Rivals Basketball: Ranking Updates And What To Expect

when does rivals basketball update rankings

The Rivals150 rankings for the 2026 class have been released, with five-star Brandon McCoy Jr. taking the top spot. The rankings, which are updated periodically, are a source of much discussion and speculation among fans and experts alike. The Rivals rankings are highly influential in the world of college basketball recruiting, with players vying for coveted spots in the top 150. The rankings are based on a range of factors, including performance, potential, and bloodlines, and can have a significant impact on a player's future prospects. With the latest update, all eyes are now on the players to see if they can live up to their rankings and for any potential changes in the future.

Characteristics Values
Year 2026
Ranking System Rivals150
Top-Ranked Player Brandon McCoy, Jr.
McCoy's Ranking No. 1
Player Ranked No. 2 N/A
Player in No. 3 Spot Caleb Holt
Player in No. 5 Spot Jordan Smith
Highest-Ranked International Player Miikka Muurinen
Muurinen's Ranking No. 6
Notable Prospect Outside Top 100 Adonis Ratliff
Ratliff's Ranking No. 101

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The 2026 Rivals150 update

Tyran Stokes, a hyper-physical downhill force, and Alijah Arenas, with his intriguing upside, are ranked at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. Other prospects, such as Ikenna Alozie, Jason Crowe Jr., and Georgia-based forward Caleb Holt, are also potential contenders for the top spot. Holt, in particular, turned heads with his performance at the USA Basketball junior minicamp.

One of the biggest revelations this spring has been Anthony Thompson, who has been making waves on the Adidas 3SSB circuit. The 6-foot-7 lefty has showcased head-turning versatility, an outstanding frame, and the potential to burst onto the radar of NBA GMs. Finnish import Miikka Muurinen has also made a notable jump, climbing 33 spots to No. 6. The 6-foot-10 forward has caught the attention of NBA scouts with his length, floor-spacing potential, and perimeter skills.

Darius Ratliff, the son of former NBA All-Star Theo Ratliff, has climbed a remarkable 96 spots to No. 52. The four-star center, now 6-foot-11, has retained his fluidity and athleticism through his growth spurt. Ratliff's defensive capabilities, particularly as a rim protector, have him on the radar of college coaches across the country. His twin brother, Adonis Ratliff, is also a high-major prospect, ranked at No. 101 in the Rivals150.

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Brandon McCoy Jr. ranked No. 1

In the updated Rivals150 rankings for the 2026 class, five-star recruit Brandon McCoy Jr. is ranked No. 1. McCoy, a 6-foot-5 guard from Bellflower, California's St. John Bosco, joins No. 2 Tyran Stokes of Los Angeles as the only two players with 99 overall ratings. This is the third time that McCoy has topped the rankings.

McCoy, the youngest starter for the USA Basketball team in the 2023 U17 World Cup, averaged 10.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in seven games. He also averaged 3.4 steals per game, the second-highest total in the competition. McCoy's shooting numbers were below average at 20.0% from three-point range, but he constantly applied pressure at the point of attack.

McCoy's overall impact on a game is notable each time he steps on the floor. His ability to affect the play at the crucial point of attack makes for a heavy in-game impact. McCoy carries a lengthy frame with a plus wingspan, which helps him on the defensive end.

McCoy's ranking is a testament to his talent and hard work, and he will undoubtedly continue to make waves in the basketball world.

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Caleb Holt and Alijah Arenas at No. 3

Caleb Holt and Alijah Arenas, both five-star prospects, are ranked No. 3 and No. 2, respectively, in the 2026 Rivals150 ranking. Holt, a 6-foot-5 guard from Huntsville, Alabama, now attending high school in Atlanta, has been described as a "bully on the floor" with exceptional athleticism and explosiveness. He is highly sought after by top programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Georgia Tech, and Ole Miss, among others. Holt's performance at the USA Basketball Junior Minicamp impressed recruiters and contributed to his rise in the rankings.

