March is the battleground of legends. Some of the greatest college players of all time built their reputations on what they did in this tournament. The best part is those legends come from everywhere, from the biggest stars in the country to unknown mid-major players getting their moment.
2026 should be no different. If anything, this field might have as much top-end talent as we’ve seen in years. Nearly every big name is worth watching, and there will be a few players most people have not heard of who break out for a game or two.
With that in mind, here are ten players I will be watching closely during March Madness. Nine are go-to options for their teams and will carry significant pressure, while one is a mid-major role player who reminds me of a certain Golden Grizzly. One other note, five of these players are true freshmen, which is pretty impressive.
Now, let’s get into it.
AJ Dybantsa | BYU
The nation’s leading scorer just dominated the Big 12 Tournament, pouring in 93 points over three days while playing nearly 40 minutes each game. Dybantsa has taken on an even larger offensive role following the Richie Saunders injury and has embraced it without hesitation.
He has the ability to take over at any moment and can carry this team further than expected.
No. 6 BYU faces No. 11 Texas/NC State in the first round on Thursday, March 19.
Darryn Peterson | Kansas
The polarizing Peterson will be under more scrutiny than almost any player in this tournament. After appearing to sub himself out of multiple games and dealing with injuries that may or may not be legitimate, the questions are not just about talent, but commitment.
If he wants to remain the top prospect in this year’s draft class, that has to change.
When he is engaged and playing heavy minutes, every game becomes must-watch.
No. 4 Kansas faces No. 13 Cal Baptist in the first round on Friday, March 20.
Darius Acuff Jr. | Arkansas
Acuff just dropped 30 points and dished 11 assists against Vanderbilt to lead Arkansas to its first SEC title since 2000. Widely regarded as the best point guard in the country, he has a track record of stepping up in big moments and is not afraid to log heavy minutes.
Elite guards tend to shine in March, and Acuff has the profile to be one of the best in this tournament.
He is also a John Calipari product, and Calipari guards have a strong history of postseason success.
No. 4 Arkansas faces No. 13 Hawai‘i in the first round on Thursday, March 19.
Mikel Brown Jr. | Louisiville
Similar to Peterson, Brown needs to prove he can stay on the court. At full strength, Mikel is arguably the most dynamic scorer in college basketball, with deep range and the ability to generate offense at a level few can match.
The issue has been availability. A mix of back injuries and inconsistent performances has limited his impact, and that has created real questions heading into March.
Louisville is built around him, and he now has to show he can handle that role when it matters most.
No. 6 Louisville faces No. 11 South Florida in the first round on Thursday, March 19.
Keaton Wagler | Illinois
The last elite freshman on this list, Wagler has already shown he can deliver in big moments. Dropping 46 points at Mackey Arena is no small feat and speaks to his ability to elevate his game.
When his three-point shot is falling, he is extremely difficult to contain. His interior scoring has also continued to develop, making him a more complete offensive threat.
Illinois may not need him early, but when the pressure builds, the ball will be in his hands.
No. 3 Illinois faces No. 14 Penn in the first round on Thursday, March 19.
LaBaron Philon Jr. | Alabama
Last March, Mark Sears was Alabama’s star, but Philon was the most intriguing piece of that roster. He scored 16 points in a loss to Duke, leaving plenty of questions about what he could become in a larger role.
He has answered those questions.
Philon has led Alabama to a No. 4 seed while averaging 21 points and five assists. With Aden Holloway suspended indefinitely, even more responsibility now falls on his shoulders. How Philon handles that load, especially in late-game situations, will go a long way in determining how far Alabama can go.
No. 4 Alabama faces No. 13 Hofstra in the first round on Friday, March 20.
Bruce Thornton | Ohio State
After spending his entire career chasing a tournament berth, Thornton finally gets his chance to show what he can do on this stage. The Buckeyes’ all-time leading scorer is a physical driver who has complemented that strength with an improved jumper.
His game is easy to appreciate and translates well to March.
Thornton’s story as a four-year, one-program senior adds another layer, and now the national audience gets to see it play out.
No. 8 Ohio State faces No. 9 TCU in the first round on Thursday, March 19.
Nick Boyd | Wisconsin
Boyd capped the regular season with an electric Big Ten Tournament performance, dropping 38 points against Illinois in an overtime thriller. He made an immediate impact after transferring from San Diego State, developing into a 20-point-per-game scorer and helping lead Wisconsin to a strong seed.
His first March appearance has the potential to deliver.
No. 5 Wisconsin faces No. 12 High Point in the first round on Thursday, March 19.
Tyler Tanner | Vanderbilt
Tyler Tanner might be the most exciting player to watch in college basketball. At 6-foot with shoes, he defies conventional wisdom with his high-flying style and ability to finish at the rim.
He will look to follow the path of smaller guards like Carsen Edwards and Kemba Walker, who became elite scorers during their March runs despite their size.
Vanderbilt has a path to the Sweet 16, but it will go only as far as Tanner takes it.
No. 5 Vanderbilt faces No. 12 McNeese in the first round on Thursday, March 19.
Chase Johnston | High Point
One of the more underrated mid-major teams in the country, High Point may have a March wildcard coming off the bench. Johnston fits the Jack Gohlke mold as a three-point specialist.
He has attempted 136 field goals this season, with 132 coming from beyond the arc, and has knocked down 64 of them. That profile alone makes him a potential swing factor in a one-game setting.
He is the least likely player on this list to have a breakout performance, but that is exactly how March Madness works.
No. 12 High Point faces No. 5 Wisconsin in the first round on Thursday, March 19.
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