Stock Risers from 2026 Rankings Update Part 2

The 2026 rankings update that was posted yesterday saw a dozen players rise up our rankings after strong showings in fall showcases, fall leagues and early season scrimmages. In this article we'll break down six players who went up our rankings.    One of the tallest players in the OHSAA, Arick had a nice showing at the Prep Hoops Expo and screams upside with his ability to dunk, block shots and run the court. Still has a way to go in terms of playing and producing against similar sized talent but Arick is on the right track and improving each time I watch him play. I'm always more patient with bigs, especially those from small towns and Arick fits both of those categories. Long term I wouldn't be surprised if Arick passes some players currently ranked ahead of him.     Another big who made a huge impact at the Prep Hoops Expo, seeing these types of bigs against each other in a showcase setting helped me see exactly what he can bring to the table. Willow also played on the Prep Hoops Circuit in the spring, which is when he initially made our rankings. Willow is an elite jumper and has the length to block shots and catch lob passes. That vertical pop allows him to throw down some monster transition dunks when he gets a runway. After helping his team win a regional title last season, Willow is hoping to match that playoff success this winter.     A tough guard who gets after it on both ends of the court, Ruffin makes an impact on both ends of the court. A player who has played at the varsity level since his freshman year, Ruffin is as experienced as anybody in the 2026 class. Creative as a slasher, Ruffin can be tough to stay in front of for defenses. Groveport Madison had their deepest playoff run in decades last season and they bring back enough talent to expect another deep playoff run.     Andrew's Osborne Academy has had a nice start to Elite Prep League play with a handful of talented prospects on their prep team. Badea might be the best shooter on the roster. With the confidence to fire from way downtown, Badea can get hot in a hurry and moves well without the basketball to cause the defense to lose him off the ball. Originally from the Philly area, Badea was playing for WeR1 on the UAA circuit this summer, where he showed off his impressive shooting ability in front of numerous college coaches.     Westerville North cruised to a state title last season and McCree was playing next to a handful of talented guards. While a couple of those players graduated, the Warriors still have McCree and a pair of 2027 guards who are ready to keep the momentum rolling in their program. McCree had some monster scoring games in June and was impressive at showcase events this fall. Stock rising guard who could breakout in Columbus this winter.     The final prospect who made a leap up our rankings, Cotton is a big time athlete who is starting to expand his offensive skillset while continuing to play with a high motor, rebound and use his physical tools. It's important when players start to show more ability with the ball in their hands that they continue to do what made me intrigued with them in the first place and Cotton has rebounded and protected the rim at a high level this fall. Akron STVM plays a monster schedule and Cotton will get to play against plenty of other forwards that will allow college coaches to see him against similar level talent as the players in their conference.

The 2026 rankings update that was posted yesterday saw a dozen players rise up our rankings after strong showings in fall showcases, fall leagues and early season scrimmages. In this article we'll break down six players who went up our rankings.