No. 1 in the rankings. It’s otherwise almost impossible to hold on to the exact same ranking. When you move up a class, you are now judged against seniors with strong bodies and well-known résumés, along with potential. That said, you could be ranked within the same range.
Consider Oldatoun. He is a prototypical big wing with skill and plenty of time on his side. He proved in July an ability to put up real numbers against players from the 2026 class. And, at only 16 years old — which makes him the youngest now-senior — he has a long-term upside that will factor in.
All of which adds up to him slotting into the top 10 of his new class as a five-star recruit. He’s also a top 10 projected lottery draft pick at this stage.
Oladotun has the projection piece down, and will have the opportunity to impact games this high school season, with the potential to do the same in college basketball — and in the NBA.
In addition to Oladotun, some of the biggest updates in this edition of the 2026 player rankings include:
In the class of 2027, Marcus Spears Jr. takes over the No. 1 spot. His progress and potential are converging at the right time. Spears is the son of former college standout and NFL first-round pick Marcus Spears, who was also Louisiana’s Gatorade Player of the Year in basketball, and his mom is Alysha (Smith) Spears, an All-SEC player, top-10 WNBA draft pick and retired pro.
The class of 2028, too, has a new No. 1: A.J. Williams.
How do these players all compare? Let’s look at the top 25 players in high school, regardless of class: a blend of current production, performance in elite events, college potential and NBA draft projection.
Full updated player rankings:
2026 ESPN 100 | 2027 ESPN 60 | 2028 ESPN 25
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 1 | SF | 6-7 | Uncommitted
Stokes plays with force, physicality and finesse. The more you study his game, the more his passing stands out. At the U19 World Cup, he had 18 assists against just six turnovers for Team USA, while facing older competition. He shot 36% from the 3-point line in EYBL play and remains elite at finishing through contact and drawing fouls. Kentucky, Louisville, Arkansas and Kansas are among the top choices for the top overall high school player.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 2 | SG | 6-2 | Uncommitted
The Marcus Smart comparison still fits. Smith is a defensive menace and is the best player on this list at making multiple efforts per possession on that end of the floor. His elite defense passed the eye test and graded well with advanced metrics in the EYBL, where he was the circuit’s most impactful defender. Offensively, he was top-five in scoring efficiency, shooting 58% overall and scoring 1.12 points per possession. His intensity and tenacity can take over games. His final schools are Arkansas, Duke, Georgetown, Kentucky, Indiana and Syracuse.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 3 | PF | 6-11 | Uncommitted
Williams might have the greatest potential in the 2026 class. His shot-blocking, rebounding and elite athletic range are eye-catching. He covers ground with long strides, vertical bounce and excellent timing. Offensively, he shows touch both inside and facing up. Two swing skills to watch this year: his face-up game and maintaining consistent intensity. Williams is beginning to turn his immense potential into production.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 4 | PF | 6-8 | Uncommitted
Collins is still more potential than production, but he has made real progress. He was top-10 in EYBL in rebounds (8.3) despite averaging just 22.4 minutes through the season, per Synergy. He scores best on putbacks, drives and transition finishes. He’s a long, fluid player with a 7-1 wingspan who’s still growing. His father, D’Angelo Collins, was a McDonald’s All-American. USC, UCLA and Kentucky are in the mix for his recruitment.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 5 | PG | 6-3 | Missouri commit
Crowe is the best pick-and-roll player in the country among ranked players, according to Synergy Sports. He’s a constant threat because of his natural shiftiness, ball-handling and aggressive mindset. He has the ability — and the instincts — to score from anywhere on the floor at any time, especially in one-on-one situations or broken plays. He reminds us a lot of incoming Arkansas guard Darius Acuff.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 6 | SF | 6-5 | Uncommitted
Holt is a high-level athlete who uses his speed, quickness and explosiveness on both ends. His defense remains his calling card, but leadership and winning have followed. He thrives in transition and attacking closeouts. In adidas 3SSB play, he posted more steals (32) than turnovers (23) while averaging 7.4 rebounds per game. His 3-point shot improved at both the Adidas EuroCamp (where he was named MVP) and the FIBA U19 World Cup. Auburn, Alabama, Ole Miss and Kentucky are among his suitors.
