After a burst of commitments during the early signing period, there has been a lull in players coming off the board, creating the perfect opportunity to update the SC Next 100 -- and thus our class rankings.
The biggest winner of this most recent update was USC, which jumped from No. 24 all the way to No. 9 despite not adding any commitments. The Trojans saw both of their signees make enormous leaps in the player rankings, with Adonis Ratliff rising 76 spots to No. 10, and his brother Darius Ratliff climbing from No. 52 to No. 26. Eric Musselman's program still has irons in the fire with available top-100 prospects, so the Trojans could rise even further.
Meanwhile, Tennessee and Texas A&M cracked these rankings while Georgia Tech and Wake Forest dropped out.
This cycle is far from finished, though, with No. 1 prospect Tyran Stokes leading a long list of high-level recruits still available as the high school and college seasons heat up. That includes Jordan Smith (No. 3), Caleb Holt (No. 5), Bruce Branch III (No. 6), Christian Collins (No. 8), Dylan Mingo (No. 9), Jaxon Richardson (No. 15), Deron Rippey Jr. (No. 16), Brandon McCoy (No. 19) and Qayden Samuels (No. 22). Collins, Mingo, Rippey and Samuels are the most likely to commit in the next couple of weeks.
Note: Class rankings are determined by a mathematical formula weighting different factors related to the quality and quantity of players in the class.
Last updated: Dec. 11, 2025
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2026 player rankings
1. Missouri Tigers
No. 4 PG Jason Crowe
No. 14 PF Toni Bryant
No. 48 SF Aiden Chronister
After leading Missouri to one of the most impressive turnarounds in the country last season, Gates carried that momentum onto the recruiting trail. The Tigers hadn't landed a five-star prospect since the 2017 class; they have two in this one.
Crowe led the Nike EYBL in scoring this past summer and is arguably the most explosive offensive player in the class. He's a left-handed guard who gets by his defender at will. He'll be joined in Columbia by fellow five-star Bryant, who was a priority early in the cycle for Gates -- he is tremendously athletic and excels in transition. Finally, Chronister is a prolific 3-point shooter who should get open looks courtesy of Crowe's drive-and-kick ability.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Crowe
He is not only the Tigers' most important recruit of this class, he is the second-highest ranked recruit ever to commit to Missouri, following No. 2 Michael Porter Jr. in 2017. Crowe brings immediate scoring prowess that is needed in tight SEC games. The bigger the stage, the bigger he plays.
2. Michigan State Spartans
No. 31 SG Jasiah Jervis
No. 44 C Ethan Taylor
No. 68 PG Carlos Medlock Jr.
No. 82 PF Julius Avent
After not landing a top-25 recruiting class in the last cycle, Tom Izzo bounced back in a strong way -- and the Spartans leave the signing period at No. 2 overall. The headliner is now Taylor, who announced his commitment during the period. He runs the floor well and should be a plus-player defensively right off the bat.
Jervis established himself early as a priority for the Spartans. The New York native is a terrific offensive player who had a strong summer and will bring an attack-minded skill set to East Lansing.
Medlock is an in-state product who now plays at Link Academy (Missouri) and is the son of former Eastern Michigan star guard Carlos Medlock. He's under 6-foot but is adept at beating defenders off the bounce and getting into playmaking positions.
Avent is another Northeast recruit and should fit the Michigan State archetype in the frontcourt -- he's long and doesn't shy away from contact.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Jervis
He scores the ball with from anywhere with efficiency. He is not afraid of defense and will guard on the perimeter, work to get over screens and rebound down. He is one of the best two-way scoring guards in the class and brings to mind former Spartan turned Milwaukee Buck Gary Harris.
3. Duke Blue Devils
No. 2 PF Cameron Williams
No. 17 SF Bryson Howard
Four-star C Maxime Meyer
Despite the recent addition of Williams, Duke's class remains far from finished, as the Blue Devils remain heavily in the mix for multiple five-star prospects. Williams singlehandedly boosted the class into the top 3 nationally, choosing Duke over Arizona and Texas. He has some of the best long-term potential in the class and should make an immediate impact at both ends of the floor.
