Boys basketball recruiting: Top 25 players regardless of class

A busy summer of basketball concludes with the updated ESPN Player Rankings of the 2025, 2026 and 2027 boys recruiting classes — which inevitably leads to a series 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 of each class is a great start to finding those answers. Entering the fall, all three classes have compelling arguments for the top spot.

Incumbent AJ DiBantsa tops the 2025 rankings, but Cameron Boozer and Darin Peterson are both strong candidates. Expect them to continue challenging for the top spot when the high school season begins with Nate Ament and Caleb Wilson rounding out the top five.

Tyrann Stokes is too physically imposing, naturally talented and productive to relinquish the pole position in the 2026 class; Still, keep an eye on Brandon McCoy, whose two-way ability and leadership as a big point guard make him a real threat for the No. 1 spot. Caleb Holt, Alijah Arenas, and Jordan Smith Jr. All have made great strides this summer and will make this race even more competitive

The 2027 group will have the most movement as they are very young and have a lot of time to develop. Babatunde Oladotun has a lot of promise and athletic ability. He’s at the top for now, but CJ Rosser, Lincoln Cosby and Jaylan Mitchell will all have a say in who will be next.

They are rivals. But let’s take a look at how they — and the other top players in each group — are heading into the high school basketball season, regardless of class.

2025 ESPN 100 Ranking: 1 | SF | uncommitted