5 men’s college basketball freshmen poised to shine in mid-major conferences

Every year, a few hidden gems slip through the cracks, opting for a different path to stardom. Next season, some of the most exciting young talent in college basketball won’t be playing in sold-out arenas for Power Five giants, but rather for mid-major teams poised to surprise.

Many freshmen at mid-major programs defied expectations this past season, showcasing immediate impact and promising futures. Kennesaw State’s Adrian Wooley lit up scoreboards, establishing himself as a prolific scorer and earning Freshman of the Year honors. Likewise, Josh Harris was a dominant force in the paint for North Florida, while Evansville’s Gabriel Pozzato quickly became a go-to offensive threat, consistently putting up big numbers. Rounding out this impressive group, Blake Harper at Howard demonstrated elite all-around potential, and Dedan Thomas Jr. quickly took the reins for UNLV, earning co-Freshman of the Year in his conference. These young talents illustrate that significant production can emerge from unexpected places, providing a jolt to their teams and setting the stage for exciting careers.

Looking to the 2025-2026 season, the stage is now set for a new class of freshmen to make their own immediate impact in mid-major basketball:

Larry Johnson, SG, McNeese State

Age: 19 (9/1/2005)

Height and weight: 6’4, 200 lbs

Previous School/Team: Creighton (redshirt)

From: Castaic, CA

After sitting out a part of the season with a knee injury at Creighton last season, and leaving the team in the early stages of the season, highly touted guard Larry Johnson decided to enter the transfer portal, and committed to McNeese State on April 11th, 2025.

He is a 6’4, 200-pound guard with elite athleticism, exceptional quickness, and promising two-way potential. He has great positional size, has a quick first step, excels at attacking closeouts, and is a remarkable finisher through contact at the rim (particularly strong with finishing with his left hand). He is also a legitimate three level scoring threat ( solid pull up game for mid-range and efficient 3-point shooter).

Before his arrival at Creighton last season, he played for Rolling Loud in Overtime Elite as a senior. He was one of the top players in the league that season, averaging an impressive 20.1 PTS, 6.3 REB, 3.3 AST, & 2 STL over the course of the season.

Due to the extensive losses of some of McNeese State’s senior guards (Alyn Breed, Quadir Copeland, and Sincere Parker) to the likes of Memphis and NC State, Johnson will likely be given significant minutes from the very start. Over the course of the season, Johnson should add meaningful size, consistent rim pressure, shot creation/facilitation, and decent defensive ability/coverage to McNeese State’s backcourt next season.

If given the green light to be the main facilitator or at the very minimum, the secondary scoring option for Bill Armstrong next season, expect Johnson’s name to be mentioned as one of the best in the Southland conference, as well as some NBA draft buzz, due to the McNeese State’s projected success in a relatively weak mid-major conference.

Spencer Ahrens, PF, Boise State

Photo by Milad Payami/FIBA via Getty Images

Age: 18 (10/16/2006)

Height and weight: 6’10” , 230 lbs

Previous School/Team: Bella Vista College Prep (High School)

From: Oakville, Ontario

Spencer Ahrens possesses a truly modern skillset that makes him an ideal candidate to shine immediately in a mid-major conference. At 6’10” with a reported 7’0” wingspan, his ability to consistently knock down three-pointers (showcased by his 44.4% in EYBL play) will force opposing defenses to extend, creating crucial spacing for teammates. Beyond just shooting, his high basketball IQ and impressive ball-handling for his size allow him to attack closeouts, create his own shot off the dribble, and even act as a secondary playmaker. This offensive versatility—combining high-level shooting, self-creation, and passing—is rarely found in a freshman big man, especially at the mid-major level, and will make him an instant mismatch problem.

Furthermore, Ahrens is stepping into a Boise State team that will have significant minutes and production to replace, particularly in the frontcourt, following key departures after the 2024-2025 season. This immediate opportunity, coupled with his noted work ethic and desire to be a “winner,” provides the perfect environment for him to quickly secure a meaningful role. While he’ll need to adjust to the physicality of college basketball, his offensive package is so complete and well-suited to the current game that he has a clear path to becoming a primary scoring and playmaking option. His unique blend of size, skill, and court vision positions him not just as a contributor, but as a potential freshman sensation capable of leading a mid-major squad like Boise State.

Emmanuel Kanga, PF/C, George Mason

Age: 19 (8/05/2005)

Height and weight: 6’8” , 215 lbs

Previous School/Team: Mt, Zion Prep

From: Libreville, Gabon

Emmanuel Kanga arrives at George Mason as a highly-touted four-star prospect, and his immediate impact at the mid-major level is poised to be significant. At 6’8” and 215 pounds, with a powerful frame and an “unstoppable motor,” Kanga is not just physically ready for college basketball; he brings an elite defensive presence that will be immediately felt. As the Elite Prep League Defensive Player of the Year, he possesses exceptional instincts as a shot-blocker and pick-and-roll defender, with scouts praising his ability to read screens and attack ball-handlers. This rare combination of athleticism, defensive prowess, and a relentless rebounding approach (leading his prep league with 11.9 RPG) will make him a foundational piece for the Patriots from day one.