Howard was a key get for Jon Scheyer, though, picking Duke over North Carolina and Kentucky. He was one of the biggest risers in the country during the spring and summer, bringing outstanding perimeter shooting.
Meyer is more of a project, but he'll be a multiyear college player and will have time to develop in Durham.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Williams
Duke will have high-level rim protection next season along with 3-point ability from the 6-11 five-star. The mobile big man has as made a steady climb to the top of the rankings. He will acquire more strength, a better base and lower leverage once he steps on campus. His upside and tools make him a future draft lottery pick.
4. Kansas Jayhawks
No. 18 PG Taylen Kinney
No. 56 PF Davion Adkins
No. 78 SF Trent Perry
Four-star SG Luke Barnett
One year after landing potential No. 1 NBA draft pick Darryn Peterson, Bill Self is building his 2026 class around an immediate-impact, elite point guard. Kinney has the size and playmaking ability to cause matchup problems against smaller backcourts, is a terrific scorer with a variety of finishing moves and is developing as a playmaker.
Self secured a string of pledges in the wake of Kinney's commitment, starting with Perry three days later, then Adkins a week after that. The Jayhawks also landed a top-50 recruit for the class of 2027, Javon Bardwell, in-between Perry and Adkins. Adkins' physical tools portend an incredibly high ceiling. Perry, meanwhile, is long and should give help at both ends of the floor.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Kinney
He will provide stability and high-end scoring as the lead guard following Peterson's expected departure for the NBA. Kinney plays the most important position on the floor with confidence and skill. He is the catalyst of this class.
5. Texas Longhorns
No. 23 SG Austin Goosby
No. 43 SF Bo Ogden
No. 100 SG Joe Sterling
Three-star C Coleman Elkins
Sean Miller didn't land any high school recruits in his first spring at the helm in Austin, but he transformed his future perimeter group with his 2026 group. Five-star guard Austin Goosby is the biggest name for next season, picking Texas over BYU. He was the top player in the state of Texas, and has shown two-way potential given his ability to play either guard spot and disrupt the game defensively.
Ogden was a terrific first pickup in September. He was one of the best scorers on the Adidas 3SSB circuit and is a truly elite perimeter shooter, making nearly 53% of his 3-point attempts last spring and summer.
Sterling is another excellent shooter, making better than 44% of his 3s on the Puma circuit last summer.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Goosby
Miller and staff made up ground to secure his commitment. Goosby scores and playmakes as a combination guard with terrific positional size. On defense, he displays a knack to block shots with his wingspan. Under Miller's tutelage, he has a chance to get to the next level.
6. Maryland Terrapins
No. 7 PF Babatunde Oladotun
No. 53 SG Kaden House
Four-star PF Austin Brown
Four-star PF Adama Tambedou
The Terps jumped into the rankings when House committed on Halloween and then skyrocketed into the top 10 thanks to Oladotun's commitment toward the end of the signing period. Oladotun was a statement recruit for Buzz Williams, who beat out Arkansas and Georgetown for him. He's an effective shotmaker at 6-10 and can guard multiple positions.
The son of former NBA veteran Eddie House, Kaden House is a big-time scorer who loves to get into the teeth of the defense and finish in traffic. Williams will love House's intensity on the defensive end of the floor, too.
Tambedou is a physical force on the interior who dominates the offensive glass and finishes with power.
Biancardi's most import recruit: Oladotun
He gives Maryland a major upgrade of talent and sends a statement that the Terrapins staff are serious about keeping the best local talent at home. Williams has a proven track record in player development and winning.
7. Pitt Panthers
No. 47 PF Chase Foster
No. 58 SF Anthony Felesi
No. 83 SG Jermal Jones
October was a massive month for Jeff Capel and the Panthers. They landed all three of their 2026 commitments in a three-week span, catapulting all the way to No. 4 in these rankings.
