College basketball teams prepare for 2026-2027 season with incoming freshman class

College basketball programs have begun practices featuring the 2026 recruiting class. This group faces expectations set by the high-scoring performances of the previous year's freshman class, which included notable displays by Kingston Flemings, Keaton Wagler, and AJ Dybantsa. Several incoming players are currently navigating a roster environment influenced by NIL opportunities and the potential for returning seniors. Michigan faces a roster change after five-star guard Brandon McCoy Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury during an international tour. Other prospects expected to play prominent roles include Kansas forward Tyran Stokes, Arkansas guard Jordan Smith Jr., and Arizona guard Caleb Holt. This class features many young players who have reclassified to enter the college level early.

• 6:45 PMCBS Sports — Meet college basketball's polarizing freshman class: First-year stars begin practicing with their new teams