10 hotshot recruits who will be 2026 March Madness stars

In the ever-evolving landscape of basketball, the Class of 2025 is already making waves with its impressive array of talent. This listicle highlights the top 10 standout high school players who are set to make significant impacts at their respective colleges. From versatile scorers to dynamic playmakers, each athlete brings something unique to the court, promising an exciting future for college basketball fans.

Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville)

Mikel Brown Jr. is a standout five-star point guard committed to Louisville. He ranks as one of the nation’s top prospects in the Class of 2025. Brown’s exceptional skill and leadership have earned him recognition as a potential generational talent, with a notable performance in the FIBA U18 AmeriCup.

Caleb Wilson (North Carolina)

Caleb Wilson, a 6-9 power forward, is a North Carolina commit and a standout in the 2025 class. He showcased his skills at the McDonald’s All-American game, highlighting his impressive scoring abilities. His performance solidifies his potential as a future star in college basketball.

Meleek Thomas (Arkansas)

Meleek Thomas, a top-10 recruit, brings unparalleled potential to Arkansas. As a dynamic guard, he excels in scoring and assists, averaging 18.8 points and 3.5 assists in Nike Peach Jam games. His versatility and defensive prowess make him a key component of the Razorbacks’ promising lineup.

Koa Peat (Arizona)

Koa Peat, a top-10 recruit, has committed to Arizona, showcasing his ability as a physical forward. He led Perry High School to multiple state championships and averaged 18.7 points and 10.3 rebounds per game in his senior year. His polished mid-post skills and versatility will be key assets in college. He announced his pick on Pat McAfee’s show and bummed out Arizona State coach Bobby Hurley and Sun Devils fans.

Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston)

Chris Cenac Jr. is a versatile big man bound for Houston, showcasing unicorn potential with a 3-point shot and defensive mobility. In the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game, he scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds. His impressive blend of size and skill makes him an exciting prospect.

Nate Ament (Undecided)

Ament, who is still uncommitted, is a strong 6-foot-9 forward with significant college interest. He’s a top-five prospect in the 2025 cycle, attracting interest from powerhouses like Louisville, Duke, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. His commitment decision is eagerly anticipated following a highly competitive recruitment process. Even former Cardinal and current NBA superstar Donavon Mitchell has pitched Ament on attending Louisville. This next guy is pitching him on Arkansas.

Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas)

Drawing comparisons to Utah Jazz player Colin Sexton, Acuff Jr. is a 6-foot-2 scoring guard who’s clever and quick and can score from anywhere. He’s part of Arkansas coach John Calipari’s crazy-good recruiting class (No. 8) that would easily push the Razorbacks into the top 3.

Cameron Boozer (Duke)

Cameron Boozer is a standout recruit (No. 3 in the nation) known for his polished, pro-friendly style and diverse skill set. As the son of former NBA veteran Carlos Boozer, he consistently ranks among the top prospects, showcasing a strong postgame, playmaking ability, and deep awareness on the court. He and his twin brother, Cayden, ranked among the top 20 recruits nationwide, will both play for the Blue Devils.

Darryn Peterson (Kansas)

Darryn Peterson, committed to Kansas, is the No. 2 recruit. He showcased his versatility at the McDonald’s All-American Game, earning co-MVP honors with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals. His polished two-way skills make him a strong contender to be the top pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

AJ Dybantsa (BYU)

A.J. Dybantsa, the number one prospect in the 2025 class, has committed to BYU. He is renowned for his versatile skill set and playmaking abilities, making him a fit for BYU’s pace-and-space system. Dybantsa will focus on improving his three-point shooting and ball handling ahead of his college debut. This is the most-hyped recruit in the history of BYU’s basketball programs.

Sienna Betts (UCLA)

Sienna Betts, the nation’s No. 2 overall prospect and a premier forward, was recently named the McDonald’s All-American Game MVP. She averaged 23.0 points, 16.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game in her senior season, committing to UCLA in November 2023 to join her sister, Lauren Betts.

Aaliyah Chavez (Oklahoma)

Aaliyah Chavez, the nation’s No. 1 women’s recruit, has committed to Oklahoma. Known for her impressive shooting skills, Chavez reached the finals of the McDonald’s All-American Game 3-point shootout and recently led the West team to victory over the East team in the McDonald’s All-American Game alongside other top talents.

Conclusion

As we look ahead to the collegiate basketball careers of these top freshman recruits, it’s clear that the Class of 2025 is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport. These young athletes will not only bring individual brilliance but also embody the future of basketball with their versatile skill sets and potential for greatness. Whether they become college stars or future NBA and WNBA prospects, their journeys will undoubtedly be worth following as they continue to evolve and excite fans worldwide.