Ranking the Top 5 Prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft

Jacob Perrine
BYU Cougars forward and NBA prospect AJ Dybantsa (3) celebrates with fans after a win over the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

With the first round of the NBA playoffs underway, the NBA draft is also just a couple of months away, with plenty of potential stars to choose from in what should be one of the more loaded drafts in recent memory. Let’s examine and rank the top 5 prospects heading into the 2026 NBA draft.

1. AJ Dybantsa – BYU Cougars

The prototypical build for an NBA forward in the modern era, the combination of Dybantsa’s physical tools and refined game on both ends of the floor makes him the best prospect in this class. The expectations were sky high for Dybantsa heading into his lone season with BYU, and while the Cougars had an up-and-down season, the superstar freshman impressed in every way every game.

Dybantsa averaged an impressive 26 points per game, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per contest this past season with BYU. Much of Dybantsa’s success on both ends of the floor comes from his elite athletic tools, as Dybantsa stands at 6’9″ with a near 7’1″ wingspan, and sports a 40.5-inch vertical leap. It’s no wonder a record 8 NBA teams finished with over 55 losses this season, as Dybantsa figures to be a generational talent that simply can’t be passed up.

2. Darryn Peterson – Kansas Jayhawks

Before injuries and criticisms regarding his overall mental toughness and durability, the number one draft prospect was essentially in the bag for the Jayhawks’ star freshman. Much of that was because of Peterson’s ability to take over a game in the blink of an eye. That ability for Peterson stems from his complete control of all three phases of the floor on offense, as he can attack defenses from any area on offense with consistency.

In just 24 games played with Kansas this past season, Peterson averaged 20 points per game on an efficient 44% from the field, 38% from three-point range, and 83% from the free-throw line. While Peterson’s season average of just 2 assists per game calls into question his playmaking ability, Peterson’s already elite shot-making prowess makes him one of the best prospects in his class.

3. Cameron Boozer – Duke Blue Devils

Although not as gifted of a scorer as the top two prospects, Boozer’s offensive consistency more than makes up for any holes in his offensive game. Boozer’s consistency was one of the star freshmen from Duke was able to take home the National College Player of the Year award this season, while also sweeping every other national and college award as well.

It also didn’t hurt that Boozer put up gaudy stats and shooting percentages, which helped his case for those awards, as Boozer averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game while also shooting an impeccable 56% from the field, 39% from three-point range, and 79% from the free-throw line. The only criticisms in Boozers’ game have to do with his defensive capabilities, as opposing teams regularly targeted him on that end of the floor throughout the season. While Boozer will more than make an immediate impact on offense for any NBA team, that part of the floor will be vital for his long-term success at the pro level.

4. Caleb Wilson – North Carolina Tar Heels

It’s quite a shame that both NBA scouts and basketball fans were not able to see Wilson play in the NCAA tournament, since he suffered a season-ending hand injury weeks before, as the North Carolina star was a force in his lone season in Chapel Hill. Wilson offers a similar physical build to Dybantsa while also adding in a few more skills to boot, as Wilson’s 6’10” frame and two-way ability played a vital role in the Tar Heels’ success before his injury this past season.

Wilson averaged 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists per game on an efficient 58% shooting from the field last season. Wilson also showcased why he’s one of the best defensive players in this class, averaging 1.4 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. While Wilson’s outside shooting could use some work, as he only shot 26% from three in his freshman campaign, his defensive prowess and physical tools make him an ideal top 5 NBA pick.

5. Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas Razorbacks

Speaking of having a refined and polished offensive game, there is no question that Darius Acuff Jr. has the best game at that end of the floor in the entire class. No other player better combines both elite playmaking skills and scoring chops quite like Acuff Jr. in college basketball this season, which is why he became just the third player in Arkansas program history to win SEC Player of the Year.

Acuff Jr. averaged 24 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists per game on a highly 48% shooting from the field, 44% from the three-point range, and 81% from the free throw line. Although Acuff Jr.’s offensive prowess is unquestionable, the only knock on his game is his lack of a motor on defense, which may have been more a result of the Razorbacks’ game plan than anything wrong with Acuff Jr.’s actual defensive abilities.

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