Freshman Basketball Stars Set for Intense 2026 Wooden Award Race

NEW YORK — The race for the 2026 Wooden Award is heating up with a group of talented freshmen and seasoned All-Americans shining in early college basketball games. ESPN unveiled the Men’s Basketball Wooden Award Preseason Top 50 Watchlist on Tuesday, featuring projected top NBA draft picks.

Among the standout freshmen are Kansas’ Anthony Peterson, Duke‘s Cameron Boozer, and BYU‘s Elijah Dybantsa. These players are key names as they lead their respective teams into the season, aiming for one of college basketball’s most prestigious individual honors.

Peterson, a 6-foot-6 wing, is sidelined with a hamstring injury and will not play in the Champions Classic against Duke. He previously scored 21 points in an exhibition against Louisville and 22 against North Carolina. Kansas coach Bill Self remains optimistic about Peterson’s recovery, stating he’s making progress.

Boozer, the two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year, is averaging impressive stats for the Blue Devils, including 22.5 points per game, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. His skillset has caught the attention of scouts as the potential No. 1 pick in the NBA draft.

Alongside these freshmen, veteran players are also in contention for the Wooden Award. Purdue‘s Zach Edey, who has already won back-to-back awards in 2023 and 2024, is among the frontrunners. His teammate, Braden Smith, is also being watched closely for the prestigious award.

Other notable names include Arizona’s star freshman leading a win against Florida, and Arkansas‘ pair of talented newcomers who are making a mark in their early careers. The watchlist is expected to evolve throughout the season as players establish their reputations in high-stakes matchups.

Peterson’s absence in the upcoming contests against Duke is concerning for Kansas, but other players like Nailon McKenna and transfer Louis Ford are stepping up as the team prepares for significant games ahead. Kansas, fresh off a splendid opening month, will face multiple challenging opponents in Las Vegas next week.

As the competition intensifies, the emergence of freshmen talent indicates a thrilling season where standout performances could change the landscape of college basketball.