CALEB DEEP IN HIS BAG 🎒 @iamcalebholt #USABMU19 x #FIBAU19 pic.twitter.com/w9jsne2xXA
— USABJNT (@usabjnt) July 6, 2025
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 7 | PG | 6-4 | Uncommitted
One of the best on-ball defenders in the class, McCoy stays in his stance and plays with discipline. Offensively, he’s excellent in transition. He pushes the ball with straight-line speed and can make the advance hit-ahead pass. McCoy is a high-level talent who facilitates, finishes well, rebounds down to start breaks and is a capable catch-and-shoot threat when set.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 8 | PF | 6-8 | Uncommitted
After his recent reclassification, Oladotun is the youngest player in the senior class: he doesn’t turn 17 until December. His biggest improvement has been finishing through contact with touch. He has also added more strength, though continuing to get stronger is vital for his senior season. His shooting upside, footwork and a teachable mindset make him an attractive long-term prospect. Oladotun plans to visit Maryland and Virginia Tech first, with Arkansas, Duke, Kansas, Gonzaga, Georgetown, Tennessee and others also involved.
2027 ESPN 60 ranking: 1 | PF | 6-7 | Uncommitted
Spears has quickly evolved into a mismatch for opponents with his footwork and skill on offense, plus the mobility and length to guard multiple spots. He had elite per-40 production at the 2025 FIBA U16 Men’s AmeriCup. His handle, vision and willingness to pass bring Lamar Odom to mind. Spears was also one of the best rebounders and shot-blockers in the EYBL 16U. He needs to improve his free-throw shooting and play lower in his stance, but he takes coaching well and is intensely competitive.
2027 ESPN 60 ranking: 2 | SF | 6-5 | Uncommitted
Branch is one of the nation’s best outside shooters off the catch or pull-up. In adidas 3SSB with Compton Magic, Branch shot 39% from deep while creating shots with an effective handle and footwork. His range, ability to finish in the paint and 7-1 wingspan make him a prototypical future NBA wing. Expect him to challenge Spears for the top spot in the junior class this year.
2027 ESPN 60 ranking: 3 | PF | 6-9 | Uncommitted
Osaruyi is a powerful, explosive big man with physically imposing measurables. He stands 6-10 with a 7-2.5 wingspan and a 36-inch max vertical. He scores at a 64% clip at the rim and can step out and hit mid-range pull-up jumpers, although his free throws and 3-point shot need more work. Osaruyi is at his best scoring in the paint off straight-line drives from the perimeter. With more development, he could be scary down the road.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 9 | PG | 6-5 | Uncommitted
Mingo is a competitive lead guard effective on and off the ball who has developed a reputation as a winner. He ranked in the EYBL’s top three in free throw attempts (7.4 per game) and converts at a high rate. Mingo scores, rebounds and facilitates. He was named the MVP of the NBPA Top 100 Camp and he’s still just 16 years old.
2027 ESPN 60 ranking: 4 | PF | 6-9 | Uncommitted
Rosser has enormous upside. Now, he needs to start tapping into his gifts. Long and fluid with a 7-2 wingspan, Rosser scored at least 12 points in every EYBL game and was one of the best prospects at the FIBA U16 AmeriCup. He shoots well when set, finishes at the rim and rebounds, though glass production could improve. Kentucky, Duke, Arkansas, North Carolina, USC, Notre Dame and Virginia Tech are early leaders.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 10 | SF | 6-5 | Uncommitted
At 6-5 with a 6-11 wingspan, Samuels is a fearless lefty and one of the best scorers in the country. He creates offense off the dribble or via catch-and-shoot and gets to the line often. His 3-point shooting will help his game translate. Samuels hunts his scoring opportunities with an aggressive approach and confidently gets shots off in rhythm, and his college-ready body will help him rack up production at the line. He is looking at UConn, Texas, Georgetown, Tennessee, Villanova and NC State.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 11 | SF | 6-5 | Uncommitted
Richardson has been out with a wrist injury, but there aren’t many players better when it comes to transition scoring, off-ball cuts and converting on putbacks. He Improved to 34% from 3 last year and 69% at the rim, per Synergy. The son of former NBA All-Star and dunk champ Jason Richardson and brother of Orlando Magic first-rounder Jase Richardson, Jaxon’s extreme verticality and developing basketball instincts are quite promising. He is looking at Alabama, USC, Creighton, Ole Miss, Louisville and Miami among others.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 12 | SF | 6-7 | Arkansas commit
Aggressive, intense and improving every year, Andrews is a great example of a prospect who plays to win. He uses his chiseled frame, speed and explosiveness to fill the stat sheet. Right now his post-up and drive games are hard to stop, and the shooting is coming along. Andrews recently led Bradley Beal Elite to the Peach Jam title and earned MVP honors.