Jones was the first off the board. He can play either backcourt position and should make an impact at both ends of the floor with his athleticism and defensive versatility. His high school teammate, Foster, followed less than two weeks later. Foster is one of the highest-ranked commits of the Capel era, slotting in as one of the 10 best power forwards in the country. He's a high-ceiling prospect with tremendous upside due to his physical tools and developing offensive game.
Rounding out the trio is Felesi, who picked the Panthers in late October. Pitt beat out several big-time schools for his pledge, and he's only getting better.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Foster
He provides offense as an aggressive driver who can make an occasional 3-pointer with nice positional size to play the big wing or as a power forward. His frame is ready for ACC action -- he already makes athletic plays at and above the rim. He is a potential X factor defensively, with anticipatory skills for deflections and steals, along with shot-blocking instincts. Foster is one of Capel's highest-rated recruits at Pitt.
8. Vanderbilt Commodores
No. 64 PG Anthony Brown Jr.
No. 93 SF Ethan Mgbako
No. 95 C Jackson Sheffield
The Commodores hadn't landed a single recruit ranked in the SC Next 100 since the 2018 class, when they got three top-100 prospects. Fast-forward seven years, and coach Mark Byington and Vandy sit as one of just six programs with three top-100 recruits already in the fold.
Brown is the highest ranked of the group. The point guard had a terrific summer on the Nike EYBL circuit and is a high-usage scorer and distributor with plenty of playmaking chops. Mgbako is the younger brother of former five-star prospect and current Texas A&M forward Mackenzie Mgbako, and is beginning to expand his offensive game on a similar trajectory. Sheffield does most of his work around the rim and is physically ready for the college game.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Brown
Byington will need Brown to score against high-level defenses in SEC play. He already demonstrates the toughness required to succeed in the high-powered conference.
9. USC Trojans
No. 10 C Adonis Ratliff
No. 26 C Darius Ratliff
Coming out of the early signing period, USC was one of the easiest classes to peg as a group poised to rise over the winter -- mostly because of the Ratliffs emerging as arguably the biggest stockrisers in the 2026 class in the fall, after battling injuries last summer.
Adonis moved up 76 spots in the SC Next 100, raising eyebrows after the 7-footer made nine 3s in a game in the fall. He's also a switchable defender who can block shots.
Darius is the more physically ready of the twins, capable of making an impact defensively as a rim protector and on the glass.
Biancardi's most important recruit: The Ratliff twins
No one has seemed to separate them yet, so why try now? Both are now coming into their own and both have NBA draft potential. A strong senior season of intense, injury-free basketball will show what they are capable of next season at USC.
10. Oklahoma State Cowboys
No. 42 PF Latrell Allmond
No. 50 SF Jalen Montonati
Four-star SG Parker Robinson
Steve Lutz leaned on the transfer portal for this season's roster, but is looking to establish a foundation in Stillwater with a 2026 group headlined by three top-100 prospects. Allmond is the top name of the group after a terrific summer on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. He can really make an impact around the rim, and is capable of playing with his back to the basket and dominating the backboards at both ends of the floor. He has also shown a developing face-up game out to the perimeter.
Lutz made it a priority to keep Montonati in his home state as the top recruit in Oklahoma -- he is a shooter who moves really well without the ball. And Robinson, who plays for Overtime Elite, has been on the radar since early in his high school career and will bring a versatile offensive game.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Montonati
His dad, Brian Montonati, played for the Cowboys, averaging 12.1 points per game and 7.2 rebounds as a senior in 1999-2000. Jalen is more perimeter based with the résumé of a terrific shooter and the ability to read his defender, space the floor and shoot off screens.
11. Purdue Boilermakers
No. 52 PG Luke Ertel
No. 79 C Sinan Huan
No. 99 SF Jacob Webber
Three-star C Rivers Knight
With one of the oldest teams in Division I and a starting lineup featuring four seniors this season -- as well as a propensity to build via the high school ranks instead of the transfer portal -- Matt Painter knew he had to get plenty of reinforcements on the recruiting trail in this class. The highest-ranked prospect in the Boilermakers' group has also been committed the longest, picking Purdue back in August 2024. Ertel is tough, he can create for others and he's a very good 3-point shooter.
