Updated Top 100 rankings for the 2026 NBA draft: Which top prospects are rising and falling?

The 2026 NBA draft has continued to shape up nicely, now six weeks into the college basketball season. With a strong class of freshmen making real impacts on their teams, and the presence of three No. 1 caliber prospects, 2026 remains on track to bring one of the most consequential draft lotteries in recent years -- and one that will have several big winners.

The consensus around the NBA remains that the top of this draft is particularly strong. The headlining trio of Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer continues to spark healthy debate within front offices. Other top prospects, including Caleb Wilson and Kingston Flemings, have taken quicker to the college game than expected -- Sixteen of ESPN's current top 25 prospects are freshmen.

How the depth of the class will ultimately develop is up for debate, with the talent level beyond the top group viewed by many as more akin to an average draft year. NBA teams expect the impact of big-money NIL compensation to continue the trend of more mid-tier prospects returning to college. With that in mind, expect this board to stay somewhat fluid as June draws closer.

As this group continues to take shape, here are ESPN's updated top 100 rankings for the 2026 draft class, including breakdowns for the top 25. This process is informed by my own player evaluation and intel from around the NBA and college ranks, and offers a representation of the available player pool and insight into executives' and scouts' views.

1. Darryn Peterson, PG/SG, Kansas

Freshman | Height: 6-6 | Age: 18.9 | Previous ranking: 1

Peterson's ongoing battle with a hamstring injury remains one of the biggest early storylines from a draft perspective. His absence has had little to no impact on his standing as a No. 1 candidate, and he looked largely like himself in his return against Missouri (17 points), but checked out early against NC State on Sunday due to cramping, according to Bill Self. His combination of starry upside and reliable high-end floor remains the strongest of the three candidates to go No. 1 overall. His ability to make tough things look easy while playing under control and creating shots in the flow of the game makes him especially hard to defend.

Peterson will need to continue to display that talent to enhance his case to be the top pick, with A.J. Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer playing well and legit debate unfolding inside the league about which is the optimal choice. It's a real-enough discussion at the moment that who is chosen No. 1 could come down to which team has the pick. If Peterson can stay healthy, he has a major opportunity to reinforce his bonafides over the next few months. And with Kansas (8-3) faring better than expected without him, his health has major implications for the college basketball season.

2025-26 stats: 19.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists in four games

2. AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU

Freshman | Height: 6-9 | Age: 18.9 | Previous ranking: 2

Dybantsa turned in his most complete college performance against Clemson last week, bringing BYU back from a 21-point halftime deficit and putting his full offensive game on display. In addition to some dazzling midrange scoring, he made several excellent playmaking reads, tallying six assists to go with 28 points. His long downhill stride, knack for drawing fouls and comfort getting to his own shot make him a load to defend, and portend serious upside if he can refine his skill level and develop into a more consistent three-point shooter (he's just 8-of-23 through 10 games).

Dybantsa has also left something to be desired defensively at times, prone to relaxing away from the ball and not maximizing his size and physicality on that end. Scouts are hoping to see him be more consistently engaged and aggressive, which would enhance his chances of hearing his name called first on draft night.

2025-26 stats: 20.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists in 10 games

3. Cameron Boozer, PF/C, Duke

Freshman | Height: 6-9 | Age: 18.3 | Previous ranking: 3

Boozer has lived up to his long-held reputation as a bona fide winner, spurring Duke to an undefeated start while playing an extremely challenging schedule. He has stuffed every part of the stat sheet with a 65.3% true shooting and putting together what could be a historically productive one-and-done season. There's a realistic argument for Boozer as the best player in college basketball at 18 years old, a statement that in most years would suggest he's an easy choice at No. 1.

But this class is loaded at the top, meaning Boozer and his peers will all be nitpicked against each other for the next six months. While there is some trepidation around his lack of vertical lift and moments of difficulty finishing against NBA-caliber athleticism, Boozer's strength and savvy inside the paint have largely compensated. Scouts have praised his decision-making, mental toughness and reliability. His production, intangibles and long history of winning make for a strong argument in the top three.