2026 EPSN 100 ranking: 13 | SF | 6-8 | Uncommitted
Thompson shot 39% from deep for Indiana Elite on the adidas 3SSB circuit. At 6-8 with a 7-4 wingspan, his perimeter game and recent production make him a riser, with the talent to make a significant impact in college. Don’t be surprised if he continues to move up the rankings if he continues to turn his upside into more steady production.
2027 ESPN 60 ranking: 5 | C | 6-11 | Uncommitted
At 6-11, 220 pounds, Ekezie has NBA frontcourt size with the mobility to switch and hedge ball screens. He tries to block everything at the rim. He’s the son of former Maryland star and 1999 second-round NBA draft pick Obinna Ekezie.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 14 | PF | 6-9 | Uncommitted
Bryant is mobile, long and now an inside-out scorer. He’s best known for his jump hook, rebounding and rim protection. He can be trusted to hit catch-and-shoot 3s with time and space. He’s also a great teammate who is very coachable. Missouri, North Carolina, Cal, Arizona and Michigan are among those recruiting him.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 15 | C | 6-9 | Uncommitted
Skilled and deceptive with long arms, Muurinen has advanced instincts and ball skills. He shoots it well from deep and plays out of ball screens, off-ball actions and dribble handoffs. He returned to Finland this offseason and has first-round draft potential.
2026 ESPN 100 ranking: 16 | PF | 6-8 | Uncommitted
Gaskins is physically developed with a beautiful mid-range jumper that impresses both college coaches and NBA scouts alike. He can score in the post, face up and rebound. He also just turned 17, so he’s quite young for the class. Texas, Miami, Florida State, Ole Miss and Louisville are in the fight for him.
2028 ESPN 25 ranking: 1 | SF | 6-6 | Uncommitted
Williams is a high-level talent and deep shot-maker with body balance. He’s quite adept using the “dribble bump” to create separation via his shoulders and get clean looks at the basket. Williams plays with pace, poise and confidence to make tough shots.
2028 ESPN 25 ranking: 2 | C | 6-9 | Uncommitted
Dampier is a monster on the glass, scoring in the paint and blocking shots. He also sets outstanding screens and has strong, secure hands and footwork. Perhaps that’s not a surprise, given he’s the son of former Mississippi State star and 1996 draft lottery pick Erick Dampier.
2028 ESPN 25 ranking: 3 | C | 7-0 | Uncommitted
From Senegal, Touray has explosive bounce and elite shot-blocking timing, making him one of the most intriguing prospects in this sophomore class. Skilled hands and footwork make him a high-upside big. He dominated on the circuit as a freshman and is also an elite dunker. Don’t be surprised if he ranks at the top of his class soon.
2027 ESPN 60 ranking: 6 | SF | 6-5 | Uncommitted
Hampton is a multi-positional player: He has the versatility to score, drive and make plays for others along with good positional size at a young age. He’s shown impressive scoring prowess, shooting touch and bounce on the circuit. Hampton is the younger brother of former ESPN 100 prospect and NBA draft first-rounder R.J. Hampton.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bruce Pearl’s retirement last month was a surprise to his Auburn team and even his son Steven, who succeeded his father as the Tigers’ new head coach.
But Pearl’s announcement was not a shock to everyone.