Seven-footer Huan was the commitment that vaulted Purdue into the top 25; he's a left-handed big man with shot-blocking ability and developing face-up touch on the offensive end.
While he's not ranked in the SC Next 100, Webber will make an impact in West Lafayette with his shooting -- he's one of the elite perimeter shotmakers in the class.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Huan
Painter has a successful track record in developing post players, and Huan has both inside and face-up ability to score and pass with vision and instincts. He doesn't mind contact, and with added strength and playing lower he will produce even more. An All-Big Ten performer with progress.
12. Houston Cougars
No. 20 C Arafan Diane
No. 32 PG Ikenna Alozie
Houston didn't have a single commitment entering the second week of the early signing period, but now has two top-35 recruits. And both fit Kelvin Sampson's system perfectly.
Diane is arguably the best high school center -- and inarguably the most physically dominant center -- in the country. The 7-footer controls the paint and the backboards but is more skilled as a passer than you might think.
Alozie has been on high-major radars since early in his high school career, and he's physically ready for the college game. He possesses tremendous athleticism and speed with the ball in his hands and is nearly impossible to keep out of the lane when he's able to get downhill. He's also an active defender, especially on the ball. Sampson will love his defensive motor.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Diane
Diane brings enormous size, girth and great hands with inside touch. Still new to the game and originally from Guinea, once he seals his defender in the paint he is hard to stop. Make no mistake, he will be an immediate inside presence on both ends of the court for Houston.
13. Mississippi State Bulldogs
No. 77 SG Willie Burnett III
No. 80 C Tristan Reed
Four-star SF Jalyn Collingwood
Four-star C Ladarius Givan
Since Chris Jans took over in Starkville, he has guided Mississippi State to three straight NCAA tournaments -- and now he has back-to-back ranked recruiting classes. The Bulldogs finished the 2025 cycle with the No. 12 group in the country, and this one might be even better.
Burnett is a big-time offensive player who will help replace Josh Hubbard's scoring next season; he won't be afraid of stepping into a sizable role. And Reed is the younger brother of UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr., possessing similar physicality and length. His early impact will likely come on the defensive end.
Four-star prospects Collingwood and Givan round out the quartet, with the Bulldogs dipping into the mid-Atlantic region for both players. Collingwood had a strong summer, while Givan committed in July 2024 to start the class.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Reed
He gives Mississippi State a true center with legitimate size who can produce on both ends. At 6-9 with a 7-3 wingspan, Reed plays a power game. He is a shot blocker and rim protector on the defensive end of the floor with a post presence on the other, executing with his back to the basket by making and maintaining contact with his defender for paint points.
14. Arkansas Razorbacks
No. 11 SF JaShawn Andrews
No. 34 SF Abdou Toure
A ranked John Calipari recruiting class shouldn't surprise anyone. He finished with the No. 3 class in 2025, his first full cycle at Arkansas, after consistently competing near the top at Kentucky and Memphis.
Calipari was able to keep the best prospect in the state of Arkansas home for college, closing strong to beat out Missouri and LSU for Andrews' commitment. He has tremendous physical tools and showed improvement on his perimeter shot over the spring and summer. The Razorbacks also edged out Providence for Toure, a Connecticut native who is a terrific athlete and finisher, and difficult to stop when he gets going to the rim.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Andrews
His commitment sends a message that Calipari is committed to keeping the best homegrown talent in a cardinal-and-white uniform. Andrews is not only highly productive as a super athletic talent, he's also a strong driver of team culture.
15. Michigan Wolverines
No. 29 C Quinn Costello
No. 87 SG Joseph Hartman
Three-star SF Malachi Brown
International C Marcus Moller
Given the way Dusty May has operated with multiple bigs in his lineups the past couple seasons, it's no surprise the Wolverines' 2026 class has plenty of size.
Costello was one of the bigger breakouts last spring as a stretch big who can make shots from the perimeter, while 7-3 Danish center Moller has generated some buzz. One of them could find themselves in a role next season.