2025-26 stats: 23.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists in 10 games

4. Caleb Wilson, PF/C, North Carolina

Freshman | Height: 6-10 | Age:19.4 | Previous ranking: 5

Wilson has made a strong impression thus far, establishing himself among the consensus top players in this class while showing a level of motor and toughness many scouts weren't expecting based on what they saw from him in high school. He has the skill and passing ability to play inside and out and the size and quickness to be versatile defensively. His hyperactivity attacking the basket has made him North Carolina's catalyst, and with some added polish, he neatly fits the blueprint for a modern NBA forward.

The energy Wilson has brought on a nightly basis could raise his floor quite a bit as a prospect, although his non-dunk finishing and questionable three-point shooting (3-for-12) remain points of interest the rest of the season. While there's still a degree of rawness to Wilson's game, his productivity and upside has made him arguably the most popular name in this next tier of prospects among scouts. It's easy to envision him becoming a high-impact all-around player at the next level.

2025-26 stats: 19.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists in 10 games

5. Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville

Freshman | Height: 6-5 | Age: 19.7 | Previous ranking: 6

While Brown has been streaky to start the season -- particularly from long range (26.8%) -- he has showcased his significant potential with a few big performances, including 29 points against Kentucky in November. His ability to consistently create clean looks at the rim off the dribble creates exciting possibilities. Brown was viewed as a steady playmaker in high school, and scouts are hoping to see him create more in the halfcourt for teammates as the season goes on.

To reinforce the perception around his dynamic shooting, Brown will need to actually make more shots -- he's shooting just 38.1% from the field. The degree of difficulty of many of his looks doesn't always help. His lack of impact defensively is also a concern. But given the rarity and upside of his skillset, there's major upside if Brown can put it all together.

2025-26 stats: 16.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists in 10 games

6. Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston

Freshman | Height: 6-4 | Age: 18.9 | Previous ranking: 37

Flemings wasted little time playing his way into the lottery after an excellent start to the season. A gifted live-dribble passer with a compelling mix of speed, skill and scoring touch, his emergence as the best player on a contending-level team has been a pleasant surprise, and he has drawn rave reviews from scouts. Flemings didn't exactly come out of nowhere -- he was ESPN's No. 22-ranked recruit -- but he was underexposed nationally relative to his peers and didn't enter the season with a ton of fanfare. That's changed quickly: he's tracking to be one of the first guards off the board.

NBA teams will be watching closely to see if Flemings' blistering efficiency (60.6% from the field) holds up through conference play, as his shot mechanics are unorthodox, and he's likely due for some regression. What he has done to this point has been convincing.

2025-26 stats: 14.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists in 11 games

7. Nate Ament, SF/PF, Tennessee

Freshman | Height: 6-10 | Age: 19.0 | Previous ranking: 3

It's not altogether surprising that Ament has struggled with efficiency while adjusting to the size and physicality of the college game. NBA teams perennially value oversized, skilled perimeter players in his mold, which will earn him the benefit of patience. It's fair to say he has looked farther from impacting an NBA game than expected, though, and

Ament's finishing and three-point shooting (37.4% from the field and 28.9% from three) have been subpar, and he's not explosive downhill or off the dribble, leading to some shaky moments. He has managed to be productive (16.3 points and 7.1 rebounds) in spite of that, and whether he ultimately slips in the draft will hinge on his full body of work, not just a tricky first month. While Ament hasn't helped himself thus far, the rarity of his skill set and obvious long-term upside warrants patience.

2025-26 stats: 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists in 10 games

8. Koa Peat, PF/C, Arizona

Freshman | Height: 6-8 | Age: 18.9 | Previous ranking: 8

Peat continues to make positive contributions for a strong Arizona team that relies heavily on his productivity. The questions surrounding his projection are overarching: He's an excellent rebounder and rugged interior player who makes winning plays, but he has limited functionality on the perimeter, as he doesn't create off the bounce at a high level and isn't a threat from three-point range.