Steven Pearl said he didn’t officially know about his father’s decision until the day before the Tigers’ first practice. Bruce Pearl, however, had told Auburn athletic director John Cohen years ago that he had been thinking about retirement.
“Three years ago, [my father] told him, like, ‘Listen, I don’t know how much longer I’m going to do this,'” Steven said Wednesday at SEC media day. “So [Cohen] has been actively, in his mind, being prepared for this for three years now and going through all the different options of, ‘Do I bring in an outside coaching staff? Do I bring in a big-name guy or watch this grow? Does the staff grow as a unit and stay together and not go chasing other assistant jobs, not go chasing other coaching jobs?’ And he ultimately felt like the staff had earned the right and the opportunity to continue to move this thing forward.”
Bruce Pearl’s retirement followed months of speculation that he would leave coaching to pursue Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat that had been vacated by Tommy Tuberville, the former Auburn football coach who is now running for governor of the state.
Steven said the past three weeks have been, as expected, a frenzy. But he also said his time with his father — he played for his father at Tennessee and spent more than a decade as his assistant — helped prepare him for the role at Auburn, which is ranked 20th in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll.
“As far as when it hit me, it didn’t hit me until I showed up at the gym and [my father] was filming his goodbye video and [Cohen] pulled me aside and he was like, ‘Hey, you’re the guy,'” Steven said. “So then I was like, ‘All right, here we go. Let’s go.’ It all happened really fast, but I’m ready because I spent 38 years watching [my father] do this.”
Steven said the continuity of the staff and the stability of his team has eased his transition. His staff has a combined 40 years of coaching experience at Auburn under Bruce, who is now an ambassador for the university. Every player decided to stay despite having a 30-day window to enter the portal and transfer, according to NCAA rules on coaching changes.
Tahaad Pettiford, a star for a Tigers team that reached the Final Four for the second time in team history last season, said the players found out about Bruce Pearl’s decision when they all received a text message to return to the gym the day of the announcement.
Pettiford said he never once considered transferring after Steven was announced as head coach. But Pettiford is also the only remaining player on the roster who played for Auburn in the team’s loss to Florida in the Final Four.
“It’s definitely something new for me coming into this with 10 new guys,” he said. “It’s definitely different from being the youngest guy on the team last year to being one of the older guys on this year’s team.
“I’m just trying to give them the stuff that I learned last year and trying to pass that down to the new guys, especially some of the freshmen, and trying to give them the blueprint of what we did last year and how we were successful.”
Week 7 shook up the College Football Playoff picture. No team earned a more impactful result than Indiana, whose win at Oregon is now the best in the country during the first half of the season. Indiana’s playoff chances jumped 21%, climbing to a 93% chance to make the playoff, according to the Allstate Playoff Predictor.
Not only are the Hoosiers off the bubble, but Indiana also is chasing a first-round bye as one of the top four seeds, having cemented its place alongside Ohio State and Miami as one of the nation’s best teams.
Indiana wasn’t the only winner, though, as South Florida and Texas Tech both saw their playoff chances jump by at least 15%.
Below you’ll find one team in the spotlight for each of the Power 4 leagues and another identified as an enigma. We’ve also tiered schools into three groups. Teams with Would be in status are featured in this week’s top 12 projection, a snapshot of what the selection committee’s ranking would look like if it were released today. Teams listed as On the cusp are the true bubble teams and the first ones outside the bracket. A team with Work to do is passing the eye test (for the most part) and has a chance at winning its conference, which means a guaranteed spot in the playoff. And a team that Would be out is playing in the shadows of the playoff — for now.
The 13-member selection committee doesn’t always agree with the Allstate Playoff Predictor, so the following categories are based on historical knowledge of the group’s tendencies plus what each team has done to date.
Reminder: This will change from week to week as each team builds — or busts — its résumé.
