The latest Rankings update of ESPN players prepares the stage for some of the most convincing perspectives in the basketball of the secondary school of children. Even if today's game blurs traditional position lines, the race for positional supremacy remains as fierce as ever.
We decided to knock down the two best players in each place in the senior class of 2026, from the shipowner to the center, to determine who dominates. We are also highlighting a growing name that could shake the hierarchy this fall and winter.
See the complete classification of 2026 players here
Why Crowe is the best shipowner in class 2026
With 6 feet 3 inches, Crowe is built to be a high -level score shipowner. He is a teacher on ball screens, manipulating defenses with his sweater, cunning units, creative finishes around the edge and game. Its 24.1 points per game led all Nike Eybl scorers last season, and is among the 15 best scoring brands of all circuit times, according to Synergy Sports. Its efficiency remained despite the constant defensive attention: 50% from the field, 32% from the deep, 82% in the line. The next step? Become a more consistent defender. Offensively, their instincts and scoring mentality evoke those of Collin Sexton and Brandon Jennings.
Recruitment state: Crowe promised Missouri in July, giving the Tigers their best classified recruit from Michael Porter Jr. in 2017.
How McCoy is a real challenge for Crowe
If Crowe is built to write down, the 6-5 McCoy thrives as a defensive counterweight and uses its size 6-10 to prevent opponents from scoring. He is a disruptive defender in the ball with excellent instincts outside the ball and at his best offensively when he can use his explosiveness to the vertiginous rhythm. He averaged 19.9 points in the EYBL game, relentlessly attacking the paint to an exceptional clip while adding seven rebounds, a block and a game robbery, numbers only recorded by Jordan Smith and Cade Cunningham as guards in the circuit. If McCoy wants to fight Crowe's first place, he will need to tear down more open shots and improve his free kick.
Recruitment state: McCoy recently made an official visit to Arkansas and an official visit to Duke the past autumn.
One more to see: Deron Rippey Jr. (No. 18, No. 5 pg)
Why Jordan Smith is the best escort in the country
The explorers, the advanced metrics and the cinema agree: Smith was the most shocking player of the EYBL this season. He plays with a competitiveness that reminds his fellow product of the Victor Oladipo DMV area. Smith has followed the same plan since its first year: it exceeds everyone, physically affects both ends of the floor and has improved over time. He also lives in the free throw line, and does not take a lot of 3S, below 30% beyond the arch, but that should improve over time. Smith is in the mold of Jrue Holiday and Marcus Smart.
Recruitment state: After a visit to Duke last year, Smith will go to Arkansas (September 19-21) and Kentucky (October 10-12). Georgetown and Syracuse are also strongly in the mixture. Smith also plans to attend Florida's game in Duke (December 2).
How Goosby challenges Smith
With 6-5 with a wingspan of 6-9, Goosby has a desirable combination of length, defensive ability and punctuation skill for a guard out of the ball. He is at his best without the ball inside the arch to establish scoring opportunities, demonstrating a high intellectual basketball coefficient. Goosby is developing a more reliable 3 points, but can also make difficult shots. His ball readings stand out in intense moments on the court. When is strengthened and your deep shot improves? Careful. Catching Smith will be a challenge, but Goosby can make it interesting.
Recruitment state: Goosby is deciding between Duke, Texas, Miami, Byu, Baylor and Smu.
One more to see: Jasiah Jervis (No. 50, No. 6 SG)
Stokes is the best player and The best SF
Being the prospect number 1 brings greater praise and scrutiny. Stokes has validated its place with production and advantage, although it can give more. He averaged 22.7 productive points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.9 blockages and almost four assists, but also too many ball losses. He is one of the best in the nation to generate free throws (10 attempts per game) and plays with a rare combination of size, explosiveness and ability. Its 3 -point shot cooled from 63% the summer before 42% in a small sample size. With more clear decision making and consistent energy, it will be difficult to overcome.
Recruitment state: Stokes has made visits to Kansas, Louisville, Kentucky and USC.
