Returners Reshape ESPN’s 2026 NBA Draft Top 100 Rankings

The 2026 NBA Draft class has taken a dramatic turn following the early-entry withdrawal deadline, as a wave of high-profile prospects opted to return to college, reshaping the landscape of what was already considered one of the most stacked drafts in recent memory. With the field now set, ESPN’s latest Top 100 Big Board reflects both the stability of the elite tier and the ripple effects of these late decisions, which could elevate the draft stock of those who stayed in or force teams to recalibrate their strategies for a class that has already seen significant flux.

As of May 7, 2026, ESPN’s rankings—updated just days before the withdrawal deadline—revealed a top four that remained unchanged from prior iterations: BYU forward AJ Dybantsa (6’9”, 215 lbs, SF), Kansas guard Darryn Peterson (6’5”, 195 lbs, SG), Duke forward Cameron Boozer (6’9”, 255 lbs, PF), and North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson (6’10”, 215 lbs, PF/C). These four players, each with distinct skill sets, continue to dominate early mock drafts, though their paths to the NBA may now hinge on how their peers develop over the next year.

Yet the most immediate impact of the withdrawal deadline was felt among the mid-tier prospects, where several players—some ranked as high as the late first round—chose to return to their college programs. Among the most notable withdrawals:

• Amari Allen (6’6”, 205 lbs, SF, Alabama), ranked No. 28 on ESPN’s Big Board, pulled his name from the draft to rejoin the Crimson Tide. Allen’s decision mirrors that of Labaron Philon, who withdrew from the 2025 draft late, returned to Alabama, and emerged as a lottery prospect in 2026. Allen, a versatile wing with jumbo forward potential, now has a clear path to improve his draft stock ahead of the 2027 class, which is projected to be weaker.
• Billy Richmond III (6’5”, 200 lbs, SF, Arkansas) and Tyler Tanner (6’11”, 175 lbs, PG, Vanderbilt) both opted to return to the SEC, removing themselves from a draft that had already seen significant interest in their respective skill sets.
• Tounde Yessoufou (6’5”, 215 lbs, SG, Baylor), ranked No. 33, made headlines not just for withdrawing but for committing to St. John’s, where he will join a program known for developing high-level guards.

The withdrawal deadline also saw a few surprises, including Koa Peat (6’8”, 235 lbs, PF, Arizona), who had been projected as a top-10 pick, staying in the draft despite speculation he might return to college. Peat’s decision underscores the high stakes for elite prospects who see themselves as ready for the NBA’s physical and competitive demands.

For teams eyeing the draft, the changes create both opportunity and uncertainty. The top of the board remains deep, with Keaton Wagler (6’6”, 185 lbs, PG/SG, Illinois), Darius Acuff Jr. (6’3”, 185 lbs, PG, Arkansas), and Kingston Flemings (6’4”, 185 lbs, PG, Houston) rounding out the top five. However, the influx of returners—including players like Allen, Richmond, and Tanner—could push the draft timeline forward, as teams may now have to wait an additional year to secure certain prospects.

The draft itself is now less than a month away, scheduled for June 26, 2026. With the field set, attention will turn to how these late developments influence mock drafts, trade speculation, and the eventual order of selection. The 2026 class was already considered historic; the withdrawal deadline has only added layers of intrigue, ensuring that the draft will be remembered not just for its talent but for the strategic maneuvers that shaped it.

As teams prepare for the draft, one thing is certain: the class is deeper than ever, and the decisions made in the final hours of the withdrawal period have already begun to reshape the narrative. Whether those who returned will emerge as even more valuable prospects in 2027—or whether the current top-tier talent will dominate this year’s draft—remains to be seen.