2025-26 Men’s College Basketball: Freshman of the Year Rankings

As college basketball heads into the 2025-26 season, various freshmen are already making their mark. This year’s Freshman of the Year rankings showcase a blend of talent, potential, and challenges due to injuries. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout freshmen, their performance, and circumstances affecting their seasons.

Top Freshmen Making Waves

• Darryn Peterson, Kansas
  – Points Per Game (PPG): 22.5
  – Rebounds Per Game (RPG): 4.5
  – Assists Per Game (APG): 2.2
  – 3-Point Percentage: 43.2%
  – Games Played: 6
• Mikel Brown Jr., Louisville
  – PPG: 16.6
  – APG: 5.1
  – RPG: 3.0
  – Games Played: 10
• Braylon Mullins, Connecticut
  – PPG: 11.3
  – RPG: 3.4
  – APG: 1.4
  – Games Played: 10

Injuries Impacting Performance

Both Peterson and Brown have experienced significant injuries that have limited their playtime. Peterson’s chronic hamstring issues and Brown’s back problems have hindered their ability to compete fully. Consequently, their missed time casts doubt on their candidacies for the National Freshman of the Year accolade.

Similarly, Mullins started the season with an ankle injury, missing his first six games. His performance since return has been inconsistent, often fluctuating between strong and mediocre outings. Historically, such patterns have precedent; Jayson Tatum faced a similar trajectory in his debut season at Duke.

Freshmen Surpassing Expectations

• Koa Peat, Arizona
  – PPG: 14.4
  – RPG: 5.7
  – APG: 2.9
• Chris Cenac Jr., Houston
  – PPG: 9.1
  – RPG: 7.7
• Meleek Thomas, Arkansas
  – PPG: 15.3
  – RPG: 3.4
  – APG: 2.7
  – Steals Per Game (SPG): 1.5
  – 3-Point Percentage: 37.0%

Team Dynamics Affecting Rankings

Peat, initially a standout for Arizona, has seen competition from Brayden Burries, who has emerged as a key player. In Houston and Arkansas, Cenac and Thomas have had to share the spotlight, as their teammates have delivered more impressive performances.

The Virginia Freshman Trio

Virginia has surprised many with its freshman class, which includes:

• Johann Grünloh
  – PPG: 8.5
  – RPG: 6.9
  – Blocks Per Game (BPG): 2.6
• Chance Mallory
  – PPG: 10.8
  – RPG: 4.6
  – APG: 3.4
  – Steals Per Game: 2.0
  – 3-Point Percentage: 38.6%
• Thijs de Ridder
  – PPG: 16.4
  – RPG: 6.5
  – APG: 1.4
  – 3-Point Percentage: 40.0%

Despite not being ranked among top recruiting classes, this trio has significantly contributed to Virginia’s resurgence. Grünloh serves as a dominant presence in the paint, while Mallory excels both offensively and defensively. De Ridder stands out as the leading scorer.

Conclusion

The 2025-26 college basketball season is shaping up to be an exciting one for freshmen. While injuries pose challenges for some, others are rising to the occasion, bringing their teams back into contention. As the season progresses, these young athletes continue to compete for the title of Freshman of the Year.