Peat is still a good bet to carve out a niche with his toughness and intangibles, and there's plenty of time for him to add to his game. As an undersized big who doesn't block shots at an elite level, there are fair questions around his upside.

2025-26 stats: 14.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists in nine games

9. Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky

Sophomore | Height: 6-10 | Age: 18.4 | Previous ranking: 9

Quaintance is nearing his return from a torn ACL suffered in February, and Kentucky will hope he gives them a shot in the arm amid a frustrating start to the season. He piqued interest with big-time defensive flashes at Arizona State last season (he averaged 2.6 blocks per game), showing off some of the best physical tools in the class. He appears well-suited for a vertical spacing role in the NBA, as a lob threat who can run the floor and screen.

Quaintance has limited ball skills and is undersized for a true five-man; however, it creates uncertainty around exactly how his game will translate to the next level. He'll likely play a major role upon returning, allowing him to solidify lottery status.

10. Braylon Mullins, SG, UConn

Freshman | Height: 6-6 | Age: 19.6 | Previous ranking: 12

An ankle injury delayed the start of Mullins' season, but he wasted little time rounding into form, looking comfortable in his first few games and moving into the starting lineup on Friday against Texas. He's an outstanding shot-maker with a well-developed sense of how to get to his jumper both off the bounce and playing off the ball, with the framework to develop into a dynamic perimeter threat as he gains strength and experience.

How Mullins' role evolves on a contending team heavy on upperclassmen will be a point of interest for scouts, but he's clearly their most naturally gifted scorer. He figures to ease into increased minutes as he settles in, and his scoring flashes have kept scouts intrigued.

2025-26 stats: 9.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.8 assists in five games

11. Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers

Height: 6-9 | Age: 18.7 | Previous ranking: 11

Lopez has turned in some quality performances in recent weeks and is putting together a strong season in the NBL. He is further removed from an offseason back injury, and has shown his skill and feel for scoring at his size.

The hold-up for some scouts is his limited burst and ability to separate on the perimeter, as well as concerns defensively, which likely make him best suited as a stretch-four long-term. Those traits also make it difficult to see extreme upside. Still, Lopez is producing against older competition, and if he can maintain his impressive shooting splits (49% on field goals, 39% from 3 and 77% on free throws), it's easier to envision him carving out an NBA role.

2025-26 stats: 10.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists in 18 games

12. Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston

Freshman | Height: 6-11 | Age: 18.9 | Previous ranking: 7

Although Cenac has struggled early, seeing him work through typical teenage big man growing pains shouldn't be surprising. His lack of strength and limited high-level experience have led to mistakes and a quicker hook with his shifts. There are no bigs in this class with his mix of fluid athleticism, comfort level as a jump shooter and potential to protect the basket, which should work in his favor and continue to warrant patience.

Scouts will keep a close eye on his improvement as the season goes on, particularly around his toughness, physicality and shot-blocking instincts. He's an intriguing project with a valuable skill set, but he's looked far away from impacting an NBA game.

2025-26 stats: 9.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.6 assists in 11 games

13. Thomas Haugh, SF/PF, Florida

Junior | Height: 6-9 | Age: 22.4 | Previous ranking: 14

Haugh has validated his offseason buzz, stepping up as Florida's best player and frequently carrying the Gators -- he doesn't waste dribbles and does most of his damage in the flow of the game. Couple his offensive growth with steady defense and high energy, and he's the type of connective, versatile player who should give an NBA rotation an immediate boost.

The fact Haugh will be 23 on draft night hurts his perceived upside, but should make him appealing to teams looking to compete in the short-term. The added value in finding plug-and-play players on rookie deals in the second-apron era should ultimately bolster his case.

2025-26 stats: 18.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists in 10 games

14. Yaxel Lendeborg, PF/C, Michigan

Senior | Height: 6-9 | Age: 23.2 | Previous ranking: 15

Michigan started the season in dominant fashion due in large part to Lendeborg's versatility, with his ability to slide between forward spots enabling the Wolverines to toggle between jumbo triple-big lineups and smaller, faster ones. He has been extremely efficient, making 82.5% of two-point attempts, as well as productive on the defensive end (more than a steal and a block per game) and on the glass (7.2 rebounds).

