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Top 50 returning players
We rank the players who'll be at the same programs they were in 2025-26. Florida's a big winner. Plus: Where is Momcilovic headed, the ACC's schedule release, contract extension news, and more.
Tristan Freeman
May 29, 2026
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1. Haugh, Tanner, Fears top our list of best returners
All the college basketball talk over the past few months has centered on players entering the transfer portal or the ones leaving for the NBA.
But what about players who elected to do neither? NIL may not be Congress’ favorite subject, but it’s undoubtedly boosted program retention, including some All-Americans who normally might’ve turned pro.
Here’s a look at the top 50 overall as compiled by Rob Dauster and Sam Lance, with some takeaways.
Florida has four players in the top 26 overall, including all three frontcourt players (Haugh, Condon, Chinyelu) in the top 12.
Duke and USC are second among teams with 3 players each on this list.
Michigan will likely have a trio of frontcourt players drafted in the top-25 in June, but will be led by its backcourt next year, with Cadeau (10) and McKenney (14) each in the top-15.
The Big Ten (15) leads the conferences, with the SEC (14), ACC (8), Big 12 (6), and Big East (4) rounding out the list. The Pac-12, Mountain West, and Missouri Valley each have one.
Remember, this is only the players who returned to their respective programs where they played in 2025-26. If we include others who went to new programs (such as Flory Bidunga or John Blackwell) or the incoming freshmen (such as Tyran Stokes or Caleb Holt), this list changes.
2. Milan Momcilovic down to 3 teams
With Tounde Yessoufou’s commitment to St. John’s, one clear star remains in the transfer portal: Milan Momcilovic. And he’s being pursued by some of the sport’s elite programs.
