PHOENIX — Arizona-bound shooting guard Caleb Holt and Missouri-bound combo guard Jason Crowe Jr. shared MVP honors at the 49th annual McDonald’s All-American Game after leading the West team to a 102-86 win on Tuesday night.

Recognized as a top showcase of high school talent, the annual McDonald’s All American game often serves as an introduction to the next wave of freshmen talent heading to college basketball and the launching pad for many future NBA stars. 

There’s probably not a Kobe Bryant or even an AJ Dybantsa in the 2026 class, but despite some ugly shooting (just a combined 14 of 66 from 3-point range), some of next season’s college basketball freshman stars played a mostly competitive and entertaining game.

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Outside of Tuesday night’s actual game, there was plenty of action in practices and a scrimmage played in front of NBA scouts in the days leading up to this year’s McDonald’s All-American Game. This allowed both media and scouts a more complete and different glimpse of some of the best talents in this class 

Not all classes are created equal

A player never earned the No. 1 ranking solely on their performance in the McDonald’s All American Game, so Tyran Stokes’ status as the top-ranked player in the Class of 2026 isn’t in danger after a relatively quiet game, by his standards — 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks. 

Despite playing at less than 100% due to a back injury, the strong and skilled 6-foot-7 forward had a good overall week of practices and has built up a body of work that makes his No. 1 ranking safe. Stokes is coming off a state title win during his senior season at Seattle (Wash.) Rainer Beach.

However, Stokes’ performance illustrates how important each class’ talent level is when players are evaluated. After the ridiculous 2025 class and what Cooper Flagg and his classmates did the season before, college basketball fans are going to have to recalibrate what to expect out of highly ranked freshmen. 

The 2026 high school class, who will be freshmen in college basketball next season, is nowhere near the talent level we saw in the 2025 and 2024 classes. So the No. 8-ranked player in 2026 is not necessarily at the same level as the No. 8-ranked player In 2025.

Could a guy like Stokes be the best player on a team contending for a title? No question. However, after a run of some generational first-year talents, this McDonald’s crop is likely going to have more “freshman” moments than fans have grown accustomed to seeing. There will always be some who surprise, but this class producing multiple All-Americans or conference players of the year during the 2026-27 season would be a pretty big surprise.

Which incoming freshman could contribute quickly in college?

Whether it be at Kansas, Kentucky or a surprise choice, Stokes can certainly be counted on to make a big impact as a freshman. And as much as we’ve tried to taper the potential early impact of this senior class, there are some others who look ready to step in and provide an instant boost.

Based on our week in Phoenix, here are the top players who appear to be the best positioned to make immediate impacts next season due to fit, tools or sheer skill.

No. 2 Jordan Smith Jr. (Arkansas)   

A total beast of a competitor, Smith — whose 15 points, six rebounds and four assists led or tied for the East team lead in each category — has done nothing but win throughout his high school career. While he’s not the biggest guard and has to become a better shooter during what will likely be his one season in Fayetteville, Smith does a little bit of everything at a high level. A good comparison could be what Marcus Smart did at Oklahoma State.

No. 4 Caleb Holt (Arizona)

After Brayden Burries undoubtedly leaves Arizona for the NBA after this season, Holt looks like a capable replacement. He’s physically ready for the Big 12 with a chiseled 6-foot-5 frame and has a pretty strong all-around game, which shone during his 11-point, five-rebound and four-assist effort. 

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Cameron Salerno

No. 5 Jason Crowe Jr. (Missouri)

Though he’s on the lean side, there’s no more skilled guard in the class than Crowe. After shattering the all-time California high school scoring record, he should be instant offense in Columbia next season. Crowe’s 16 points and five assists were both team and game highs.

No. 7 Anthony Thompson (Ohio State)

Thompson is lean, but at nearly 6-foot-9, he’s likely the best shooter in the country and will open the floor. His five-point game performance on Tuesdy night wasn’t at all indicative of the type of week he had. 

Others to keep an eye on

No. 10 Deron Rippey Jr. (Duke) 

No. 13 Taylen Kinney (Kansas)  

Rippey (seven points, five rebounds and four assists) and Kinney (five points, two rebounds and two assists) are both skilled, tough and savvy floor generals who live for the big moment. Entering college, they also have tons of available minutes there for the taking.

Cameron Williams is a different type of Duke recruit 

Duke fans and Blue Devils coach Jon Scheyer have been spoiled when it comes to freshman impact players. Cameron Boozer, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel have been incredible during their time on campus.

While he’s got the lofty ranking of some of those guys as the No. 3 recruit in the country, 6-foot-11 power forward Cameron Williams, who had nine points and three rebounds, is a different type of elite player.

Williams Is an easy mover, has tons of skill and his potential is nearly unlimited. However, there’s a good chance that his lack of strength and inclination to avoid contact will limit him early on. He can develop into a rim protector thanks to his instincts, but he’s not the typical Type A personality, dominant freshman the Blue Devils are used to welcoming into the program. 

Williams is going to need to be pushed to be more aggressive, but if he can adapt to that, then he could pay big dividends during the second half of his freshman season.

Others who may shine if given time 

No. 9 Christian Collins (USC)

During our coverage on 247Sports during the practices, we mentioned that Collins, who had nine points and six rebounds during the game, spent as much time being knocked to the floor as he did upright. But he got up each time, and his motor never stopped. 

A rangy 6-foot-8 combo forward with quickness, ball-handling ability and budding skill on the offensive end, Collins has overcome cystic fibrosis to be one of the best players in the country. As he gets stronger, learns to slow down and adjusts his shot selection, he could be a real jewel at USC.

No. 19 Austin Goosby (Texas)

A big guard with plus athleticism, Goosby drips with upside and had himself a strong week of practice despite only scoring six points, grabbing two rebounds and handing out one assist in the game on Tuesday night. Listed at 6-feet-5 with a great frame to build on, Goosby can run the point, defend the entire perimeter, and when he’s making shots like he was over the last week, he’s got all the tools to develop down the road.

No. 27 Toni Bryant (Missouri) 

A lean and wiry pogo stick of a power forward prospect, Bryant had a strong week of practice and finished things off with a solid 14-point and five-rebound effort during the game. The 3-pointers he knocked down in the game are something that isn’t likely to be consistent for a few more years, but Bryant’s ability to run and his bouncy athleticism are for real. He only started playing hoops in the eighth grade and has one of the biggest ceilings for growth of anybody in the class.

No. 44 Quinn Costello (Michigan)

When you are pushing 6-feet-10, can create gravity as a shooter and can move as Costello can, you’ve got a lot of room to grow. Costello, who scored seven points and hit a deep 3-pointer, showed flashes of what he can be down the road. He’s got to add another aspect of his game that he can hang his hat on to go with his shooting, but odds are Dusty May can get him right.