Duke’s Cameron Boozer earns Freshman of the Week honors for the third time this season, further separating himself as the clear standout in what experts are calling one of the most loaded freshman classes in modern college basketball history. As of early February 2026, the Duke Blue Devils’ 6’9″ forward continues to dominate on both ends of the floor, posting eye-popping numbers that have him not only leading the race for National Freshman of the Year but also emerging as a legitimate contender for overall National Player of the Year honors.
Boozer’s latest accolade — his third CBS Sports Freshman of the Week recognition — comes on the heels of another stellar stretch of play. In recent weeks, he delivered signature performances, including a 30-point, 14-rebound double-double against Stanford (his ninth of the season), back-to-back 30+ point games (a feat not seen at Duke since RJ Barrett in 2019), and consistent dominance in ACC play. His efficiency stands out: shooting over 58% from the field overall, including strong percentages inside and from three-point range in conference games.
Through approximately 22 games in the 2025-26 season, Boozer is averaging 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.9 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. He ranks second nationally in scoring among all Division I players in some metrics and top-15 in rebounding, all while playing heavy minutes (around 32.5 per game) as a freshman. His true shooting efficiency hovers near elite levels, combining volume scoring with playmaking and defensive impact. Duke, riding an undefeated ACC start and a high national ranking, owes much of its success to Boozer’s ability to carry the load against double-teams and in high-pressure situations.
This freshman class of 2025 (entering college in 2025-26) has been hyped since high school as potentially generational, and the on-court results are backing it up. Multiple outlets — from ESPN to CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated, and Bleacher Report — rank Boozer No. 1 in their latest freshman power rankings, with the gap widening as conference play intensifies. His combination of size, skill, basketball IQ, and production has scouts and analysts drawing comparisons to past one-and-done stars who dominated as freshmen before jumping to the NBA.
Top 10 Freshmen Rankings (Mid-February 2026 Consensus)
Here’s a synthesized top 10 based on recent rankings from major sources (ESPN, CBS Sports, SI, Bleacher Report, Hoops HQ), factoring in stats, impact, team success, and recent performances:
- Cameron Boozer, F, Duke The undisputed leader. Averaging 23.3 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 4.0 APG on 58.3% FG. Multiple 30-point games, frequent double-doubles, and sweeping ACC weekly honors (Player and Rookie of the Week multiple times). He’s separating from the pack with consistency and efficiency. National Player of the Year buzz is real.
- AJ Dybantsa, F, BYU The former top recruit is exploding, with outbursts like a 43-point game setting BYU freshman records. Averaging around 23+ PPG, strong rebounding (6+), and improved three-point shooting. BYU’s high ranking owes much to his scoring versatility. Still No. 2 in most lists, but the Boozer gap has grown.
- Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois A breakout star, highlighted by a 46-point explosion against Purdue — one of the season’s best individual performances. Averaging 18+ PPG, solid assists, and elite efficiency driving Illinois’ top-ranked offense in KenPom history. Scouts see him as a top-5 NBA draft candidate.
- Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas When healthy, he’s electric — 21+ PPG in spurts, explosive scoring, and playmaking. Injuries limited early sample size, but recent surges have him climbing back into top-5 conversations. Kansas’ success amplifies his impact.
- Caleb Wilson, F, North Carolina A 6’10” force inside, providing rebounding, rim protection, and scoring. Strong double-double threat, contributing to UNC’s competitiveness. Often ranked in the 3-5 range for his physical tools and production.
- Kingston Flemings, G, Houston Leading scorer for a top Houston team. Explosive athlete with scoring bursts and defensive tenacity. Emerging as a key piece in Kelvin Sampson’s system.
- Koa Peat (or other Arizona freshmen) Arizona’s undefeated run features freshman leadership in scoring. Peat and teammates provide depth and impact for the consensus No. 1 team.
- Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville Solid contributor in a competitive ACC, with scoring and athleticism.
- Darius Acuff Jr., G, (various teams) High-upside guard with scoring flashes.
- Others rising: Players like Bryson Tiller (Kansas, recent FOTW), or contributors from Arizona, Illinois, etc.
This class stands out for its depth and immediate elite production on blue-blood and high-major teams. Unlike past years dominated by one or two stars, 2025-26 features multiple freshmen leading top-10 squads (Duke, BYU, Illinois, Kansas, Arizona, Houston). Analysts compare it favorably to historic classes like 1981 (Jordan, Olajuwon, Ewing) or 1991 for sheer freshman impact, though NBA translation remains the ultimate test.
Boozer’s third Freshman of the Week nod underscores his separation. While competitors like Dybantsa deliver signature games and Wagler posts historic nights, Boozer’s week-in, week-out excellence — against tough ACC schedules — sets him apart. He’s efficient against doubles, rebounds at an elite rate for his position, facilitates, and defends. Duke’s perfect conference record reflects his leadership.
As March approaches, Boozer is the frontrunner for Freshman of the Year and could challenge for bigger awards. The class’s talent promises an exciting tournament, but right now, the Miami native is in a class of his own.
This 2025-26 freshman group isn’t just good — it’s historically great, redefining expectations for one-and-dones in an era of veteran-heavy rosters. Boozer leads the charge, and with more basketball ahead, the best may still be yet to come.
