A busy summer of basketball concluded with ESPN's updated player rankings for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 boys recruiting classes, which inevitably leads to a number of fun questions: Who are the best high school players in the country? Who are the best long-term prospects? Who produces the most?
Looking at the top rankings for each class is a good start to finding those answers. As fall begins, all three classes have compelling arguments for the top spot.
Incumbent AJ Dybantsa remains atop the 2025 rankings, but Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson were strong candidates. They are expected to continue battling for the top spot once the junior season begins, with Nate Ament and Caleb Wilson rounding out the top five.
Tyran Stokes is too physically imposing, naturally talented and productive to give up the pole position in the 2026 class, but keep an eye on Brandon McCoy, whose two-way ability and leadership as a big guard make him a real threat for the No. 1 spot. Caleb Holt, Alijah Arenas and Jordan Smith Jr. all took big steps this summer and will make this race even more competitive.
The 2027 class will have the most movement because they are so young and have plenty of time to develop. Babatunde Oladotun is very promising and has plenty of athletic ability. He remains at the top for now, but CJ Rosser, Lincoln Cosby and Jaylan Mitchell will have a say in determining who will be number one next time.
Those are the contenders, but let's see how they (and the other standout players from each group) stack up, regardless of class, heading into the high school basketball season.
ESPN 100 2025 Ranking: 1 | SF | No strings attached
