2025-26 Season Preview: Sophomores Stepping Up

Chad Graham November 28, 2025 @ 08:05 PM

While a few 2028 prospects took on featured roles as freshmen, many didn't. But that doesn't mean they can't take on major responsibilities this season. Here are five sophomores I expect to really step on the scene this year:   [player_tooltip player_id='2607491' first='Jacob' last='Allen'] | 5'10 G 2028 Sanford   Allen wasn't a fixture in Sanford's rotation as a freshman, but when he did touch the floor good things happened. He scored the occasional bucket, executed simple drive-and-kicks, made the extra pass, and put together good sequences on defense. Promoted into the starting lineup, the Warriors will need Allen's flashes to burn longer. His smooth game off the bounce, lateral mobility on defense, and unselfish play will be indispensable.   [player_tooltip player_id='2839829' first='Daniel' last='Oduwaiye'] | 5'10 G 2028 MOT Charter Although   Oduwaiye started a couple games as a freshman when the Mustangs were shorthanded, as of right now he's slated to come off the bench once more. Nevertheless, his two-way ability still has the potential to swing games for them. Defensively, he's a guard who can intercept passes and make splash plays on the perimeter. Then on offense, they won't need him to score, but Oduwaiye has the skills as a ball-handler to stabilize the rest of the team and to distribute.   [player_tooltip player_id='2622969' first='Tyler' last='Pettiford'] | 5'11 G 2028 Delcastle   One of the bright spots on his team a season ago, Pettiford was a playmaker on both ends of the floor. Based on what he showed then and in the warmer months, he has some bop to his game. Pettiford uses his hands to apply pressure at the point of attack and his wiggle with the ball to create advantages. With the Cougars in-position to take a step forward as a team, they'll need him to help feed the post and be a difference maker on defense, in crunchtime.   [player_tooltip player_id='2734139' first='Jermiah' last='Tunnell'] | 6'0 G 2028 Sussex Central   The Golden Knights take pride in getting up threes, but with last season's top two marksmen now in the JUCO ranks, Tunnell is the next archer up. His fluid mechanics off-the-catch make for high-arching jumpers. And when that's not there, he can get off floaters and runners in the paint. If Tunnell is able to buy into his role, effectively read closeouts, and defend; Central will be a thorn in the side of multiple Henlopen teams.   [player_tooltip player_id='2564246' first='Corey' last='Williams'] | 5'8 G 2028 St. Georges   Williams played sporadically as a freshman on varsity, giving occasional on-ball reps to a team that made it to the semis. He's entrenched as a starter now, but with how defensively tilted the Hawks are, his responsibilities will look a lot different as a sophomore. As their best shooter, Williams will have to knock down shots off-screens and, at times, off-the-dribble. That spacing he'll add will enhance the teams vertical advantage even more.

While a few 2028 prospects took on featured roles as freshmen, many didn't. But that doesn't mean they can't take on major responsibilities this season. Here are five sophomores I expect to really step on the scene this year: