Following the record-low 71 underclassmen declarations for the 2026 NBA Draft—the fewest since 2003—CBS Sports' Adam Finkelstein has updated his big board, noting numerous projected picks returning to college amid NIL opportunities, impacting the class's depth.
As detailed in prior coverage of the early entry deadline, 71 underclassmen declared, though many, including one projected lottery pick, four first-rounders, six top-40 prospects, and 13 in the top 60, opted not to test the draft waters and are expected to withdraw by May 27. This marks a shift from recent years, with the NIL era influencing decisions. Finkelstein's revised rankings reflect this thinner pool, opening slots for late risers. With college seasons over and the draft combine approaching, elite talents like AJ Dybantsa (BYU), Darryn Peterson (Kansas), Cameron Boozer (Duke), and others compete for top spots amid workouts, medicals, and interviews. Despite strong headliners, the class faces depth challenges heading into draft night.
