The college basketball world is abuzz with the return of the men's super freshman era, a phenomenon that has captivated fans and analysts alike. But here's where it gets controversial: the impact of these young talents seems to be waning. Three seasons ago, the landscape was dominated by the presence of a single freshman in the top 100 of his recruiting class, Donovan Clingan, who made a memorable impact with UConn. Fast forward to 2024, and the trend continued with just one true freshman, Stephon Castle, starting in the Final Four. However, the narrative is about to shift dramatically.
The decline in the influence of these young stars can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the extra year of eligibility due to COVID, coupled with the NCAA's willingness to grant eligibility waivers, has led to a more mature and experienced college basketball landscape. The average 24-year-old with six seasons of high-level college basketball under their belt is undoubtedly a more valuable asset than an above-average 18-year-old with no prior experience. This realization has prompted prominent head coaches to adapt their roster construction strategies.
Secondly, the recent recruiting classes have been less than stellar, with depth lacking behind the headline-grabbing stars. But this is about to change. The 2025-26 men's college basketball season is poised to be a turning point, with a highly touted crop of freshmen from the class of 2025 ready to make their mark.
The class of 2025 is considered loaded by those in the know, and the most impactful players are set to shine on some of the best teams in the sport this season. A.J. Dybantsa, a 6'9 wing, is ranked as the best player in this class and has already earned MVP honors at the FIBA U19 World Cup. He's consistently featured at the top of 2026 mock NBA drafts, and BYU's acquisition of this recruit has generated significant anticipation for the 2025-26 season.
Darryn Peterson, heading to Kansas, is another highly touted freshman. Hall of Famer Bill Self has praised Peterson as the best freshman he's ever recruited, expecting him to shoulder more responsibility for the Jayhawks than any previous freshman. Meanwhile, Duke, the program that recently had three freshmen drafted in the top 10 of the NBA Draft, is once again welcoming a star-studded class led by a player who could contend for national Player of the Year honors.
Cameron Boozer, the son of former NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, is set to make his mark at Duke after an illustrious high school career. He's won numerous championships and awards, and his twin brother, Cayden, will also suit up for the Blue Devils. At Louisville, Mikel Brown Jr., a standout point guard from the FIBA U19 World Cup, is poised to lead a high-scoring offense that could be the most exciting in college basketball this season.
Nate Ament, a five-star freshman at Tennessee, is generating buzz with his all-around skills and impressive practice performances. Other freshmen expected to make significant contributions include Caleb Wilson (North Carolina), Darius Acuff (Arkansas), Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston), and Koa Peat (Arizona). These young talents are poised to bring the most extreme of youth movements back to college basketball this season, promising an exciting and unpredictable season ahead.
