ESPN ranks 100 best college basketball players amid eligibility disputes

ESPN released its preseason Top 100 ranking for men's college basketball on Tuesday, placing Tyran Stokes and Jordan Smith Jr. at the top of the freshman class. The list, which the outlet describes as unique in its composition, blends new enrollees with returning stars and athletes facing legal uncertainty regarding their eligibility.

The rankings account for the NCAA's new five-year eligibility rules, which technically exclude players who graduated from high school in 2022. ESPN's writers decided to include these athletes, such as Jeremy Fears Jr., Thomas Haugh, and Milan Momcilovic, who signed major NIL deals to remain in college. The outlet stated it will revise the list if court rulings alter the eligibility status of these players.

MJ Collins Jr. illustrates the legal complexity facing the 2022 class. The 6-foot-4 guard, who averaged 17.5 points at Utah State, is ranked 85th while attending Cincinnati. His eligibility hinges on a dispute between the Ohio governor and the NCAA over an executive order granting a fifth year of play to in-state athletes. The association recently sued the governor to block that order.

Other players in the lower ranks also depend on similar rulings. Denzel Aberdeen, a Florida guard ranked 95th, averaged 13.5 points and 3.4 assists at Kentucky last season. If he secures a fifth year, he is expected to start for Kentucky, which ESPN ranks as the No. 1 team in the preseason.

Freshmen occupy the bottom of the list, with Miles Sadler of West Virginia ranked 100th. Sadler, a 6-foot point guard, scored 29 points and recorded seven assists for the World team at the Nike Hoop Summit in April. Cameron Williams, a 6-foot-11 forward from Duke, is ranked 97th and is listed as one of the top five recruits in the 2026 class, though his immediate role may be limited.

Transfers and returners fill out the middle of the rankings. Kayden Mingo is moving from Penn State to Baylor to join his brother Dylan Mingo. Kentucky's Zoom Diallo, who averaged 15.7 points and 4.5 assists, drew media attention for describing himself as a lambatarian. Andrej Stojakovic, an Illinois guard, is noted for his 58% shooting percentage from inside the arc during the Illini's Final Four run.

Higher up the list, Kentucky center Malachi Moreno is ranked 75th. The 7-foot-1 player appeared at SEC media day more than 10 pounds lighter following summer NBA workouts. Na'jai Hines of UConn is ranked 72nd and served as the Huskies' frontcourt anchor last season, when he led the nation in block rate.