Every year, some hidden talents manage to slip through the cracks, taking their own unique route to success. Next season, some of the most thrilling young talents in college basketball won’t be showcasing their skills in the packed arenas of the Power Five conferences. Instead, they’ll be making waves with mid-major teams that could surprise us.
Many freshmen in mid-major programs have made an impressive start, contradicting expectations from the previous season. Take Kennesaw’s Adrian Woolley, for example; he lit up the scoreboard and proved to be a top scorer, earning the Freshman of the Year title. North Florida’s Josh Harris was a major force on the court, while Evansville’s Gabriel Pozzoto quickly developed into a consistent offensive weapon. To round off this impressive list, Howard’s Blake Harper showed a well-rounded skill set, with Dedan Thomas Jr. stepping up at UNLV and sharing the co-freshman honors in their conference. The promise these young players bring shows that significant contributions can come from unexpected sources, which could really shake things up going forward.
As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 season, there’s a fresh wave of freshmen ready to make their mark on mid-major basketball.
Larry Johnson, SG, McNeese
Year: 19 (September 1, 2005)
Height and weight: 6’4″, 200 lbs
Previous school/team: Clayton (redshirt)
From: Castaic, CA
After being sidelined for part of the last season due to a knee injury at Clayton and leaving the team early, highly touted guard Larry Johnson opted to enter the transfer portal and committed to McNeese State on April 11, 2025.
He stands at 6’4″ and weighs 200 pounds, boasting exceptional athleticism, speed, and promising two-way potential. His size is impressive, and he has a quick first step along with excellent finishing ability through contact (particularly when using his left hand). He’s also a legitimate scoring threat at all three levels—he has a solid pull-up mid-range game and is an efficient three-point shooter.
Before joining Clayton, he shone in the overtime elite league during his senior year, averaging 20.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2 steals for the season.
Following the loss of key senior guards at McNeese, Johnson is likely to receive solid playing time right off the bat. Next season, he needs to add meaningful size, consistent rim pressure, and strong shot creation abilities to bolster McNeese’s backcourt.
If Greenlight is the primary facilitator or at least a secondary scoring option, we could see Johnson emerge as one of the top names in the Southland Conference.
Spencer Arlens, PF, Boise
Year: 18 (October 16, 2006)
Height and weight: 6’10”, 230 lbs
Previous school/team: Bella Vista College Prep (High School)
From: Oakville, Ontario
Spencer Arlens brings a modern skill set that makes him a strong candidate to excel quickly in the mid-major conference. He has a solid ability to hit three-pointers consistently, standing at 6’10”, with a notable 44.4% success rate in EYBL play. This forces defenses to account for him, creating valuable opportunities for teammates. His basketball IQ and ball-handling skills allow him to drive to the basket and create shots for himself, plus he can function as a secondary playmaker. This level of versatility is less common in larger freshmen, particularly at this level, making him a tough matchup.
Moreover, he’ll join a Boise State team that’s seen significant departures and offers him a real chance to make an immediate impact in the frontcourt. With his well-known work ethic and desire to be a winner, he’s in a great spot to establish himself quickly. Adapting to the physical demands of college basketball might take some time, but his well-rounded offensive game fits perfectly with today’s style of play.
Emmanuel Kanga, PF/C, George Mason
Year: 19 (August 5, 2005)
Height and weight: 6’8″, 215 lbs
Previous school/team: MT, Zion Prep
From: Ribbleville, Gabon
Emmanuel Kanga arrives at George Mason as a well-regarded four-star recruit, poised to make a significant impact at the mid-major level. At 6’8″ and 215 pounds, he possesses a strong build and an unyielding work ethic. His athleticism, defensive abilities, and relentless rebounding (leading his prep league with 11.9 RPG) make him a foundational player for the Patriots from day one.
The frontcourt at George Mason has seen notable losses, presenting Kanga with clear opportunities for extended playing time. His capacity to dominate on the boards, paired with his positive energy and skill development, positions him as an anchor in defense while he continues to refine his offense. Kanga is likely to be among the top freshmen in the A-10, enhancing George Mason’s competitive outlook next season.
Mario Sun Supery, PG, Gonzaga
Year: 19 (April 14, 2004)
Height and weight: 6’4″, 172 lbs
Previous school/team: Baxi Manresa (LIGA ACB)
From: Malaga, Spain
Mario Sun Supery arrives at Gonzaga with a wealth of professional experience, which is quite unusual for a freshman, making him a likely star for the Bulldogs. He’s competed at a high level with Baxi Manresa in Spain and has demonstrated a polished pick-and-roll game. As an agile guard, Sun Supery showcases outstanding court vision, advanced passing skills, and the ability to navigate tight spaces—averaging 21.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists in the 2024 FIBA U18 Eurobasket. His blend of experience and basketball IQ suggests he’ll make a significant impact immediately, particularly in a Gonzaga program known for cultivating elite international guards.
With the upcoming departures of seasoned guards like Ryan Nenbird and Nolan Hickman, there’s a favorable chance for Sun Supery to step into a key role in the backcourt. His proficiency in pick-and-roll situations and efficient scoring aligns well with Gonzaga’s offensive strategy. While he may need to adjust to the physicality of college basketball, his tenacious defense and ability to create turnovers (2.7 steals per game during Eurobasket) add substantial value. Sun Supery’s combination of proven performance and high-level experience positions him as one of the most impactful freshmen in college basketball.
Joshua Lewis, Wing, Louisiana Cajuns
Year: 18-19
Height and weight: 6’7″, 185 lbs
Previous school/team: N/A
From: Tampa, Florida
Josh Lewis arrives at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, potentially as the best high school signee in the program’s history. At 6’7″ and 185 pounds, he combines impressive size, length, and versatility. He’s been described as an “explosive, resilient athlete,” and excels in rebounding, making him a standout recruit.
The Ragin’ Cajuns are positioned to allow Lewis the stage he needs to flourish as a freshman. While his jump shot is still a work in progress, his athleticism and rebounding capabilities will be invaluable right from the start. With a strong focus on player development, under Coach Quannas White, Lewis has the right environment to refine his offensive skills while maximizing his physical attributes. His immediate impact and high recruitment pedigree suggest he could become a standout among freshmen in the Sun Belt, forging his own path to stardom.
Conclusion
The exciting prospects of players like Johnson, Arlens, Kanga, Sun Supery, and Lewis highlight significant shifts in college basketball. The constant movement in the transfer portal creates unique opportunities for immediate contributions, especially in mid-major settings. These talented individuals are set to challenge the idea that substantial impacts are reserved for only elite programs. They are actively choosing meaningful roles over traditional placements, suggesting that the 2025-2026 season will witness transformative contributions from these emerging stars.
