The 2025-26 NCAA men’s basketball season will feature an extraordinary lineup of magnificent talents. These athletes come not only from the seasoned ranks but also from the promising flock.
They will exhibit domination in the paint while also defining the role of the bigs in the modern game of basketball. Their extraordinary heights and skills are expected to make a significant impact, as they portray the heat of competition, agility, and strategy to the fans.
Who Are the Tallest Players in College Basketball?
1. Olivier Rioux, Florida (7’9″)
The French-Canadian center, Olivier Rioux, is the tallest player in NCAA history at 7’9″.
After playing preps basketball at IMG Academy in Florida, he joined the Gators. He spent his freshman season redshirting, but the Florida fanbase looks forward to seeing him play in the 2025-26 season. He also holds the Guinness World Record for being the tallest teenager.
2. Trent Burns, Missouri (7’5″)
The Missouri Tigers greatly benefit from 7’5″ freshman forward Trent Burns. He is one of the top 100 best players in RSCI for 2024 (rated 97th), but he sustained a foot injury that postponed his first appearance.
3. Naheem McLeod, Syracuse (7’4″)
Senior Naheem McLeod stands tall at 7’4″ and adds experience and shot-blocking skills to the Syracuse team. Although unable to finish the last season due to an injury, he still managed to put up 3.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. His return will give a significant boost to Syracuse’s interior defense.
T-4. Daniel Jacobsen, Purdue (7’3″)
Daniel Jacobsen, a 7’3″ center from Purdue, is recognized for his defensive abilities and movement on the court. His participation in the FIBA U18 AmeriCup allowed Jacobsen to defend the rim while showing his offensive potential. He is estimated to be a significant factor on Purdue’s defense.
T-4. Gabe Dynes, Youngstown State (7’3″)
During his freshman year at Youngstown State, Gabe Dynes established himself by performing 3.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Moreover, the awards of Horizon League’s All-Freshman and All-Defensive teams are the consequences of his impressive defensive work, and it’s safe to expect this progress to have a direct impact on Youngstown State’s defensive force
T-6. Hunter Dickinson, Kansas (7’2″)
Hunter Dickinson, the 7’2″ center, is back at Kansas for his final season. He was one of the top scorers and rebounders in the NCAA, scoring 17.9 points and grabbing 10.9 rebounds per game. His return is a big boost for Kansas as they aim for another championship.
T-6. Khaman Maluach, Duke (7’2″)
Khaman Maluach, a 7’2 “freshman center at Duke, made a quick impression by averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocked shots each game. With his lengthy wingspan and fast movements, the basketball world projects him to become a first-round draft choice in the NBA.
T-8. Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton (7’1″)
Ryan Kalkbrenner received the Big East Defensive Player of the Year honor in three consecutive seasons while being a 7’1″ addition to the Creighton.
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During his season, Kalkbrenner achieved career-best stats of 17.3 points while collecting 7.6 rebounds and blocking 3.1 shots per game to support Creighton’s team’s defensive and offensive approaches.
T-8. Tomislav Ivisic, Illinois (7’1″)
The 7’1″ Croatian center Tomislav Ivisic arrives at Illinois with his professional Adriatic League experience.
Because of his proven abilities in passing and shooting, the Illinois team expects Ivisic to enhance their frontcourt versatility after he gains NCAA approval.
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