Hartman, meanwhile, can really shoot from 3.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Costello
An excellent outside shooting big man with advanced footwork to match his shot, Costello's value is endless on the offensive end who instantly opens driving lines and plays with grit.
16. UConn Huskies
No. 37 SG Junior County
No. 40 SF Colben Landrew
UConn had a top-five recruiting class in 2025, landing multiple top-25 recruits in the same class for the first time since the ESPN recruiting database launched in 2007. The Huskies might not end up far off that number when all is said and done with the 2026 class. County is a combo guard who can make plays as a scorer or distributor and plays with a motor, while Landrew is a fast-rising wing who combines toughness with a developing offensive game.
Biancardi's most important recruit: County
The top-50 County brings an all-around game to the backcourt and more as a competitive defender who's scratching the surface of his future potential. With his size, basketball IQ and talent he makes the game simple for himself and others. He will contribute early and often for UConn.
17. West Virginia Mountaineers
No. 21 PG Miles Sadler
Four-star C Aliou Dioum
Four-star PG Kingston Whitty
West Virginia was one of the biggest movers during the signing period thanks to Sadler's commitment. Sadler chose the Mountaineers over a list that also included Tennessee, Oklahoma, Maryland, UCLA and USC. He's a terrific playmaker, capable of finishing himself or getting his teammates involved. He's difficult for defenders to stay in front of due to his speed and ability to read the game. His defense will also be an immediate asset.
Coach Ross Hodge also landed a pair of four-stars in the class in Dioum and Whitty. Dioum came alive in July at the Nike Peach Jam, showing shot-blocking potential and improved efficiency around the rim.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Sadler
The most important position in basketball is still the point guard. Sadler penetrates and touches the paint at will, and at times is a one-man press break. Hodge has his trusted PG on the way to Morgantown.
18. Stanford Cardinal
No. 61 SF Aziz Olajuwon
Four-star PG Julius Price
Four-star SG Isaiah Rogers
Four-star SG Elias Obenyah
Kyle Smith landed his first SC Next 100 recruit in September when Olajuwon chose the Cardinal over Cincinnati, Vanderbilt and Houston. The son of NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem, Olajuwon took a big jump over the summer, showing real development as a passer and perimeter shooter.
Both Rogers and Obenyah are capable of making plays with the ball in their hands and will bring backcourt depth to Palo Alto, while Price is an excellent 3-point shooter who could prove to be a savvy addition for Smith.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Olajuwon
A big wing with scoring and shooting ability, he helps elevate the Cardinal roster with talent and name recognition. He produced and played very well on the Nike EYBL circuit this past summer. There is plenty of room for growth in his game and he has the potential to be the go-to guy for Stanford.
19. Florida State Seminoles
No. 62 C Marcis Ponder
Four-star PF Collin Paul
Four-star PG Jasen Lopez
Four-star SG Brandon Bass Jr.
Luke Loucks' first full recruiting class at Florida State is deep, with four four-star prospects. Ponder is the big name as a massive 6-11, 300-plus-pound center who fits the ethos Florida State established under Leonard Hamilton.
Paul and Bass will help on the perimeter. Paul is a long wing playmaker, while the left-handed Bass is an excellent shooter from the perimeter. Finally, Lopez is a two-sport star who plays wide receiver in football.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Ponder
If Ponder continues to commit to his conditioning program, he could be one of the most talked about and recognized freshman in the ACC. He is physically imposing right now, and he is putting up big numbers.
20. LSU Tigers
No. 71 SF Kevin Thomas
No. 88 SF Herly Brutus
Four-star SF Marcus Vaughns
Matt McMahon needs a big season on the court this season, but he has already done well to build future rosters in Baton Rouge.
A 6-6 wing from Montverde Academy (Fla.), Thomas is a tremendous athlete who is at his best in the open floor. And Brutus' best attributes come on the defensive end right now, but he's another strong transition player who continues to get better from the perimeter.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Thomas
A high-end future SEC athlete with a developing skill presence, Thomas makes his presence felt in the open floor and above the rim. As his outside shot comes around, he becomes more complete.
