ESPN names possible first-round prospects to watch for 2026 NBA Draft

We now know who will make up the class for the 2025 NBA Draft following the withdrawal deadline at midnight on Wednesday. Now, with four weeks still until the clock starts in that draft, experts and scouts are already looking ahead to the 2026 NBA Draft based on who decided to remain in college for another season instead.

ESPN released a withdrawal recap on Thursday, with the article going on to include four players who could now become first-round selections after next season, which they will play at the college level, in the 2026 NBA Draft. Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo went on to list Houston’s Joseph Tugler, Auburn’s Tahaad Pettiford, Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz, and St. John’s Zuby Ejiofor when it came to that topic.

Tugler, an anchor for the Cougars’ defense who was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, did not declare for the draft this offseason after posting 5.5 points (52.3% FG), 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game as a sophomore. Being more featured now with another year of development next season at Houston could get him into the first round — especially based on his present measurements and skillset — next summer, per Givony.

“Several NBA teams were very interested in getting a closer look at Joseph Tugler during the predraft process, but he ultimately decided to not declare,” Givony wrote. “With his 7-6 wingspan, incredible motor, rim-protection instincts and ability to cover ground on the perimeter, Tugler could become a game changer defensively at the NBA level, too. If he can find a way to cut down on fouls (he led all draft prospects in this category per-minute last season) and slightly improve offensively (54% free throw percentage), he can make a strong case as a first-round pick next season.”

Woo then went with Pettiford, who did declare and test for the draft this year, but surprised to an extent by returning to The Plains. Now, with him as the top returner for the Tigers after averaging 11.6 points (42.1% FG, 36.6% 3PT), 3.0 assists, and 2.2 rebounds as a reserve who made the SEC All-Freshman Team, Pettiford could take another step in his game as a sophomore in better positioning himself as a first-rounder.

“I’m interested to see what Tahaad Pettiford will do with a bigger role at Auburn after his positive showing at the combine. Although his size (6-foot-1, 175 pounds) will work against him from a projection standpoint, I was intrigued by the mix of athleticism and skill he flashed in scrimmages, and am curious to see how he develops over the next 12 months,” Woo wrote. “His explosive athleticism and microwave scoring ability will help his case as a potential outlier prospect with his physical dimensions. Beyond the likely leap in offensive usage headed his way, the biggest thing Pettiford can do next season is demonstrate that he can add value in games where his shot isn’t falling. Part of that process will be expanding his game as a passer and playmaker for teammates, and becoming a more consistently impactful defender. Pettiford will likely always be a score-first player, but if he can be increasingly efficient while making the most of his ability in other areas, he’ll sharpen his case as a first-rounder, where he’ll project to begin next season. Going back to school to work on those things should prove to be a beneficial decision.”

Then, in going more under-the-radar for next offseason, Givony noted Stirtz, one of the best transfers in the portal after being the Missouri Valley Player of the Year with averages of 19.2 points (49.8% FG, 39.5% 3PT), 5.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals at Drake. In following his head coach to the Hawkeyes, Stirtz can now improve his stock by showcasing his game, on both ends, against better competition in the Big Ten.

“NBA scouts won’t complain about having a full season to evaluate Stirtz in the Big Ten, where they’ll get a better feel for how his impressive ballhandling, ability to change speeds, touch and creativity finishing around the basket translate for a full season,” Givony wrote. “Stirtz is a dynamic perimeter shooter who is one of the best passers and decision-makers in college basketball but getting a better gauge for his defense and how he handles coaches planning against him on a nightly basis will surely shed light on how high he should be selected next June.”

Finally, Woo went with Ejiofor as his under-the-radar name following his junior season with the Red Storm, where he put up 14.7 points (57.7% FG), 8.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 blocks, which earned him Big East Most Improved Player and a selection on the All-Big East First Team. He’s now the best returner on what should be another great team in Queens, which will give him the chance to improve his potential position after his senior year in 2026.

“Ejiofor’s rugged, all-out style raises his team’s floor on a nightly basis, and the fact he recently turned 21 will work in his favor going into his senior season. Continuing to work on his frame, improve his mobility and hone his offensive decision-making could broaden his NBA appeal,” Woo wrote. “It seems likely coach Rick Pitino will lean on him again, leaving room for a step forward in production that could bump his prospect status in a meaningful way.”

It’s much easier for some prospects to decide to come back and play another collegiate season rather than go on to the NBA. These four now have that chance at their respective schools in looking to be certain selections in the first round come the next draft, a summer from now.