Elliot Cadeau, Boogie Fland, and Tounde Yessoufou will be among the names to watch when the 2026-27 college basketball season launches on November 1. Hoops HQ released its latest Top 100 players list this month, capturing a snapshot of the talent shaping up for what promises to be a competitive campaign after a turbulent offseason.
The college basketball offseason was marked by widespread player transfers, eligibility questions, and debates around the Protect College Sports Act. Yet, all that will be put aside once the ball tips at venues across the country. Hoops HQ’s ranking offers a detailed look at the players expected to impact the season, with Cadeau, Fland, and Yessoufou representing some of the highest-profile names.
Jeremy Fears Jr. stands out as one of the best players entering the season. The incoming senior was named Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year and earned a unanimous spot on the Preseason All-Big Ten Team. According to No Ceilings, Fears is not only a dominant NCAA force but also a player with clear NBA potential, making him a focal point for scouts and fans alike.
Thomas Haugh also enters his final college season on NBA Draft radars, according to No Ceilings. His experience and skill set put him in the conversation as a player to watch, especially as teams look to build around proven talent.
Freshman guard Crowe has attracted attention from ESPN’s ranking of newcomers. Dennis Gates, Missouri’s coach, entrusted Crowe with the primary creator role in the Tigers’ offense, describing him as the best isolation player in the 2026 high school class. Gates said Crowe projects as a lottery draft pick, drawing comparisons to Brandon Jennings for his scoring ability and potential to lead the team. Crowe is expected to take on significant minutes and scoring responsibility as he adapts to the college game.
Other notable newcomers include Moustapha Thiam, a transfer center at Michigan, who ESPN lists among the most impactful arrivals. Forward Cloer, another transfer, came into the season regarded as one of the best shooters in the 2026 class before opting to transfer, signaling a potential boost for his new team.
Black Hills State University’s Yellow Jackets are preparing for their season with two exhibition games ahead of the regular schedule. They face South Dakota Mines on October 25 and Rocky Mountain on October 31. Their regular season begins on November 7 against NCAA Division II National Runners-Up Lander, followed by a matchup with NCAA Tournament qualifier Florida. The Yellow Jackets have been picked as favorites to defend their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title, according to Black Hills State Athletics.
The NCAA’s official rankings and polls, including those from the Associated Press and coaches, continue to track team and player performance as the season approaches. Florida currently leads Andy Katz’s men's basketball Power 44 rankings. Katz’s assessments also include the impact of transfers and newcomers, adding context to the changing college basketball landscape.
Six current NCAA student-athletes represented USA Basketball at the 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup, showing the connection between college performance and international competition. This crossover often influences player development and visibility entering the college season.
The 2026-27 college basketball season carries expectations shaped by last year’s performances and this offseason’s roster shifts. With the season opening in less than two weeks, the spotlight will be on players like Cadeau, Fears, and Crowe to deliver and define the next chapter of college hoops.
According to CBS.
