Trotter’s Trends: Looking at Freshman of the Year races in Power Five conferences

The average score of 71 freshmen was above 10 points last season. Cooper Flagg, the National Player of Year, led this group. The highest mark was in 2019-20. This is due largely to the COVID senior players and thousands of transfers who sucked up opportunities, and partly due to some disappointing freshman performances. The 2025-26 season will be shaped by this year’s freshmen. Early trends show that the class of 2025 has been a rousing success. 11 freshmen average 20 points or more. 117 diaper daddys are at 10 or higher points! We’re obviously navigating small sample sizes, and we have the blessing (or the curse, for TCU) that comes with “buy” games. But it’s clear we’re on our way to some of the most exciting Freshman of The Year races in the history of high-major football. 

Let’s dive into some of the names you know and others to get familiar with, starting in the ACC.ACC boasts deep crew of balling freshmenFrontrunnersCameron Boozer, Duke: The double-double machine can do everything you want from a modern 4-man. He’s rapidly become the alpha for this No. Jon Scheyer is able to use him in many different ways because of his vision, footwork and power. Boozer’s 16-and-12 record may require a Herculean task to maintain it for Tuesday night’s Army game. ET on CBS Sports Network (Channel finder or via CBS Sports App)   Caleb Wilson, UNC: Wilson’s stock is soaring after Friday’s dominant 24-point, seven-rebound, four-assist, four-steal showing against Kansas. He’s the Tar Heels’ emotional leader. He plays both ends of floor with a ridiculously high motor, and mixes in some tantalizing Court-Vision and unguardable blendaway jumpers. Wilson is a dawg who has provided the No. Neoklis Avdalas (Virginia Tech): Avdalas blew away Providence with 33 points on Saturday, signaling to the masses that he’s here to stay. The Greek wing is a 6-foot-9 215-pounder who plays as Virginia Tech’s lead guard. His presence completely transforms the Hokies. Avdalas has to make some strides on the defensive side, but is clearly an offensive force. Avdalas, if he continues his ascent, will be a top-five pick in 2026.Mikel Brown, Jr., Louisville: Brown will have to share the spotlight with a loaded Louisville team, but his impressive moments will keep him on the list for ACC Freshman. The playmaking, the deeeeep distance, and the growing rack attack are all good things. Brown’s Tuesday matchup with No. 9 Kentucky will be illuminating.In the mix: Ebuka Okorie, Stanford; Matt Able, NC State; Mo Sylla, Georgia Tech; Kiyan Anthony, Syracuse; Shelton Henderson, MiamiDeep-cut sleeper: Omari Witherspoon, PittThe skinny: This influx of difference-making freshmen could be the kickstart of the ACC revival. Boozer Avdalas Wilson Brown are the driving forces behind their respective teams’ success. These are not only the best freshmen in the ACC. They’ll also be in the top 10 of the ACC as a whole. The overall depth of the ACC’s freshmen crop is also hard to ignore. Okorie is a lead guard with a lot of speed (55 points combined in two games). He is also a killer. He could jump into the top tier ACC freshmen if Stanford is able to keep its head above waters.

Editor’s note: Thijs DeRidder of Virginia is technically listed in the SEC freshmen pecking order as a freshman. However, the 22 year-old Belgian is really a sophomore. The NCAA awarded De Ridder two years of eligibility in July, so he is not included in this exercise.Fearsome Foursome atop the SEC freshmen pecking orderFrontrunnersNate Ament, Tennessee: It’s not always going to look pretty, but Ament is going to be extremely productive for the No. This season, the Vols are expected to have 20 players. He is the seventh highest scoring player in the SEC through the first seven days, with over 20 points an evening. The usage won’t change. Tennessee’s entire offensive system is run by Ament and Ja’Kobi Gilespie. The five-star forward has also shown glimpses of a diligent defensive approach. Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas): Acuff scored six assists and 16 points in a loss on the road against Michigan State’s defense, which could be considered one of the top units in the country. Acuff needs to improve his defense and decision making, but this is to be expected from a youngster. Acuff is clearly one of this league’s top lead guards. He can be a freight when he gets downhill. If No. Acuff can give Ament serious competition for SEC Freshman Of The Year if No. Meleek Thomas, Arkansas Thomas is a slippery player who has a knack for scoring. He has a bag full of nifty floaters and turbo drives, as well as a deep 3 and an understanding of angles. Former five-star freshman will be able to turn his game around if he removes some of those rogue shots from his arsenal. Malachi Moreno: Things keep going well for Kentucky with Moreno on the court. The 7-footer is the best passer on the Wildcats’ roster. This is crucial in Mark Pope’s offense. Size, IQ and rebounding are also encouraging. Moreno will not be leaving the UK rotation any time soon. In the mix are Eli Ellis from South Carolina, Jasper Johnson from Kentucky, Sebastian Williams-Adams from Auburn, and Amari Allen (Alabama) as a deep-cut sleeper. Ellis’ bucket-getting at South Carolina has already translated. Williams-Adams appears to be a valuable two-way player for Auburn. She helps the Tigers improve their interior defense (one the Tigers biggest preseason concerns). 