NBA scouts are viewing this context with a necessary grain of salt, as Lendeborg is older, bigger and stronger than nearly all opponents he has faced this season. His comfort level on the perimeter and confidence in his outside shot have helped solidify some questions after transferring from UAB. There's obvious utility in what he provides, if not massive upside, and his combo of physical tools, defensive versatility, and solid ball skills should allow him to plug into a rotation right away.

2025-26 stats: 16.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists in 10 games

15. Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas

Freshman | Height: 6-2 | Age: 19.1 | Previous ranking: 16

Acuff has answered key questions about his game, shouldering a ton of offensive responsibility and proving his mettle with strong performances against Duke, Louisville and Texas Tech. He has been more committed to setting up teammates than NBA scouts were expecting, and has endeared himself as a tough competitor who can control the pace of a game and is willing to battle defensively.

Due to his size and large role, Acuff has had to settle for tough looks at times, relying on craft to score inside the arc and making just 49% of two-point attempts. Teams who prefer bigger guards will be less interested. But the quality of his overall play and approach during Arkansas' strong 8-2 start has helped his case.

2025-26 stats: 17.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists in 10 games

16. Patrick Ngongba II, C, Duke

Sophomore | Height: 6-11 | Age: 19.8 | Previous ranking: 27

While not the most-discussed prospect on his team, Ngongba has taken a major step forward from a physical standpoint, showcasing improved conditioning and foot speed alongside his typically strong decision-making as Duke has navigated a challenging schedule. He looks like a much more well-rounded player, with better mobility defending ball screens, the size to be a deterrent around the rim and offensive versatility as a plus-passer who can finish simple plays. He has looked comfortable shooting from distance in warmups and has room to expand that area of his game.

Ngongba's history of foot injuries adds a layer for teams to unpack, but he's building a case as Duke's second-best prospect.

2025-26 stats: 11.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists in 10 games

17. Hannes Steinbach, PF/C, Washington

Freshman | Height: 6-11 | Age: 19.6 | Previous ranking: 17

Steinbach returned from an ankle sprain without missing a beat and has been one of the most productive players in college basketball, recording double-doubles in five of seven games. He has outstanding hands and feet for his size, has dominated the glass and is a capable interior defender, though he's not a prolific shot-blocker.

Steinbach's unfussy style of play should translate at the next level, with the league trending back toward double-big lineups. Scouts will continue to debate how high his ceiling is - whether he's a sturdy long-term role player, or has room to develop into more than that.

2025-26 stats: 17.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists in seven games

18. Labaron Philon Jr., PG, Alabama

Sophomore | Height: 6-4 | Age: 19.9 | Previous ranking: 18

Philon has broken out with a great deal of offensive freedom at Alabama, emerging as one of the top guards in college basketball. Not gifted with top-end size, strength or burst for a ball-handler, he relies heavily on craftiness and shot-making. He has shown improvement as a three-point shooter (41.5%), but some scouts view him as an average passer and defender who lacks an elite skill that would separate him at the NBA level.

Philon projects more cleanly as a bench-unit staple than a lead guard who warrants the keys to an NBA offense, but he has played well enough to earn long looks in the first round. Continuing to make shots at a high level in conference play will help his case.

2025-26 stats: 21.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists in 10 games

19. Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa

Senior | Height: 6-4 | Age: 22.2 | Previous ranking: 19

Stirtz will be under the microscope as Iowa hits the thick of its schedule, as evaluators zero in on how he fares against quality opponents and more athletic defenders. He's a terrific shooter who excels at navigating screens, a valuable skill set that should translate, but might make more sense leading bench units than as a full-time NBA starter.

Stirtz struggled to create separation against ball pressure in a difficult matchup against Iowa State last week, which underscored some of the larger concerns. Scouts will be watching closely as he navigates the Big Ten gauntlet.

