Jay Bilas, ESPN’s renowned college basketball analyst, has unveiled his preseason All-America teams for the 2025-26 men’s college basketball season, spotlighting a blend of transfers and highly anticipated freshmen. The selections, released just before the season tip-off on November 3, offer a preview of the top talent expected to dominate the court, with three transfers on the first team and four freshmen on the second team highlighting the evolving dynamics of the sport.
The first team is headlined by Braden Smith of Purdue, the nation’s premier point guard who dished out 8.7 assists per game last season and earned unanimous AP preseason All-America honors. He is joined by Donovan Dent of UCLA, a pick-and-roll specialist who elevated New Mexico to NCAA tournament contention; P.J. Haggerty of Kansas State, an elite scorer averaging over 21 points per game in recent seasons; JT Toppin of Texas Tech, a double-double threat who led the Red Raiders to the Elite Eight; and Yaxel Lendeborg of Michigan, a rim protector who decided to return to college after boosting his NBA draft stock. This group combines veteran leadership with proven performance, setting a high bar for the upcoming season.
Freshmen dominate the second team, with AJ Dybantsa of BYU, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2025, bringing length and athleticism to the Cougars’ lineup. Darryn Peterson of Kansas, another top prospect with potential to be the No. 1 NBA draft pick, is expected to shine under coach Bill Self, while Cameron Boozer of Duke, son of former Blue Devils star Carlos Boozer, adds pedigree and skill. Otega Oweh of Kentucky has flourished under Mark Pope, increasing his scoring output, and Nate Ament of Tennessee, praised by coach Rick Barnes, rounds out this promising cohort of newcomers.
The third team features experienced players like Darrion Williams of NC State, recently named ACC preseason Player of the Year after a strong showing at Texas Tech, and Emanuel Sharp of Houston, a key returner from last season’s national runner-up squad. Alex Condon of Florida, a skilled big man for the reigning champions; Trey Kaufman-Renn of Purdue, looking to build on his honorable mention status; and Tahaad Pettiford of Auburn, the sole returner from the Final Four team, provide depth and reliability. These selections emphasize the importance of continuity and leadership in college basketball’s competitive landscape.
Bilas also recognized an all-defensive team, including Joseph Tugler of Houston and Tamin Lipsey of Iowa State, underscoring the value of defensive prowess in team success. An all-freshman team overlaps with second-team picks, such as Dybantsa and Peterson, highlighting the influx of young talent poised to make immediate impacts. These additional honors reflect Bilas’s comprehensive evaluation of player skills beyond scoring, focusing on overall contributions to the game.
The release of these teams comes amid an eventful offseason marked by transfers, recruit commitments, and early practice reports, shaping expectations for the 2025-26 campaign. Bilas’s analysis, drawing from his experience as a former Duke player and coach, serves as a benchmark for fans and analysts, influencing discussions on player rankings and team potentials. With the season set to begin in early November, these preseason accolades set the stage for individual and team narratives to unfold.
As the college basketball world anticipates tip-off, Bilas’s teams will be closely watched to see if players live up to their preseason hype. The emphasis on transfers and freshmen signals a shift in roster construction, where adaptability and new talent are crucial. Ultimately, these selections not only celebrate individual excellence but also frame the broader storylines of redemption, development, and championship aspirations that will define the season ahead.