This Freshman of the year race is much more straightforward than others. The Big Three of the Big 12FrontrunnersDarryn Peterson (Kansas): Peterson’s defense is so good that it doesn’t matter if you play a blanketing defense. Peterson is one of the best 3-point shooters on the planet, and he is unstoppable in every part of the court. He can do midrange pull-ups and floaters as well as swervy drive, contested movement, stop-and pop runners, and more. He has been the best college basketball freshman so far. Peterson is the total package and may have to shoulder even more on-ball responsibilities to get Kansas out of the mud.AJ Dybantsa, BYU: Dybantsa has provided just about everything you could ask for, so far, heading into Tuesday’s game vs. Delaware at 9 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network (Channel finder or via CBS Sports App). It’s not possible to teach him physical skills. The 6-9 wing, who weighs 212 pounds, has a step-through that is among the best in college basketball. It helps him to get into his positions at will. He is too big, strong, fast, and good for most people. Koa Peat from Arizona: Talking about too strong. Koa, Koa! Welcome to the show. The Arizona forward is on a tear and has been able to bulldoze anyone who stands in his way. He’s also managed eight dimes, as well as some midrange jumpers with soft touch. Peat looks like a giant amongst the boys, despite being one of the younger players on the court. Peat’s instant production is evident every night. Peat is a valuable asset to freshmen. The top of the list is stacked with star power, as well as a bunch of familiar commodities and pleasant surprise. At least a dozen Big 12 freshman look like they are already able to make a difference for their teams. Diop has been one of the most impressive vaulters in recent years. The 7-1 Arizona State freshmen just moves… differently. The Senegal-born freshman will need to show his talent against more experienced competition. However, his stepback, between-the-legs triples instantly get him noticed.

International flavor alive and well in the Big TenFrontrunnersHannes Steinbach, Washington: The German product already looks like the best player on Washington’s team, which is saying something, because Wesley Yates is a beast and Desmond Claude has over 1,200 collegiate points on his resume. The 6-11 center had a double-double of 10 points and 15 rebounds against Baylor. He’s a relentless rebounder, and has impressed evaluators by his suction cup hands and willingness to stick his head in a fan. Could he have a 20-20 season this year? David Mirkovic, Illinois : Mirkovic’s been having a great time, posting back to back double-doubles, and doing so with real flair. The 6-9 Montenegrin is a jack-of-all trades, who can dribble well, pass, shoot and rebound. Illinois’ offense is ridiculous with him. Mirkovic has an Alperen Sengun-like quality, particularly with his outlandish, fearless passes. Trey McKenney (Michigan): Dusty May’s big men get plenty of praise, but Michigan will be elevated into a whole new zip code if McKenney is one of the top freshmen in Big Ten. The 6-4 physical guard made six triples against Oakland in his debut. It will be fun! Michigan has a lot of talent. But McKenney can also use this depth chart to get rid of some veterans who are ahead in the pecking-order. The top recruit of Penn State history has an average of 15.5 point, 5.5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Penn State’s track record could be the only knock. Mingo’s tape and production can so clearly overshadow the other Big Ten Freshmen on winning teams.Keaton Wagler: The 6-6 Guard was an unnoticed recruit but has made his way to Illinois’ starting lineup due to his ability not make mistakes. Brad Underwood gave him the key to the Illini point guard position, and Wagler has many strong attributes, including his size, shooting, offensive rebounds, and defensive play. Wagler may not be flashy but he is a reliable force. Steinbach and Mirkovic being straight-up guys changes the whole complexion. Ward and Scott’s trend must also make Michigan State feel good. Indiana is in a similar situation as Sisley. The 6-8, 200-pound forward is a product of the powerhouse Montverde Academy. She knows how to make a difference. Darian Dives already has him playing multiple positions. In the 100-77 romp against Marquette, he scored 15 points and had five rebounds in just 30 minutes. Sisley’s size, handle and ability to cut, shoot, and shoot well give him many of the attributes of the best role players. The Big East favorite is on the mendFrontrunnersStefan Vaaks, Providence: When Providence needed a bucket late in regulation against Virginia Tech, Kim English ran a play for Vaaks. This was obvious. The freshman wing, who stands at 6-7, has already made seven 3-pointers and has established himself as one the Friars best offensive players. He has already gained the confidence to play pick-and-rolls. Vaaks’ days of sitting on the bench are over.Acaden Lewis (Villanova): There is no other Big East freshman with a more important role. Lewis’ aggressive, slashing drives will definitely help out Villanova’s offense. He bounced back after being benched at BYU by scoring 21 points in just 13 shots against Queens. Lewis is a threat when playing downhill.Braylon Mullins: Mullins was named the Big East Freshman Player of the Year for preseason. Mullins is expected to be back in two weeks and has more than enough time to make a comeback. Jamier James, Providence, is the deep-cut sleeper. He is dubbed “Baby Shaq” and scored 10 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and had two blocks in just 23 minutes during Monday’s win over Fairfield. Hines could make it into the race if he plays his cards right.

2025-11-11 17:47:23