21. Oregon Ducks
No. 30 SF Tajh Ariza
No. 70 PF Kendre Harrison
Oregon has an intriguing two-player class, with Ariza -- son of former NBA veteran Trevor Ariza -- the bigger priority. The Ducks beat out USC for his commitment after he missed the summer with an injury, but his ceiling is as high as any wing in the class. He has great passing ability for his size and possesses impressive physical tools.
Harrison committed to Oregon last November for both football and basketball. He is more highly regarded on the gridiron despite his top-100 standing on the hoops side. He's a five-star football recruit and the No. 1 tight end in the 2026 class.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Ariza
He brings a wealth of physical tools and skill to the court at 6-9 with a 7-plus-foot wingspan. His versatility stands out as his greatest strength -- he has demonstrated the ability to rebound on defense and push the ball in transition to either finish the play of facilitate to an open man.
22. Gonzaga Bulldogs
No. 45 SF Luca Foster
Four-star C Sam Funches
Four-star SG Jack Kayil
Gonzaga landed all three of its recruits in October, saving its best addition -- Foster -- for the final week of the month. He's at his best in catch-and-shoot situations from the perimeter, but is also capable of getting points in the midrange. Kayil has generated plenty of attention overseas, as the Germany native has represented his country on the FIBA circuit. And Funches will be more of a depth piece early on, but he's incredibly long and can protect the rim.
Biancardi's most important recruit: Foster
An intriguing recruit. Foster possesses the tools and talent to produce at the high major level, and he projects to be an impactful player.
23.
Tennessee Volunteers
No. 54 SF Ralph Scott
No. 97 SF Manny Green
Three-star PG Marquis Clark
One of two new classes in the December rankings, Tennessee doesn't have an elite-level prospect along the lines of a Nate Ament in this group, but Rick Barnes is bringing in a pair of SC Next 100 wings who offer differing skill sets. Scott has the higher ceiling, given his length, explosiveness and continued growth in his game.
Green, meanwhile, should fit the Volunteers incredibly well as a versatile two-way player with some shooting ability.
Clark was productive over the summer and offers point guard depth.
Bianacardi's most important recruit: Scott
Scott is a fluid athlete who can score at all three levels. He consistently knocks down midrange shots and shows long-range capability, with his offensive gravity creating opportunities for teammates. And on the other end of the floor, he uses his length and instincts to contain opponents, contest shots and grab rebounds.
24. Ohio State Buckeyes
No. 12 SF Anthony Thompson
Four-star PF Alex Smith
Ohio State's potential ranking has fluctuated massively over the past few weeks. When Thompson committed in mid-October, it looked like the Buckeyes were poised for a top-10 class. A week later, though, top-30 prospect Marcus Johnson decommitted after being in the fold for more than 18 months. Jake Diebler still has a strong group, as Thompson is the program's highest-ranked men's basketball recruit in more than a decade.
Bianacardi's most important recruit: Thompson
The five-star forward has legitimate shot-making talent and excellent positional size to build around. With a wingspan close to 7-3, he could also be a significant factor on the defensive end. His shooting percentages have been consistently strong throughout his career.
25. Texas A&M Aggies
No. 84 PG Neiko Mundey
No. 98 C Josh Irving
After not landing any top-100 prospects in his first class at A&M last spring, Bucky McMillan went out and landed the first SC Next 100 recruits of his career to anchor his 2026 class. Mundey was one of the most productive guards on the Adidas 3SSB circuit, showing an ability to score at all three levels and carry an offense. He's more of a combo guard than point guard at this age, preferring to score, but he can really fill it up.
Irving has taken massive strides over the past couple of years to become one of the best bigs in the class, and he still has an enormous amount of room to grow.
Bianacardi's most important recruit: Irving
Irving's long frame and mobility make him an intriguing prospect. He's a lob threat and interior finisher with upside as a stretch big who should have an immediate impact on the glass. He has the tools to become a more well-rounded and impactful center for the Aggies.
Dropped out: Georgia Tech (No. 20), Wake Forest (No. 25)