League: NCAAM Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Transactions

Experts discuss potential top player in 2026-27 college basketball season

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 7, 2026, 1:12 PM

Last updated Aug 7, 2026

Experts discuss potential top player in 2026-27 college basketball season

Summary

As the college basketball shifts with most 2025-26 All-Americans moving to the NBA, experts assess potential candidates for the best player in the upcoming 2026-27 season. Key returnees include Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr., who led the nation in assists, and former Wake Forest player Juke Harris, now at Tennessee. Florida's Thomas Haugh is considered a strong candidate after deciding to return to school instead of entering the NBA Draft. The 2026 high school recruiting class is viewed as less impactful compared to the previous year, opening the door for new stars to emerge in college basketball.

Source Links

CBS Sports

Key Details

•Most 2025-26 All-Americans are heading to the NBA.
•Jeremy Fears Jr. returns after leading the nation in assists.
•Juke Harris averaged 21.4 points last season at Wake Forest.
•Thomas Haugh was projected as a first-round pick before returning to Florida.
•The 2026 recruiting class is seen as less impressive than the previous year.

Latest Updates

1:12 PMCBS Sports — Dribble Handoff: Who will be the best player in college basketball for the 2026-27 season?

What they're saying

"
With almost all of last year's All-Americans gone to the NBA, our experts predict who will claim the crown as college basketball's next superstar
— CBS Sportsby David Cobb

Related Teams & Leagues

NCAAM College Sports