With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, a handful of returning players have already proven their worth and are primed to chase the National Player of the Year award. This prestigious title is one of the sport’s highest honors, celebrating the standout performer across the nation each season.
Let’s dive into five athletes who could claim the crown based on their track records and potential.
Top 5 Returning Players With National Player of the Year Potential
1. Braden Smith (Purdue)
Braden Smith returns to Purdue as a preseason favorite for the Wooden Award, signaling his potential to dominate in 2025. Last season, the guard averaged 15.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game across 36 games, shooting 42.8% from the field and 38.1% from three, per ESPN stats.
His ability to orchestrate Purdue’s offense while scoring efficiently makes him a nightmare for defenses.
Purdue, a perennial powerhouse under Matt Painter, is projected as a top-5 team for 2025, bolstered by Smith and All-American Trey Kaufman-Renn. Smith’s leadership, especially after Zach Edey’s departure, positions him as the Boilermakers’ linchpin.
If he elevates his scoring per game while maintaining his playmaking, he could lead Purdue to a deep March Madness run, cementing his case for National Player of the Year.
2. Henri Veesaar (North Carolina)
Henri Veesaar’s move to North Carolina marks a fresh chapter for a player already showing star potential. At Arizona in 2024-25, he averaged 9.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, solid numbers that hint at his upside. February stood out as his breakout stretch, with double-figure scoring in seven of eight games, proving he can sustain impact over time.
The late-season surge turned heads and set expectations sky-high.
Now in Chapel Hill, he joins a Tar Heels program steeped in tradition, with multiple national titles and a reputation for excellence. North Carolina’s style, which often leans on versatile big men, suits his game perfectly. The transfer offers him a bigger stage, and early signs point to a leap forward in 2025.
Consistency will be key, but Veesaar’s trajectory suggests he’s ready to handle it. If he becomes a go-to option for the Tar Heels, racking up points and boards while anchoring their frontcourt, the National Player of the Year chatter will grow louder.
3. Milos Uzan (Houston)
Milos Uzan’s return to Houston positions him as a key figure for the preseason No. 1 team in 2025. Last season, the guard averaged 11.4 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game across 40 games, shooting 45.3% from the field and 42.8% from three.
His knack for facilitating and scoring in clutch moments makes him vital to Houston’s title aspirations.
Milos Uzan’s return means that Houston will return 3 starters from a team that lost in the national title game.
Purdue returns 4 starters and two Preseason All-Americans in Braden Smith and Trey Kaufman-Renn.
Give the Boilers a slight edge right now for Preseason No. 1. https://t.co/P43MwKasNG
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) May 27, 2025
Under Kelvin Sampson, Houston’s relentless defense and efficient offense amplify Uzan’s impact. The Cougars’ top ranking and projected SEC dominance give Uzan a high-visibility stage.
4. Alex Karaban (UConn)
Alex Karaban’s steady excellence makes him a linchpin for UConn and a dark horse for National Player of the Year. In 2024-25, he averaged 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, shooting 43.8% from the field and 34.7% from three across 33 games.
The Huskies’ loaded roster, projected to include Ball and transfers like Mihailo Petrovic (14.3 PPG at Mega Superbet), gives Karaban a strong supporting cast. UConn’s top-5 preseason ranking for 2025-26 amplifies his platform.
If he bumps his scoring to 16-18 points per game and continues to anchor both ends, Karaban’s consistency could sway voters.
5. Otega Oweh: (Kentucky)
Otega Oweh’s transfer to Kentucky after a breakout 2024-25 season at Oklahoma positions him as a wildcard for National Player of the Year. Last season, he averaged 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, shooting 49.2% from the field and 35.5% from three across 36 games.
Kentucky’s guard-heavy system under Mark Pope, which ranked higher in offensive efficiency in 2024-25, is a perfect fit for Oweh’s slashing and shooting. The Wildcats’ roster, strengthened by transfers like Jaland Lowe (16.8 PPG at Pitt) and top recruits like Jasper Johnson, projects as a top-10 unit.
If Oweh pushes his scoring to 18-20 points per game and leads Kentucky to an SEC title or deep tournament run, his flash and stats could make him a voter favorite.
KEEP READING: Matt Painter and Kelvin Sampson’s Teams Top Preseason Rankings as Rick Pitino’s Men Fall Dangerously Low
These players’ teams—Houston, North Carolina, UConn, Kentucky, and Purdue—are all projected to be top-15 squads, providing the wins and visibility that award voters crave.
But, as seen before, college basketball loves chaos. A breakout freshman, an unexpected transfer, or a mid-major star could crash the party, just as seen in past seasons.
The key for these five will be consistency in big moments; think conference showdowns or March Madness heroics. Injuries, team chemistry, or a surprise contender could shift the narrative, but for now, these players are the ones to beat. As the season tips off in November this year, the stage is set for a big battle.
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