The 2024-25 season is wrapping up, and teams are focusing on recruiting, transfers, and summer workouts to build their rosters for the upcoming year. For high school recruits, players in the 2025 class are finalizing their commitments, while the 2026 class is gaining momentum in the recruiting process.
As the college basketball recruiting race heats up, Qayden Samuels, a top-10 prospect in the 2026 class, has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in the country. The five-star prospect now lists six schools he’s hearing from most, including Villanova.
Qayden Samuels Includes Villanova in Top 6 Schools
Samuels, a 5-star recruit in the 2026 class, is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in high school basketball. Just a year ago, things were different. He was ranked as a four-star prospect and sat just inside the top 15.
According to the On3 Industry Ranking, Samuels then held the No. 14 spot overall and was ranked as the No. 6 shooting guard.
But everything changed in January of this year. That’s when he truly broke out. His jump from a top-15 four-star to a top-10 five-star came after a string of big performances on the AAU circuit and in national events.
He dominated EYBL play and stood out in the Iverson Classic Blackout Series, where he scored 30 points. He drove to the rim with power, made key layups, and attacked defenders with confidence. The 6’5″ lefty also knocked down three 3-pointers and went 5-for-5 from the line. It was a complete performance, and scouts took notice.
Now, he holds close to 20 offers from high-major schools, according to 247Sports. Syracuse offered him a scholarship in July of last year. But recently, Samuels listed just six programs he’s been hearing from the most. According to @LeagueRDY on Twitter, those schools are Villanova, Georgetown, Alabama, Syracuse, Washington, and Texas.
2026 5⭐️ Qayden Samuels tells @LeagueRDY these are among the schools he’s hearing from the most:
Georgetown
Alabama
Villanova
Syracuse
Washington
TexasThe five-star wing has had a phenomenal start to the AAU season and is one of the top scorers in EYBL play at 23.6PPG. #10 in… pic.twitter.com/Wxbi0rf0Ox
— Sam Kayser (@247HSHoops) May 17, 2025
Ranked No. 10 in the ESPN100, Samuels is a sought-after scoring threat. He recently visited Villanova’s campus to watch a practice, signaling a strong interest on both sides. Villanova has a history of developing elite guards and wings, making it an appealing destination for a player like Samuels, who has been one of the top scorers in EYBL play, averaging 23.6 points per game.
Speaking about his visit to Villanova, the Maryland native said, “I’ve been in contact with (head coach) Kyle Neptune. I visited there earlier…. I think I can see myself out there in that system. I enjoyed my visit for sure. I went to practice, and there was just a lot of energy out there. They really get after it.”
KEEP READING: Top 10 Point Guards for the 2025 College Basketball Season Include Braden Smith, Donovan Dent
Coaches are making their pitches for the rising star. Wherever Samuels chooses to go, his decision could shape the future of that program.
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