The 2025–26 men’s college basketball season concluded as one of the most exceptional in recent memory, featuring an elite freshman class, returning stars, and dominant mid-major talent. Sports Illustrated’s Bryan Fischer and Kevin Sweeney compiled the official All-America teams, recognizing the ten players who rose above the considerable competition.

First-Team Selections: Dominating the Court

Boozer (Duke)

Boozer is poised to potentially secure back-to-back national player of the year awards for a Duke freshman, delivering one of the greatest single-season campaigns for a first-year player in the modern era. The former five-star recruit initiated the offense as a point-forward, utilized polished low-post scoring moves, and consistently found open teammates against double teams.

His impact was evident as Duke achieved a record-tying 11 wins against ranked opponents. Boozer averaged a double-double and became the first underclassman in over 40 years to post a slash line of 20/10 while averaging more than four assists per game. Opposing coaches noted his toughness on both offense and defense, anchoring one of the nation's top defensive units.

AJ Dybantsa (BYU)

Dybantsa’s performance solidified his status as the likely No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft following his decision to return to college. The 6' 9" Massachusetts native became the nation’s leading scorer in 2025–26 by expertly finding space to shoot, making more than half of his field goals despite high volume and defensive attention.

While BYU fell short of the Final Four, Dybantsa provided a spectacular show in Utah as arguably the most talented player ever on campus. (Photo credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images)

Lendeborg (Michigan)

Lendeborg’s offseason transfer from UAB to Michigan proved highly impactful, showcasing his defensive versatility by guarding opponents' best perimeter players using his size and physicality. He excels in transition and has significantly improved his three-point shooting since his time at UAB.

Although his scoring numbers may not match others on the list, his overall impact is immense, playing a crucial role in Michigan's journey to Indianapolis. His versatility allows him to disrupt top scorers across the league.

Acuff (Arkansas)

Acuff became a national focal point during the postseason, averaging nearly 30 points per game to lead the Razorbacks to the Sweet 16 and their first conference tournament title in 26 years. The 6' 3" guard demonstrated a unique ability to create shots off the dribble, pull up in transition, and attack the rim effectively.

Acuff was named SEC Player of the Year despite heavy competition, central to Arkansas’s offense by averaging over six assists per game when not scoring. He impressively ranked as the nation’s third-leading scorer while shooting over 40% from three among high-major players.

Keaton Wagler (Illinois)

Wagler exceeded even lofty preseason expectations, guiding Illinois to its first Final Four appearance since 2005. Brad Underwood had previously labeled him a potential one-and-done prospect early in the season.

Lacking raw athleticism, Wagler compensates with high basketball IQ and craftiness, consistently making the right play, whether setting up teammates or creating for himself against switches. He emerged as an elite pick-and-roll player and shooter, drawing comparisons to Tyrese Haliburton for his late-blooming superstar trajectory. (Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)

Second-Team Standouts and Program Pillars

Smith (Purdue)

Smith concluded a remarkable career by becoming the NCAA’s all-time assists leader in March, capping a tenure that included a Final Four, two Big Ten regular season titles, two Big Ten tournament titles, and a Big Ten Player of the Year award. He started all 149 games he played for the Boilermakers, losing only 32 contests.

Despite a slightly underwhelming season overall for Purdue, Smith’s elite playmaking was superb, single-handedly willing the team to the Big Ten tournament crown and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Bradley (Arizona)

While Arizona featured heralded freshmen like Koa Peat and Brayden Burries, it was Bradley who orchestrated the team’s success, leading them to their first Final Four in 25 years. The New York native averaged double figures, provided timely scoring, managed the ball with few turnovers, and contributed defensively by pressuring opposing guards.

Bradley proved to be an incredible shotmaker, consistently rising up to hit game-winners when closely guarded. His leadership was the driving force behind one of Arizona's best seasons in Tucson.

Jefferson (Iowa State)

Jefferson had a strong case for national player of the year honors for much of the season, stuffing the stat sheet with points, rebounds, and assists while developing into a reliable three-point threat. His NCAA tournament run was unfortunately cut short after only three minutes due to an ankle injury sustained against Kentucky and Tennessee.

His absence in the Elite Eight against Michigan raises questions about Iowa State’s potential outcome. Nevertheless, his performance was key to the Cyclones achieving their best finish in the KenPom era under T.J. Otzelberger.

Haugh (Florida)

Haugh anchored Florida's formidable frontcourt, serving as the leading scorer for the Gators during their SEC championship run. He successfully transitioned to playing primarily as a wing this season after spending his first two years as a power forward.

His toughness, competitiveness, and nose for the ball made him a fan favorite in Gainesville and solidified his standing as a lottery-level prospect for the upcoming NBA draft.

Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s)

Ejiofor was instrumental in St. John’s securing back-to-back Big East regular-season and tournament titles, culminating in a Sweet 16 appearance, the program's first since 1999. He led the Red Storm across the board in points, rebounds, assists, and blocked shots, serving as the team's emotional core.

Ejiofor was a unanimous Big East Player of the Year selection, possessing the rare ability to dominate games from multiple positions on the floor. (Photo credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images)