Top 10 Players to Watch in March Madness - 2026 NCAA Tournament Viewing Guide
The 2026 NCAA Tournament field is set, and the stars are warming up to shine later this week. Will Cameron Boozer and Darryn Peterson lead their teams on deep runs as star freshmen, or will veterans like Braden Smith step up? Peter Alexis analyzes the Top 10 players to watch in March Madness this year.
Peter Alexis - March 16, 2026, 12:20 PM EDT
4 Minute ReadTop 10 Players to Watch in March Madness: Which Stars Will Shine in 2026 NCAA Tournament?
March Madness has always been a stage where future stars and seasoned veterans collide, and the 2026 NCAA Tournament might feature one of the most exciting mixes of both in recent memory. Elite freshmen are arriving with NBA lottery expectations, while veteran guards and experienced leaders bring the composure needed to survive the chaos of the tournament. In a single-elimination format, one dominant player can carry a team for multiple rounds.
From high-scoring freshmen to veteran floor generals who control the tempo, the players below represent some of the biggest names capable of defining this year’s tournament. Whether it’s explosive scorers, elite playmakers, or defensive anchors, each of these players could be the one who delivers the signature performance that becomes a March Madness legend.
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Top 10 Players to Watch in March Madness Breakdown
1. Cameron Boozer, Duke
Cameron Boozer has been the most dominant player in college basketball this season, and the Duke freshman enters the tournament as the overwhelming National Player of the Year favorite. Boozer is averaging 22.7 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 58.3% from the field, production that has placed him among the most efficient stars in KenPom Player of the Year history.
Boozer became only the fourth player in ACC history to win both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in the same season. With Duke entering the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed, his ability to control games on both ends of the floor makes the Blue Devils one of the most dangerous teams in the bracket.
2. AJ Dybantsa, BYU
BYU freshman AJ Dybantsa has been the most explosive scorer in the country, leading the nation with 25.2 points per game. The 6-foot-9 wing has delivered a historic freshman campaign, including breaking Kevin Durant’s Big 12 Tournament freshman scoring record with a 40-point performance against Kansas State before pouring in 93 points across three conference tournament games.
As a No. 6 seed in the West, BYU will lean heavily on Dybantsa’s scoring ability to generate offense against elite defenses.
3. Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
Few freshmen have dominated a conference the way Darius Acuff Jr. did this season. The Arkansas star became the first freshman in SEC history to win Player of the Year, averaging 22.9 points and 6.5 assists per game, both ranking among the top 15 nationally. Acuff carried the Razorbacks to the SEC Championship win over Vanderbilt, cementing himself as one of the most dynamic guards in the country.
Arkansas enters the tournament as a No. 4 seed and a -15.5 favorite against Hawaii in the opening round, and if they advance, a potential showdown with Wisconsin could highlight Acuff’s ability to take over games.
4. Braden Smith, Purdue
Experience often wins in March, and Braden Smith brings plenty of it for Purdue. The veteran point guard is one of the best facilitators in college basketball, ranking second in the nation with 9.1 assists per game while leading the Boilermakers to a Big Ten Championship win over Michigan.
Smith’s leadership and composure have been critical for a deep and experienced Purdue roster, and his ability to control tempo and create easy scoring opportunities could help the Boilermakers make another deep run as a No. 2 seed.
5. Labaron Philon, Alabama
Alabama’s offense revolves around the explosive scoring of Labaron Philon, who ranks 11th nationally with 21.7 points per game. The veteran guard is one of the SEC’s most dangerous players attacking the rim, capable of breaking down defenses and creating scoring chances in isolation.
Philon has delivered multiple clutch moments this season, helping Alabama complete several late-game comebacks with aggressive drives and big shots when the Crimson Tide needed them most.
6. Nate Ament, Tennessee
Tennessee freshman Nate Ament has drawn comparisons to both Kevin Durant and Victor Wembanyama thanks to his length, versatility, and shot-making ability. The projected NBA lottery pick recently returned from injury and immediately made an impact, helping the Volunteers rally past Auburn in a dramatic comeback win in the SEC Tournament.
With Ament healthy again, Tennessee becomes far more dangerous as a No. 6 seed capable of making a deep tournament run.
7. Dominique Daniels, Cal Baptist
Few players enter the tournament hotter than Dominique Daniels of Cal Baptist. Daniels just delivered a legendary performance in the WAC Championship Game, drilling several deep three-pointers in the final minutes to lead the Lancers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since transitioning from Division II in 2018.
Daniels is averaging 23.3 points per game, fifth in the nation, and will be the centerpiece of Cal Baptist’s upset hopes as a No. 13 seed facing No. 4 Kansas as +13.5 underdogs. If the Lancers pull off a surprise, Daniels will almost certainly be the reason.
8. Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson has the kind of elite scoring ability that can take over tournament games in an instant. The projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft has battled a nagging cramping issue during the season, but when healthy he transforms the Jayhawks’ offense. Kansas enters the tournament as a No. 4 seed, and Peterson’s playmaking and shot creation will be critical if the Jayhawks want to make a deep run.
9. Thijs De Ridder, Virginia
Virginia’s remarkable turnaround this season has been fueled by Thijs De Ridder, the All-ACC First Team forward who has become the centerpiece of Ryan Odom’s offense. The Cavaliers went from preseason afterthought to 29-5 and a No. 3 seed, with De Ridder providing scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility. Virginia’s disciplined defensive style translates well to March Madness, and De Ridder’s steady presence gives the Cavaliers a high floor in close games.
10. Koa Peat, Arizona
Arizona freshman Koa Peat quickly established himself as one of the most impactful young bigs in college basketball, announcing his arrival with a 30-point performance against defending champion Florida on opening night. The Wildcats forward is averaging 13.8 points per game while shooting 54.8% from the field, giving Arizona a physical and efficient presence in the paint that complements its strong perimeter play.
Peat also showed his ability to rise to the moment in the Big 12 Tournament title win over Houston, where he teamed with Brayden Burries to combine for 42 points. If Arizona is going to make a deep March run, Peat’s physical interior scoring and ability to control the glass will be a key factor.
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