Jump to a conference:
ACC | Big 12 | Big Ten
SEC | Independent | Group of 5
Bracket
SEC
Spotlight: Tennessee. The Vols have looked like a borderline playoff team against unranked opponents in recent weeks, beating Mississippi State and Arkansas by a combined 10 points with one overtime. Offensively they’ve been elite, averaging 300 yards passing and 200 rushing per game. Defensively, they need to stop the run to make to challenge in the SEC. They’ll have a chance against Alabama on Saturday to further legitimize their hopes. With a win, Tennessee’s chances of reaching the playoff would jump to 52%, according to the Allstate Playoff Predictor. Tennessee ranks No. 10 in ESPN’s game control metric and No. 19 in strength of record. The Vols are projected in the committee’s No. 12 spot this week, which means they would get knocked out of the actual field during the seeding process to make room for the highest-ranked Group of 5 champion. The five highest-ranked conference champions are guaranteed spots in the playoff, so if the fifth team is ranked outside of the committee’s top 12, its No. 12 team gets the boot.
Enigma: Texas. The Longhorns took a baby step toward a return to CFP relevance with a big win against Oklahoma, but it was their first win against a Power 4 opponent and their first against a ranked team. Texas has the 15th-most-difficult remaining schedule, and with two losses is already in a precarious position. The Longhorns will play three of their next four opponents on the road (at Kentucky, Mississippi State and Georgia). There were encouraging signs from the win against the rival Sooners, from the stingy defense that flustered quarterback John Mateer all game to what looked like an improved offensive line that gave quarterback Arch Manning some time to throw. He completed 16 of 17 passes for 119 yards and a touchdown when under no duress. If Texas can continue to put it all together against the heart of its SEC schedule, it could make a run to be one of the committee’s top two-loss teams.
If the playoff were today
Would be in: Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Texas A&M
On the cusp: Tennessee
Work to do: Missouri, Texas, Vanderbilt
Would be out: Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi State, South Carolina
Big Ten
Spotlight: USC. The Trojans have looked like a CFP top 25 team through the first half of the season, with their only loss a close one on the road to a ranked Illinois team. In Week 7, USC’s convincing 31-13 win against Michigan pushed it into more serious Big Ten contention. Ohio State and Indiana are the leaders, followed by Oregon, but USC has the fourth-best chance (7.1%) to reach the Big Ten title game, according to ESPN Analytics. That will change when the Trojans go to Oregon on Nov. 22, but they don’t play Ohio State or Indiana during the regular season. A win at Notre Dame on Saturday would be a significant boost to USC’s playoff résumé, while simultaneously knocking the Irish out of playoff contention. According to the Allstate Playoff Predictor, USC’s chances of reaching the playoff would adjust to 58% with a win against Notre Dame. According to ESPN Analytics, USC has less than a 50% chance to win its games against Notre Dame and Oregon.
Enigma: Washington. The Huskies have improved significantly and quickly under coach Jedd Fisch, who’s in his second season. Their only loss was to Ohio State, 24-6, on Sept. 27, but they lack a statement win that gives them real postseason credibility. Wins at Washington State and Maryland are certainly respectable, but bigger opportunities loom starting on Saturday at Michigan. This game has significant implications, because if the Huskies can win, they stand a strong chance of hosting Oregon as a one-loss team in the regular-season finale. According to ESPN Analytics, Michigan has a 67.6% chance to win on Saturday, and Oregon has a 70% chance to beat Washington on Nov. 29. The Huskies are projected to win every other game, though. A win against Michigan could increase their playoff hopes significantly.
If the playoff were today
Would be in: Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon
On the cusp: USC
Work to do: Nebraska, Washington
Would be out: Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, Wisconsin
ACC
Spotlight: Georgia Tech. Raise your hand if you had Georgia Tech at Duke on Saturday circled as a game that would impact the College Football Playoff. The Yellow Jackets would have been the next team to crack the latest CFP projection this week, and their chances of reaching the ACC championship game will skyrocket if they can win at Duke. Georgia Tech currently has the fourth-best chance to reach the ACC title game behind Miami, Duke and Virginia. ESPN Analytics gives the Blue Devils a 61.8% chance to win. The only other projected loss on the Jackets’ schedule is the regular-season finale against Georgia. Even if Georgia Tech reaches the ACC title game and loses, it could get in as a second ACC team with a win over Georgia.
