This year’s freshman class entered the season as one of the most hyped in recent memory. Not only did the group meet expectations, but they exceeded them. It should be remembered as arguably the greatest freshman class in college basketball history.<\/p>\n
In the coming weeks and months, there will be debate about who will be the No. 1 pick in the 2026\u00a0NBA Draft<\/a>. It could be any of\u00a0Duke’s<\/a>\u00a0Cameron Boozer<\/a>,\u00a0BYU’s<\/a>\u00a0AJ Dybantsa<\/a>, or\u00a0Kansas<\/a>‘\u00a0Darryn Peterson<\/a>. Either way, all three players have superstar potential at the next level.<\/p>\n Then you have\u00a0Arkansas<\/a>‘\u00a0Darius Acuff Jr.<\/a>, who could go down as the best freshman guard coach John Calipari has had in his career.\u00a0Keaton Wagler<\/a>\u00a0went from unknown recruit to the offensive engine on\u00a0Illinois<\/a>‘ Final Four team. And you can’t forget about\u00a0Houston<\/a>\u00a0guard\u00a0Kingston Flemings<\/a>, who was as good as anyone in college basketball at getting to his spots in the mid-range.<\/p>\n Boozer was named CBS Sports’ Freshman and Player of the Year after putting together one of the most consistent and best seasons by a first-year player. With Boozer headlining the list of our All-Freshman team, here is who else made the cut.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n The son of former NBA<\/a> star Carlos Boozer is a projected top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft<\/a>. What made him such a special player at Duke<\/a> this season was his passing and basketball IQ. Few post players can run an offense the way he did, consistently staying composed and making the right reads out of the post.<\/p>\n As a scorer, Boozer used his size to overpower defenders and get to the free-throw line at a high rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n Following up on what Cooper Flagg accomplished at Duke last season was a tall task, but Boozer exceeded the hype. He was the best player in college basketball for most of the season.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n Dybantsa arrived with the most hype of any BYU<\/a> prospect since Jimmer Fredette and lived up to the billing. He finished the season as college basketball’s leading scorer, averaging 25.5 points per game.<\/p>\n Dybantsa continued to improve over the course of the season and took on a larger role on both ends of the floor after star guard Richie Saunders<\/a> suffered a season-ending knee injury.<\/p>\n His play after the calendar turned to 2026 has put him firmly in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick in this summer’s NBA Draft. In his final college game, he scored 35 points in a loss to Texas<\/a> in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n In most seasons, Acuff would be the clear-cut national player and freshman of the year. What he did offensively at Arkansas<\/a> was nothing short of phenomenal. His ability to score at all three levels set him apart.<\/p>\n Acuff came close to breaking De’Aaron Fox’s NCAA Tournament record for most points by a freshman. He scored 36 points against High Point<\/a> and finished with 88 points in three tournament games.\u00a0<\/p>\n Acuff was a knockdown shooter and a polished playmaker.<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n Wagler is one of the best success stories in college basketball in recent years. Once an unheralded recruit out of Kansas<\/a>, he emerged as Illinois<\/a>‘ best player over the course of the season and is projected to be a top-10 pick in this summer’s NBA Draft.<\/p>\n Led by Wagler, Illinois is in the Final Four for the first time since 2005. The Fighting Illini have notable depth, but deep March runs require a star guard to lead the way. That’s exactly what Wagler has been for the Illini.<\/p>\n2025-26 CBS SPORTS ALL-FRESHMAN TEAM<\/h2>\n
Cameron Boozer\u00a0| Duke | PF | 6-9 | Fr.<\/h2>\n
![\"team](\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21424.svg\")
<\/figure>\nAJ Dybantsa | BYU | SF | 6-9<\/h2>\n
![\"team](\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21353.svg\")
<\/figure>\nDarius Acuff Jr. | Arkansas | PG | 6-3<\/h2>\n
![\"team](\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21190.svg\")
<\/figure>\nKeaton Wagler\u00a0| Illinois\u00a0| PG | 6-6<\/h2>\n
![\"team](\"https:\/\/sports.cbsimg.net\/fly\/images\/team-logos\/21237.svg\")
<\/figure>\n