Candid Coaches Survey: Thomas Haugh Favored as 2026-27 College Basketball Player of the Year
A survey of nearly 100 Division I men's college basketball coaches predicts Florida's Thomas Haugh as the top player for the 2026-27 season, with Michigan State's Jeremy Fears and Vanderbilt's Tyler Tanner also receiving significant votes. The shift in player retention due to NIL and revenue-sharing has led to more experienced stars staying in college, potentially ending a streak of freshman national player of the year winners.
College basketball is undergoing a transformation, with NIL deals and revenue-sharing reshaping player retention. A survey of nearly 100 Division I coaches reveals their predictions for the best player in the 2026-27 season, highlighting the impact of these changes.
## Top Contenders for Player of the Year
The survey results show a clear favorite among coaches:
| Player | Team | Vote Percentage | |-----------------|---------------|-----------------| | Thomas Haugh | Florida | 40% | | Jeremy Fears | Michigan State| 20% | | Tyler Tanner | Vanderbilt | 15% |
Other notable players receiving votes include UConn's Braylon Mullins, Duke's Dame Sarr, and Kansas freshman Tyran Stokes.
## Coaches' Insights on Top Players
### Thomas Haugh Coaches praised Haugh's NBA-ready skills and leadership, noting his role in Florida's national championship team. One coach described him as a "throwback guy who is a proven winner," highlighting his consistent improvement and versatility on the court.
### Jeremy Fears Fears was lauded for his leadership and ability to elevate his teammates. Coaches believe he will be crucial to Michigan State's success, potentially leading them deep into the NCAA tournament despite not fitting the traditional NBA prospect mold.
### Tyler Tanner Tanner's scoring and defensive abilities impressed coaches, with one noting his 19.5 points per game and first-team all-defense honors in the SEC. His potential as a lottery pick was also highlighted.
## The Impact of NIL and Revenue-Sharing
The shift in player retention is evident, with stars like Haugh opting to return to college for lucrative NIL deals. Haugh reportedly turned down a potential NBA Draft selection to earn between $8 to $10 million in college, a decision that reflects the changing landscape of the sport.
This trend has led to an increase in experienced talent across the sport, with coaches predicting a non-freshman national player of the year for the first time in three years. The last non-freshman to win the award was Zach Edey in 2024.
## Notable Mentions and Freshman Contenders
While experienced players dominate the poll, freshman Tyran Stokes of Kansas received notable votes. If he lives up to expectations, he could follow in the footsteps of recent one-and-done stars like Cooper Flagg and Cameron Boozer. However, Stokes will face stiff competition from experienced players like Haugh, UConn's Braylon Mullins, Arizona's Motiejus Krivas, and Duke's Dame Sarr.
The survey results underscore the evolving dynamics of college basketball, where experienced stars are increasingly staying in college, challenging the dominance of freshmen in the national player of the year race.
