We’ve once again reached that special time of year in college basketball when heroes are born, March Madness Brackets are busted, and buzzer-beaters become the norm. That’s right, it’s time for the NCAA Basketball Tournament.
March Madness is the mother of all single-elimination tournaments. Officially starting on March 19 in 2026, Bettors and spectators will not only see a daily shift in March Madness odds, but they’ll see certain athletes leap from student to superstar.
View the latest March Madness odds at Bovada
To ensure you’ve got your eye fixated on the big players in big moments, we’ve outlined the top 10 players to watch during March Madness in 2026.
#10 Thomas Haugh, Florida
Thomas Haugh flew under the radar at Florida until they shifted to the perimeter this season. The result is a versatile, high-energy athlete who has nearly doubled his points per game in his junior season for the top-ranked Florida Gators.
His ability to stretch defenses, pressure the rim, and bring intensity and passion on every possession will be the engine for Florida’s madness run. He can play himself into the tournament spotlight and improve his draft stock with a solid run.
#9 Braylon Mullins, UConn
Mullins is a freshman guard who averages just 12 ppg, but is one of those players who can go on a heater in March. When Mullins is rolling, he’s capable of taking over games with size (6’6) and a quick release from deep. He’s on a squad with plenty of veterans and has had stretches where he’s struggled to find his rhythm, but it feels like a Mullins’ tournament performance will dictate whether UConn has a deep run or early exit as the No. 2 seed.
#8 Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt hasn’t just made noise in college football – they’ve stepped into the basketball spotlight as well behind sophomore guard Tyler Tanner. After averaging just 5.7 points per game as a freshman, the six-foot guard tripled his production this season and helped lead the Commodores to a No. 5 seed. His 20-point performance in Vanderbilt’s upset over No. 4 Florida showed he’s ready for the bright lights of March, and they could get even brighter as the bracket could align a Sweet 16 rematch with the Gators.
#7 Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan
Lendeborg transferred from UAB with hopes of being the top star on a top seed that goes deep into March. And he’s 100% delivered. Averaging 14.6 points and seven rebounds for the Wolverines, Lendeborg is one of the most complete players in the tourney with the size to control the paint and skill to be the center of Michigan’s offense.
With Michigan in the bracket as one of the four top seeds, there will be a magnifying glass on him throughout the tournament.
#6 Brayden Burries, Arizona
When asked about the favorites in the 2026 NCAA Basketball tournament, NBA Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley said, “This isn’t March Madness, this is an Arizona Ass-Kicking Invitational.” If he’s right, guard Brayden Burries is the biggest foot on the squad. Averaging 15.9 points as a freshman, he’s the key to whether Barkley’s words ring true.
#5 Kingston Flemings, Houston
Another big-game freshman ready for his big moment, Flemings has averaged 16.4 and 5.3 assists despite being on a veteran squad. His performance has led the Cougars to the NCAA tournament for their eighth-straight season and the fourth straight season in which they’re a top-two seed.
#4 Darryn Peterson, Kansas
Darryn Peterson is one of several potential No. 1 picks in the tournament. He’s struggled over the last nine games, during which the Jayhawks have gone 4-5, but he’s still the top scorer on the No. 4 seed in the East Region. The Jayhawks ability to push themselves deep into the tournament will rest on his 6’6 freshman shoulders.
#3 Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas
If you want to see a college athlete fill up the scoresheet, Acuff Jr. is the player to watch in the West Region and beyond. He’s not only averaged 22.9 points and 6.5 assists during his freshman season, but over his last 14 games, he’s posted 27.5 points and 6.9 assists on 49 percent shooting from the field and 47.4% from deep. If he fills up the stat sheet like he has all regular season, he should be one of the top four names in the 2026 NBA Draft.
#2 Cameron Boozer, Duke
When Cooper Flagg jumped to the NBA, Boozer stepped in and didn’t skip a beat. With averages of 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, he boasts a ridiculous stat line that lives up to the Flagg pedigree. On top of that, he led Duke to the coveted ACC title, which earned them a top seed in the bracket.
The stage is set for another Duke superstar to be born. If there’s one player to keep an eye on, it’s Boozer, who is the heavy favorite to win Naismith College Player of the Year.
#1 AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Is Dybantsa the top player in the 2026 NBA draft? Can he make BYU a Cinderella from the West Region? As the top scorer in Division I basketball at 25.3 ppg, he has the pedigree.
Powerful drives, elite ball handling, prolific playmaking, and big dunks, he is the cleanest mix of NBA upside and must-watch talent you’ll see in the tourney. So, make sure you tune into BYU’s West Region matchups if the opening round is light on “Madness”; he’ll provide the hype you need.
Dybantsa has also been hot in March, dropping 27 against West Virginia and 26 against Houston in BYU’s Big 12 championship loss. He’s ready for the big stage.