The 2026 NBA Draft is officially behind us, but that only means one thing for college basketball fans: it's already time to start looking ahead.
Unlike the past two draft classes that featured clear-cut superstars like Cooper Flagg, AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer, the 2027 class feels much more wide open. There isn't a unanimous No. 1 prospect, and that uncertainty should make this one of the most entertaining races we've seen in years.
Some of the names below are elite freshmen about to begin their college careers. Others are returning players who passed on the NBA in hopes of becoming lottery picks a year from now. By next June, this list will almost certainly change, but these are the 10 prospects entering the season with the best chance to hear their names called early in the 2027 NBA Draft.
10. Cameron Williams, Duke
Every season, Duke seems to produce another NBA lottery pick.
Williams has all the physical tools to keep that streak alive. At nearly seven feet tall, he moves exceptionally well for his size and already shows flashes of stretching the floor offensively. The biggest question is opportunity. Jon Scheyer's roster is loaded once again, so Williams will have to earn every minute.
If he becomes a consistent contributor for one of the nation's best teams, his draft stock could climb in a hurry.
9. Anthony Thompson, Ohio State
NBA teams are always searching for long, athletic forwards who can defend multiple positions and knock down perimeter shots.
That's exactly why Thompson is one of the most intriguing freshmen in the country.
He still needs to become more assertive offensively, but the raw talent is impossible to ignore. If Ohio State can help unlock his offensive game, Thompson has all the ingredients of a future lottery pick.
8. Thomas Haugh, Florida
Haugh made one of the smartest decisions of the offseason by returning to Gainesville.
Instead of becoming a late first-round or early second-round pick, he'll spend another season leading the defending national champions while continuing to polish his all-around game.
Versatile forwards who rebound, defend and make winning plays always find a place in the NBA. Haugh already checks most of those boxes.
7. Stefan Joksimovic, Baskonia
Every draft cycle features an international prospect who seemingly comes out of nowhere.
Joksimovic probably won't stay under the radar much longer.
The 6-foot-7 playmaker has outstanding court vision and plays with a pace that immediately catches scouts' attention. If he continues developing against professional competition in Europe, don't be surprised if he becomes a legitimate top-five conversation by next spring.
6. Jason Crowe Jr., Missouri
Crowe walks into an ideal situation.
Missouri needs an offensive leader, and the talented freshman should have every opportunity to become exactly that. His ability to create his own shot is among the best in this recruiting class, and he's fearless attacking defenses.
The next step is proving he can consistently make those around him better. If he does, he'll rise quickly up NBA draft boards.
5. Bruce Branch III, BYU
Few freshmen possess Branch's combination of length, athleticism and upside.
He already looks like an NBA wing physically, and Kevin Young's NBA background should only accelerate his development. Branch has shown he can shoot the basketball and defend multiple positions, but scouts want to see him become more aggressive offensively.
If that happens, a top-five selection is well within reach.
4. Braylon Mullins, UConn
Sometimes the best draft decision is deciding not to enter it.
Mullins returns to UConn with an opportunity to become one of the biggest winners of the NIL era. He was already viewed as an NBA prospect, but another season under Dan Hurley could elevate him into lottery territory.
He's an outstanding shooter, but what separates lottery picks from role players is versatility. If Mullins expands his playmaking and shot creation this season, his ceiling rises dramatically.
3. Jordan Smith Jr., Arkansas
John Calipari has coached plenty of one-and-done stars, and Smith could be next.
He's explosive with the basketball, competes on every possession and already has the mentality NBA teams love. Arkansas will rely heavily on him from opening night, giving him every chance to prove he belongs among the nation's elite freshmen.
If his perimeter shooting becomes more consistent, Smith has a realistic shot at challenging for the No. 1 overall pick.
2. Caleb Holt, Arizona
There may not be a more complete freshman entering college basketball this season.
Holt impacts winning in almost every area. He defends at a high level, rebounds well, attacks the rim with confidence and plays with a toughness that immediately stands out. Even when his shot isn't falling, he still finds ways to influence games.
Arizona has a history of developing NBA talent, and Holt looks ready to become the next Wildcat to hear his name called early on draft night.
1. Tyran Stokes, Kansas
Until someone proves otherwise, this is Stokes' spot to lose.
He's the most physically gifted player in the class and possesses the type of positional versatility NBA executives covet. At 6-foot-7, he can initiate offense, create for teammates, attack the basket and overwhelm defenders with his strength.
There are still areas of his game that need refinement. His outside shooting must become more consistent, and he'll need to cut down on turnovers against higher-level competition. But those are normal questions for an 18-year-old prospect.
What separates Stokes is his ceiling.
Bill Self has developed countless NBA players during his Hall of Fame career, and he'll now have the opportunity to coach one of the most talented recruits he's signed in years. If Stokes puts together the freshman season many expect, he'll enter next June with an excellent chance of becoming the first player selected in the 2027 NBA Draft.
This race is just getting started
One of the most exciting parts about projecting the 2027 NBA Draft is knowing how much will change over the next eight months.
Every season produces breakout stars that nobody saw coming. Injuries happen. Veterans return to school and play themselves into the lottery. Freshmen exceed expectations while others struggle with the jump to college basketball.
That's what makes this class so fascinating.
Unlike the past two years, there isn't one obvious superstar standing above everyone else. Instead, there's a deep group of talented players who will spend the next season battling to become college basketball's next household name—and perhaps the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.
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