Enigma: Virginia. The Hoos have won back-to-back overtime games against Florida State and Louisville, putting themselves in contention for a spot in the ACC championship. They host a tricky Washington State team on Saturday that just gave Ole Miss a few headaches, though, and need to avoid a second loss to an unranked team. The toughest game left on their schedule is Nov. 15 at Duke. Without an ACC title, Virginia is going to have a tough time impressing the committee with a schedule that includes a loss to unranked NC State and possibly no wins against ranked opponents. It didn’t help the Hoos that Florida State lost to an unranked Pitt, as the win against the Noles was the highlight of their season so far.
If the playoff were today
Would be in: Miami
On the cusp: Georgia Tech
Work to do: Virginia
Would be out: Boston College, Cal, Clemson, Duke, Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina, NC State, Pitt, SMU, Stanford, Syracuse, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest
Big 12
Spotlight: BYU. The Cougars needed a late-night double-overtime win at Arizona to stay undefeated and are on the path to face Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship game. The question is if they can stay undefeated until the Nov. 8 regular-season matchup against the Red Raiders. BYU has its second-most difficult remaining game on Saturday against rival Utah, which is also in contention for the Big 12 title. BYU has a slim edge with a 51% chance to win, which would be a critical cushion considering back-to-back road trips to Iowa State and Texas Tech await. The Big 12 has also gotten a boost from Cincinnati, which has a favorable remaining schedule and could be a surprise CFP top 25 team. If BYU stumbles over the next three weeks, a road win at a ranked Cincinnati team would help its résumé. Speaking of the Bearcats …
Enigma: Cincinnati. Is this team for real? The Bearcats have won five straight since their 20-17 season-opening loss to Nebraska, including three straight against Big 12 opponents Kansas, Iowa State and UCF. All three of those teams are .500 or better, and the selection committee will respect that as long as it holds. Cincinnati also has November opportunities against Utah and BYU, which could change the playoff picture in the Big 12. ESPN Analytics gives the Bearcats less than a 50% chance to beat Utah, BYU and TCU.
If the playoff were today
Would be in: Texas Tech
On the cusp: BYU
Work to do: Cincinnati, Houston, Utah
Would be out: Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, UCF, West Virginia
Independent
Would be out: Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have the best chance to win out of any team in the FBS, with a 49% chance to finish 10-2. According to the Allstate Playoff Predictor, Notre Dame would have a 50% chance to reach the CFP if it runs the table. That seems accurate, given the selection committee would compare Notre Dame against the other 10-2 contenders, and it’s a coin toss as to whether the room would agree that the Irish’s résumé and film make them worthy of an at-large bid. How Miami and Texas A&M fare will impact this — as will the head-to-head results if those teams don’t win their respective leagues and are also competing with the Irish for one of those at-large spots. It helps Notre Dame that opponents USC and Navy could finish as CFP top 25 teams if they continue to win. Undefeated Navy could also make a run at the Group of 5 playoff spot.
Group of 5
Spotlight: South Florida. South Florida. The Bulls are back on top after their convincing 63-36 win at previously undefeated North Texas, which just a week ago was listed here as a potential Group of 5 contender. Following the win, the Bulls’ chances of reaching the CFP increased by 20%, according to ESPN Analytics. South Florida’s lone loss was Sept. 13 at Miami, 49-12, which was a significant defeat against what could be the committee’s No. 1 team. Although that result showed the gap between the Bulls and one of the nation’s top teams, it certainly didn’t eliminate South Florida, which has one of the best overall résumés of the other contenders. With wins against Boise State, Florida and now at North Texas, this is a team that earned the edge in this week’s latest projection. Still, South Florida has the second-best chance of any Group of 5 school to reach the playoff (30%) behind Memphis (42%), according to ESPN Analytics.
