Guard play may dominate highlight reels, but winning basketball still starts inside. As the 2025–26 season moves closer to conference play, several centers across the country have emerged as reliable anchors for their teams. Whether it is controlling the glass, protecting the rim, or providing steady scoring in the paint, these players are making a nightly impact.
Here are the top centers in college basketball so far this season.
10. Ruben Chinyelu, Florida Gators
Ruben Chinyelu is averaging a double-double and has become one of the most reliable all-around big men in the country. While he is not Florida’s top scorer, his rebounding, athleticism, and defensive presence have been invaluable.
In a recent win over Saint Francis, Chinyelu posted 12 points and 11 rebounds. The 6’10 junior from Nigeria has seen his role expand significantly under Todd Golden. After averaging six points in 19 minutes per game last season, Chinyelu is now playing close to 25 minutes per night and providing stability for a Florida team still finding its footing.
9. Ernest Udeh Jr., Miami Hurricanes
Ernest Udeh Jr. has been a major factor in Miami’s strong 10-2 start. The former Kansas big man is averaging 7.4 points and 9.4 rebounds per game, giving the Hurricanes a physical presence inside as ACC play approaches.
Udeh has found a scoring rhythm recently, recording 14 points and 15 rebounds against Louisiana-Monroe before following it up with 12 points and eight rebounds versus Florida International. The 6’11 senior from Orlando is shaping up to be a key wildcard for Miami once conference play begins.
8. Andrew McKeever, Saint Mary’s Gaels
At 7’2 and 285 pounds, Andrew McKeever is one of the largest players in college basketball. The sophomore from Livermore, California is averaging eight points and 10.5 rebounds per game for a Saint Mary’s team off to a 9-2 start.
McKeever has been selective offensively, but his rebounding and interior defense have been critical. As his confidence grows, he has the potential to become a true game-changer in the West Coast Conference by the time March arrives.
7. Mouhamed Sylla, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
Mouhamed Sylla is on the verge of a breakout season for Georgia Tech. The 6’10 freshman from Senegal is averaging 11.5 points and 8.7 rebounds in just 26.5 minutes per game.
Sylla has scored in double figures in three straight games and is beginning to assert himself as ACC play approaches. Georgia Tech sits at 7-4, and Sylla’s development makes the Yellow Jackets a team opponents will need to be cautious with moving forward.
6. Armani Kehoe, Navy Midshipmen
Armani Kehoe has taken a major step forward in his senior season. The 6’11 center from Montvale, New Jersey is averaging 12.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game while helping Navy to a 6-5 start.
Kehoe is coming off back-to-back double-doubles, averaging 13 points and 14.5 rebounds over that stretch. After scoring just nine points per game last season, his improvement has been one of the biggest positives for the Midshipmen.
5. Giovanni Emejuru, East Carolina Pirates
East Carolina’s slow start has not been the fault of Giovanni Emejuru. The senior big man is averaging 13.6 points and 9.2 rebounds per game through 12 contests.
Emejuru has more than doubled his scoring output from last season and recently logged 21 points in 39 minutes, marking his fourth straight game with double-digit scoring. As conference play begins, he looks poised to be a consistent interior presence for the Pirates.
4. Armani Mighty, Mercer Bears
One of the best names in college basketball is also one of its most improved players. Armani Mighty is averaging 13.8 points and nine rebounds per game for Mercer.
The 6’10 junior from Toronto is enjoying a true breakout season after averaging fewer than one point per game across his first two collegiate seasons. Mighty recently recorded 13 points and nine rebounds against UCF and has posted multiple double-doubles, establishing himself as one of the most productive big men in the mid-major ranks.
3. Oscar Cluff, Purdue Boilermakers
Matt Painter’s teams have always relied on strong interior play, and Oscar Cluff is no exception. The 6’11 senior is averaging 12.4 points per game in just over 23 minutes per contest.
Cluff exploded for 22 points and 11 rebounds in a blowout win over Marquette, his second straight double-double. As Purdue pushes toward national title contention, Cluff’s ability to control the paint will be a critical factor.
2. Demetrius Lilley, Binghamton Bearcats
Demetrius Lilley is one of the most productive centers in the country, averaging 16.1 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. The 6’9 big man from Philadelphia has scored in double figures in every game this season and has recorded double-digit rebounds in eight of them.
Despite Binghamton’s 3-9 record, Lilley’s consistency has been a bright spot. He will be a major force when America East play begins on January 3 against NJIT.
1. Henri Veesaar, North Carolina Tar Heels
Henri Veesaar has been the most productive scoring center in college basketball this season. The 7’0 junior from Estonia is averaging 16.9 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for North Carolina.
After averaging 9.4 points per game in limited minutes last season, Veesaar has thrived with an expanded role, logging 31 minutes per game. He recently scored 26 points in a win and has posted multiple dominant performances, including back-to-back games of 17 points and 10 rebounds followed by 18 points and 15 rebounds. His continued growth will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch as ACC play ramps up.
Big Man Basketball Matters
The center position remains a constant of winning college basketball. From big-time rebounders to efficient scorers and defensive anchors, these big men are proving their value every night. As conference play starts up and matchups become more physical, how these centers hold up against top competition will play a major role in determining postseason expectations. One thing is certain: controlling the paint still matters.