2026 Rankings: Newcomers
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As prospects enter their sophomore year, the depth of the 2026 class is starting to take shape after watching players step into bigger high school roles at Team Camps last June and develop at the 15U level with their AAU…
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Continue ReadingAs prospects enter their sophomore year, the depth of the 2026 class is starting to take shape after watching players step into bigger high school roles at Team Camps last June and develop at the 15U level with their AAU programs. With that in mind, there’s a new batch of prospects that are included in this current “snapshot” look at the developmental cycle of the 2026 prospects. A couple names in the rankings list likely could’ve been considered oversights and included in the last rankings, but are firmly locked in as “must watch” players going forward.
The Carl Albert youngster looks set for a huge sophomore campaign as he blends next level athleticism with savviness when attacking downhill. He’s quick off the floor and uses his plus wingspan to be a strong finisher at the rim, while also corralling boards and causing havocs on the defensive end. His quick first step and outstanding body control will likely be supplemented with an increase in explosiveness vertically, which should set the stage for the ability to finish above the rim more frequently. By the time the state tournament rolls around, Hopkins will likely be regarded as one of the premier off the dribble attackers in Oklahoma. The composure, quickness and savviness he attacks with gives him an outstanding building block trait as one of the higher upside prospects in Oklahoma’s Class of 2026.
The second half of the strong 2026 foundation that will likely help keep Carl Albert among the best programs in 5A, Anderson and Hopkins should form a dynamic one-two punch for the upcoming seasons. Anderson is a quality on the ball scorer, with some “wiggle” when getting to his spots in the mid-range. He plays at his own pace, and has the look of being an outstanding shooter from beyond the arc. With what appears to be a cool and in control demeanor as a scorer, Anderson could be the perfect cool compliment to Hopkins’ fiery athleticism.
After earning minutes for Edmond Memorial last year, the do it all guard is ready to take an even bigger role in his sophomore campaign. It’s hard to pick a weakness in his game, as he’s steady and reliable with the ball, can hit open perimeter shots and has a little more burst and grit to his game than would be expected for his smaller frame. After a spring and summer against national competition with Team Trae Young ‘s 15U squad, Franz should be a more reliable off the dribble scorer as well. Playing fearless but composed is crucial for smaller guards to make it at the next level and early signs point to that this Edmond Memorial Bulldog can fit into that mold.
After watching Wofford in July, it looked like the arrow was pointing straight up for the upside wing-forward from Ada. But reports indicate Wofford suffered a torn ACL while on the gridiron and his development will have to be placed on hold as he rehabs. The combination of size and athleticism he flashed in July is still enough to place him on this list as one of the more promising 2026 prospects, with hopes that his recovery goes well and he makes a full return to court in 2024.
Barrett will be looking to make an impact at his new program, and will be building off an AAU season with MoKan’s 15U program that saw him steadily earn more minutes throughout their run to Peach Jam. One path to the playing time for him this season, can come on the defensive end. Where the long armed and quick guard could be an absolute terror for what should be an up tempo and exciting Falcon squad. Another reason to track Barrett, he’s likely still growing and coming into his own as an athlete. His older brother, current Missouri commit TO, made a huge leap as a sophomore that set the table for the high major offers. While the younger Barrett will have to run his own race at his own pace, it’s still a good sign of potential upside.
The Broken Arrow Tigers are fresh off a Class 6A State Title appearance but graduated the core of the production. That leaves an opening for many youthful Tigers to step into bigger roles and why not one with a familiar last name? The younger Dow is starting to grow into the same height and similar athleticism that helped propel older brother Connor into a Big 12 caliber player. Corban also has a good shooting stroke but it remains to be seen if he has the same toughness and grit that helped set Connor apart. Still, there’s three years for the younger Dow brother to create his own path.