Enigma: UNLV. Undefeated UNLV survived a scare from 1-5 Air Force on Saturday to stay undefeated and in contention for a playoff spot. UNLV and Boise State, both of the Mountain West Conference, are the only teams outside of the American Conference with at least a 5% chance to reach the playoff, and they play each other in a critical game on Saturday. UNLV has scored at least 30 points in each of its six games this season and is 6-0 for the first time since 1974, but it hasn’t always been pretty. UNLV scored the winning touchdown against Air Force with 36 seconds left and allowed the Falcons 603 total yards. The Rebels have the fourth-best chance to reach the playoff at 9% behind the American’s Memphis, South Florida and Tulane.
If the playoff were today
Would be in: South Florida
Work to do: Memphis, Navy, Tulane, UNLV
Bracket
Based on our weekly projection, the seeding would be:
First-round byes
No. 1 Ohio State (Big Ten champ)
No. 2 Miami (ACC champ)
No. 3 Indiana
No. 4 Texas A&M (SEC champ)
First-round games
On campus, Dec. 19 and 20
No. 12 South Florida (American champ) at No. 5 Alabama
No. 11 LSU at No. 6 Ole Miss
No. 10 Oklahoma at No. 7 Georgia
No. 9 Texas Tech (Big 12 champ) at No. 8 Oregon
Quarterfinal games
At the Goodyear Cotton Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl Presented by Prudential and Allstate Sugar Bowl on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
No. 12 South Florida/No. 5 Alabama winner vs. No. 4 Texas A&M
No. 11 LSU/No. 6 Ole Miss winner vs. No. 3 Indiana
No. 10 Oklahoma/No. 7 Georgia winner vs. No. 2 Miami
No. 9 Texas Tech/No. 8 Oregon winner vs. No. 1 Ohio State
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Nearly eight months after Jayden Quaintance tore his right ACL, Kentucky coach Mark Pope said Tuesday there is no chance the sophomore star will skip this season to rehab and prepare for the NBA.
The 6-foot-10 forward and Arizona State transfer is projected as the sixth pick in ESPN’s latest 2026 mock draft. Pope, a former NBA big man, said the team has been cautious with Quaintance’s rehab in part because of his future at the next level. But he also said he can’t imagine a scenario in which Quaintance won’t suit up for the Wildcats later this season.
“I’m not exactly sure how long of a wait it is, but I don’t think there is a chance we could keep him from playing this season,” Pope said at SEC media day. “He’s too talented. He’s worked too hard.”
Kentucky is ranked ninth in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll. Pope said the ranking made him happy because the team believes the program’s ninth national championship “is our future destiny.”
There was more good news Tuesday as Otega Oweh was named the SEC preseason player of the year, but Quaintance’s recovery could be the most important factor in the Wildcats’ pursuit of its ultimate goal.
Quaintance is a skilled big man and a physical force. During an exhibition against Duke last year, he arguably frustrated Wooden Award winner Cooper Flagg more than any other defender Flagg faced in the 2024-25 campaign. Quaintance scored 18 points in 26 minutes against Kansas State in his last game of the season before he suffered his injury.
According to teammates, Quaintance is eager to return, perhaps sooner rather than later if he’s allowed. Denzel Aberdeen, the Florida transfer who helped the Gators win the national title in April, said Quaintance has impressed his teammates with his work ethic.
“He’s working very hard to get back. He is always dribbling a basketball everywhere he goes,” Aberdeen said. “He’s been in and out of the treatment room doing what he has to do to get back, fast and quick. From 7 a.m., he doesn’t leave until about 6 or 7 p.m. He’s always happy and always cheering us on in practices, even though he knows he wants to get out there and compete. He’s going to be back real soon, and when he does, he’s going to be great.”
Pope would not say whether he had a definitive date for Quaintance (9.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.6 BPG) to return this season, but he said staff members have been stunned by Quaintance’s progress in less than eight months. Pope expects him to be a major contributor to the program before he takes his talent to the next level.
“He is as unique an individual as I’ve ever had the privilege of recruiting, coaching — physically and mentally and emotionally,” Pope said. “So with him, he has been racing back to help at lightning speed. Right now, it’s remarkable what he’s doing. We’re all kind of shaking our heads like, ‘How is this humanly possible?’ He feels like he’s on the verge of being ready to go in. We’re just hitting the brakes full time right now to be sure because his future is going to be incredibly bright in this game.”
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