Holt is a strong contender
The small front position has the deepest and most powerful group in class 2026, and Holt has the ability to move towards the escort. He also has the tools to challenge Stokes. An implacable and focused competitor, Holt dominates the transition, defends with intensity (2.5 robberies per game) and bounced to a high level (7.4 boards per game). On the half court, create dribbles and make intelligent readings. It can skillfully penetrate paint or find others. The only objection is its limited number of attempts beyond the arch; That said, it takes intelligent shots, as evidenced by its 3-point shooting at the Euro Camp in Adidas (5-for-13) and in the FIBA U19 World Cup (13 by 25). Holt has the determination, elite athletics and talent to change the score and catch anyone in front of him.
Recruitment state: Holt has made visits to Arkansas, Kentucky, Ole Miss and Alabama, with Providence (September 19-21) and Arizona (from October 3 to 5) below. Holt also plans to visit Houston and possibly visit Kansas, Baylor and Miami.
5⭐️ Caleb Holt led his squad to a dubbing that fell more than 20 in Garner Road 😈🔥 @3ssbcircuit @iamcalebholt pic.twitter.com/u7jzsilbws
– SportsCenter Next (@Scnext) July 11, 2025
One more to see: Anthony Thompson (No. 13, No. 6 SF)
Williams advances ahead
This is the most adjusted positional battle in class 2026. Williams oozes the backward with its 6-11, 7-2 size and 9-foot foot range, and its production is beginning to catch up. He took a great step forward this summer, averaging 14.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.3 blocks for Compton magic in the Adidas 3SSB circuit. As future NBA prototypic striker, it can occasionally spray the 3 -point shot. When it is active and alert in defense, Williams has a great advantage. His tools allowed him to obtain the point of view of the upper power: consistency is key to retaining it.
Recruitment state: Williams has visited SMU and Texas, and is scheduled to visit Purdue, USC, Arizona, Duke and Kentucky.
If someone in class can press Williams, it's Collins
Collins has a frame-like frame to Williams, with 6-8 with a wingspan of 7-1, and its ability to end both in the transition and in the half court is special. Its handle, length and body control give you versatility, but the next step is to unite everything: rebounds, defend and add a reliable face sweater, if you want to take first place. Both he and Williams are Switch defenders and “on the way” with immense roofs. Who can take advantage of the most consistent production will be number 1.
Recruitment update: Still in the early stages, Collins has visited USC and plans to visit Kentucky.
One more to see: Toni Bryant (No. 14, No. 5 PF)
Muurinen has impulse
With only 18 years, Muurinen recently finished competing for the National Team of Finland in Eurobasket, seeing a good amount of minutes when the team finished fourth in the tournament. He is loaded with potential, ability and IQ in the offensive as a center mouth, and his foot game also helps him score his back to the basket. His defense will determine his future position, since he is currently defending the interior. Based on pure talent and a strong low season, Muurinen will be a force this year.
Recruitment update: Arkansas and Kentucky have been in a strong search for Muurinen. St. John's, Michigan, NC State, North Carolina, Duke, UCLA and Illinois are also actively recruiting it.
They told me “find Jesus.” I did. 😩#Eurobasket | #Makeyourmrk pic.twitter.com/i0mvfqdcce
– FIBA Eurobasket (@eurobasket) September 6, 2025
Muurinen does not have the first place blocked
The 7-1 Diane, meanwhile, has transformed from a great body that still learns the game to a legitimate athlete and a threat of under post with the back to the basket. It is also a strong rebounder and shooting blocker. According to Synergy Sports, he obtained 62% of his internal movements one by one last summer and fired 71% in general with overturned. Its 71% free kick is also encouraging. Diane, who now plays for Iowa United in the EYBL circuit, deserves a lot of credit for its development after moving from Guinea six years ago. The race for Big Man's best place is open.
Recruitment update: Diane visited Kentucky last weekend and is full of September and October: Arkansas (September 19-21), Virginia (September 26-28), Indiana (October 17-19), Houston (October 24-26).
One more to see: Ethan Taylor (No. 32, No. 3 c)
