Rivals Rankings Week: Five-Star Countdown for 2026 class

It’s a Rivals Rankings Week for the 2026 class and we start things off today with Rob Cassidy counting down our five-stars, from No. 13 to No. 1.

2025 Rankings: Rivals150 | Position | Team

2027 Rankings: Top 60

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1. SG BRANDON MCCOY JR.

Cassidy’s Take: Brandon McCoy retains the top spot in a class without a surefire No.1 and does so because of his consistency of production as much as anything else. The strong, explosive guard is the most polished player in the group and combines that with upside, as he has room to grow as both a defender and a facilitator. USC, UCLA, Kansas, Duke, Alabama, Arizona and others are involved with McCoy.

2. PF TYRAN STOKES

Cassidy’s Take: A legitimate contender for the No. 1 spot, Stokes’ athleticism, shot-creation ability and knack for finishing at the rim are what pop off the page about him, and there may not be a better prospect in the class when it comes to the transition game. His elite skill set and lofty upside are obvious to anyone. It feels as though the five-star forward could seize the top spot if he becomes a better long-range shooter in the year ahead. Louisville, Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Kansas and USC are among the teams chasing the 6-foot-7 forward.

3. SG CALEB HOLT

Cassidy’s Take: Caleb Holt is coming off an impressive performance at USA Basketball Junior Minicamp and earned a bump up from No. 4 to No.3, in part, because of it. He has long been a break-pushing fastbreak scorer, but has recently shown signs of progress as a shot-creator in the half court. The 6-foot-5 Holt is among the most athletic and explosive prospects in the class, and his recruitment has a bit of a southern flare to it. Programs such as Alabama, Ole Miss, Auburn, Baylor and Georgia Tech are already involved.

4. SG ALIJAH ARENAS

Cassidy’s Take: The son of longtime NBA player Gilbert Arenas, who became a star at Arizona, Alijah Arenas is already considering his father’s…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rivals-rankings-week-five-star-193849923.html

Author : NBC Sports

Publish date : 2024-10-22 19:38:00

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