2025-26 stats: 17.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists in 11 games

20. Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor

Sophomore | Height: 6-5 | | Age: 21.0 | Previous ranking: 48

Carr has been on a heater to begin the season, a surprising breakout after he spent two seasons riding the bench at Tennessee (he made zero starts and averaged less than 10 minutes per game). The small sample and his streaky shot selection have made him a tricky assessment for NBA teams, but he is an explosive athlete with plus-length who is scoring at a high level (55.1% FG), making him intriguing in the eyes of evaluators.

Scouts will be curious whether Carr can create easy looks against better competition and maintain his current 42.6% three-point clip. That he's not much of a playmaker for teammates nor a defensive standout also creates questions. Suffice it to say, the former top-100 recruit has put himself back on the radar as a prospect, with room to rise if he can keep performing like this.

2025-26 stats: 21.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists in nine games

21. Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke

Sophomore | Height: 6-6 | Age: 20 | Previous ranking: 20

Evans has been streaky to begin the season, but he has nice size for a two-guard and is quite fluid shooting off movement. He offers a good skill framework for a perimeter scorer who doesn't need the ball in his hands to add value. Some scouts have noted that he looks bigger physically than last season, creating curiosity around how he'll measure at the combine.

Evans is still polishing all areas of his game and has to continue to get stronger, but he has the tools to be a passable defender to pair with potential high-level shotmaking. His questionable decision-making and inconsistent play can still make him frustrating to watch. He's far from positively impacting an NBA game, but certainly looks the part as an eventual contributor.

2025-26 stats: 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists in 10 games

22. Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor

Freshman | Height: 6-5 | Age: 19.5 | Previous ranking: 13

While Yessoufou hasn't quite lived up to the hype that followed him after the Nike Hoop Summit -- he was ESPN's No. 9-ranked recruit in the 2025 class -- he has been productive in adjusting to the college game and already has an NBA frame. He's not a polished scorer for someone who takes as many shots as he does (25.1% usage) and has experienced finishing struggles driving downhill against bigger bodies.

Yessoufou projects best as a 3-and-D energy wing, but he needs to make big strides in both areas to realize that potential. Improving his shot selection and buying in further as a defensive stopper would make a difference and help assuage some of the concerns about his court awareness. He's more of a natural four-man with shooting guard size, which complicates his projection, but will make for an interesting developmental case, with his tools and motor still interesting selling points.

2025-26 stats:17.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists in nine games

23. Neoklis Avdalas, SG/SF, Virginia Tech

Freshman | Height: 6-8 | Age: 19.9 | Previous ranking: 28

Avdalas offers an intriguing mix of size and ball-screen savvy that's at times hampered by his lack of foot speed and average perimeter shooting. His pronounced strengths and weaknesses make him divisive for NBA evaluators, who have seen him in a variety of settings over the past year. He struggled earlier this year in scrimmages at the combine and at the Nike Skills Academy, where his issues separating from defenders were apparent.

Avdalas may need significant structure to limit that weakness and maximize his passing ability, and he'll also need to make enough shots to space the floor away from it. He has the size to hold his own defensively, but he doesn't add much value on that end. Ultimately, NBA teams like to roll the dice on jumbo playmaking wings, and he does fit that mold.

2025-26 stats: 14.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists in 12 games

24.Dame Sarr, SG/SF, Duke

Freshman | Height: 6-8 | Age: 19.5 | Previous ranking: 10

It has been a slow start for Sarr, who has come off the bench recently and hasn't been especially assertive with the opportunities he has had. Scouts think he can do much more than what he has shown in his current role, but Duke's offense has largely run through its big men this season, leaving him to play out of the wing and corner without many touches.

Sarr remains an intriguing long-term prospect, capable of becoming a plus-defender with offensive versatility, but his one-and-done case has been less obvious than some scouts expected. He has room to inch back up the board with more consistent impact, but that will require significant development during the season.

2025-26 stats: 6.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists in 10 games

25. Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois

Freshman | Height 6-6 | Age: 18.9 | Previous ranking: unranked