Darryn Peterson, one of the most electric prospects in the country and a five-star guard committed to Kansas, has officially slipped from the top spot in ESPN’s final Class of 2025 rankings, despite an outstanding season and impressive showings on the national stage.
Peterson, formerly the No. 1-ranked player in the class, now sits at No. 2 in ESPN’s updated list, sparking debate among basketball fans and recruiting analysts. The decision comes shortly after Peterson was named co-MVP of the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where he led all scorers with 18 points in the West’s 105–92 win over the East.
Stellar Stats and Standout Performances
Throughout the 2024–25 high school season, Peterson dominated for Prolific Prep, averaging a jaw-dropping 30.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. His offensive arsenal and athleticism have drawn comparisons to elite NBA-caliber guards.
In addition to his All-American Game performance, Peterson dropped 24 points in Prolific Prep’s Chipotle Nationals semifinal matchup against Dynamic Prep of Texas. Though his team fell 83–64, Peterson’s ability to generate scoring opportunities, while going 9-of-27 from the field, highlighted his resilience and competitive edge.
While Peterson’s stats and accolades speak volumes, ESPN’s final rankings reflect a slight shift in how analysts project long-term potential and impact at the college and pro levels. Although ESPN hasn’t publicly explained the change, insiders speculate that shooting efficiency concerns and new standout performances from other top prospects influenced the decision.
Still, Peterson’s resume remains unmatched among most of his peers. His consistent production and leadership on the court make him one of the most college-ready players in the 2025 class.
Final ESPN Player Rankings with a Top 5 of
1. AJ Dybantsa (BYU)
2. Darryn Peterson (Kansas)
3. Cam Boozer (Duke)
4. Nate Ament (uncommitted)
5. Caleb Wilson (UNC) pic.twitter.com/CTi733MFrv— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 19, 2025
What This Means for Kansas
For Kansas Jayhawks fans, there’s little reason to worry. Peterson is still a top-two national recruit, and his drop from No. 1 does not reflect diminished talent. Head coach Bill Self and the Kansas program are getting an elite, battle-tested guard who has proven himself on the biggest stages.
Peterson will bring immediate scoring, playmaking, and an intense competitive fire to the Jayhawks. With Kansas already reloading for another deep NCAA tournament run, Peterson could be the program’s future centerpiece.
KEEP READING: Kansas Basketball Transfer Portal: Full List of Players Entering and Exiting
Losing the No. 1 ranking may motivate Peterson as he prepares to jump from high school to high-level college basketball. If his recent performances are any indication, Kansas fans should expect a highly motivated guard ready to prove he’s still the best player in the nation.
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