Furthermore, George Mason’s frontcourt will see significant turnover, providing Emmanuel Kanga a clear and immediate path to substantial minutes. His demonstrated ability to be a dominant force on the glass, coupled with his high energy and “culture guy” mentality lauded by his coaches, makes him an indispensable asset for a team looking to contend in the Atlantic 10. While his offensive game is still developing, his capacity to finish around the rim, convert put-backs, and leverage his athleticism for dunks ensures he’ll be an efficient scorer. Kanga’s defensive anchors, relentless effort, and physical readiness project him to be one of the A-10’s premier freshmen, capable of elevating George Mason’s competitive ceiling next season.

Photo by David Ramirez/DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Mario Saint-Supery, PG, Gonzaga

Age: 19 (4/14/2004)

Height & weight: 6’4, 172 lbs

Previous School/Team: BAXI Manresa (Liga ACB)

From: Malaga, Spain

Mario Saint-Supéry arrives at Gonzaga with a level of professional experience and international pedigree rarely seen in an incoming freshman, positioning him as a potential immediate star for the Bulldogs. Having already competed in Spain’s top professional league (Liga ACB) and the Basketball Champions League (BCL) with BAXI Manresa, he brings a battle-tested poise and a refined pick-and-roll game. As a dynamic guard, Saint-Supéry demonstrates exceptional court vision, advanced passing acumen, and an impressive ability to operate efficiently in traffic, highlighted by his 21.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game at the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket. This pre-existing professional savviness and high basketball IQ make him uniquely prepared to contribute significantly from day one, especially for a Gonzaga program that prides itself on developing elite international guards.

Furthermore, with the departure of key veteran guards like Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman after the 2024-2025 season, Mario Saint-Supéry enters a backcourt with ample opportunity for immediate playing time and a significant role. His proficiency as a pick-and-roll operator and his capability to score efficiently, even if not yet a high-volume shooter, align perfectly with Gonzaga’s offensive schemes. While he’ll adjust to the American college game’s physicality, his defensive tenacity and ability to generate turnovers (2.7 steals per game in U18 EuroBasket) will be invaluable. Saint-Supéry’s blend of high-level experience, advanced playmaking, and proven production against tough competition positions him to quickly become one of the most impactful freshmen in college basketball, spearheading Gonzaga’s guard play.

Joshua Lewis, Wing, Louisiana Cajuns

Age: 18-19

Height & weight: 6’7” , 185 lbs

Previous School/Team: Blake

From: Tampa, FL

Joshua Lewis arrives at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette as arguably the highest-ranked high school signee in program history, a four-star forward who bypassed numerous high-major offers to play for the Ragin’ Cajuns. At 6’7” and 185 pounds, Lewis brings an exceptional blend of size, length, and two-way versatility. He’s described as an “athletically gifted player who is explosive and bouncy,” with a “tremendous first step and good lateral quickness.” This physical prowess, combined with his above-average rebounding from the wing, positions him to immediately stand out in the Sun Belt Conference. His decision to choose Louisiana for greater opportunity and development, rather than a high-major bench role, underscores his readiness to seize a starring role.

The Ragin’ Cajuns are poised to provide Joshua Lewis with precisely the stage he needs to thrive as a freshman. While his jump shot is an area for continued improvement, his ability to be a “slashing driver” and impact the game with his athleticism and rebounding will be invaluable from day one. With the emphasis on player development under Coach Quannas White, Lewis is set to receive significant minutes and a prime opportunity to refine his offensive game and maximize his physical gifts. His immediate impact on both ends of the floor, coupled with his high recruiting pedigree, makes him a prime candidate to emerge as one of the Sun Belt’s most talented and impactful freshmen, potentially signaling a new trend of elite high schoolers choosing mid-major pathways to stardom.

Finishing thoughts

The notable potential of players including Johnson, Ahrens, Kanga, Saint-Supery, and Lewis underscores a pivotal change within college basketball. The relentless movement of the transfer portal often generates vacuums, presenting talented freshmen—particularly at the mid-major level—with unparalleled opportunities to immediately contribute. These highly recruited individuals, many of whom consciously chose immediate roles and foundational status over traditional Power 4 placements, are set to challenge the notion that substantial impact is reserved only for elite programs. Their distinct skill sets, coupled with these burgeoning opportunities, indicate that the 2025-2026 season could be characterized by surprising, game-altering contributions from these emergent talents.