Arenas, the son of retired NBA star Gilbert Arenas, stands at 6-foot-4 or 6-foot-5 and is a gifted scorer, possessing quickness and the ability to shoot from all three levels. He is a student at California's Chatsworth High School and has already attracted scholarship offers from prestigious schools, including Texas, Arizona, Alabama, Kansas, and UCLA, Washington, and more. Arenas's talent and NBA lineage have placed him in the No. 2 spot in the Rivals150 rankings.

Both Holt and Arenas are highly touted prospects for the 2026 recruiting class, with Arenas's scoring abilities and Holt's physicality and athleticism setting them apart. Their impressive performances and offers from renowned programs have solidified their positions near the top of the rankings.

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Jordan Smith as a long-term contender

Jordan Smith, the Virginia-based guard, is a viable long-term contender in the Rivals150 rankings for the 2026 class. Smith's consistency and scoring ability have placed him in the No. 5 slot, with many believing he could rise even higher.

Smith's performance has been impressive, and his skills have been recognised as a key factor in his ranking. His consistency and ability to put points on the board are valuable assets in any basketball game. These skills are essential for any team's success, and Smith has proven himself to be a reliable player.

The Rivals150 rankings are highly competitive, and the top spots are hotly contested. The No. 1 spot is currently held by five-star Brandon McCoy Jr., with the No. 2 player being the most obvious threat to McCoy's reign. Georgia-based forward Caleb Holt, in the No. 3 spot, is also turning heads with his performances. Despite the competition, Smith holds his own at No. 5, and his long-term prospects look promising.

Smith's ranking is a testament to his talent and hard work, and it will be interesting to see how he continues to develop and improve his ranking over time. With his consistency and scoring ability, Smith has the potential to become an even stronger contender in the future. His current ranking already speaks to his potential, and he is definitely a player to keep an eye on in the years to come.

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Miikka Muurinen: highest-ranked international player

Miikka Muurinen is a Finnish high school basketball player for AZ Compass Prep. Muurinen is the highest-ranked international player in the Rivals150, jumping 33 spots to the No. 6 slot in the refresh. The 6-foot-10 forward possesses the kind of length, floor-spacing potential, and perimeter skills that have caught the attention of NBA scouts.

Muurinen's journey began in the youth program of Beat Basket in Järvenpää, Finland. At 15, he relocated to Spain to join Zentro Basket in Madrid. In the 2023-24 season, he moved to the US to attend Sunrise Christian High School. Muurinen's talent was showcased in the 2023 Nike EYBL Peach Jam, where he averaged 17.8 points per game and shot over 60% from the floor. This performance propelled him into the spotlight, earning the title of the "biggest riser".

In March 2024, Muurinen participated in the Euroleague Next Generation tournament in Dubai, representing the Next Generation Select Team. He averaged 7 points, 5 rebounds, and one block per game across seven matches. On June 20, 2024, it was announced that he would join Arizona Compass Prep, and shortly after, on July 22, he played for Bradley Beal Elite, winning the EYBL Peach Jam tournament with an impressive 21-point performance in the final.

Muurinen's rapid ascent continued as he made his senior debut with the Finland national team in June 2024, contributing to victories against New Zealand and Latvia. He was also named to the Finland roster for the 2024 FIBA Olympic qualifying matches. With each passing tournament, Muurinen's name surged in national rankings, including a 2026 Top 10 rank from 247Sports.

Muurinen's skillset includes dribbling, passing, and shooting, with quickness and mobility that belie his size. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several prestigious schools, including Duke, Kentucky, and North Carolina, recognising his potential. As he progresses through his final high school seasons, Miikka Muurinen is undoubtedly a name that will be on the radar of college coaches and NBA scouts for the foreseeable future.

Frequently asked questions

Rivals Basketball updates their rankings periodically, with the latest update as of October 2024. The rankings are typically refreshed every four months, and there is also a Rivals Rankings Week that discusses storylines surrounding the updates.

The rankings consider a player's performance, potential, length, skill, and bloodlines. For example, in the 2023 rankings, Mackenzie Mgbako was ranked ahead of Kwame Evans Jr. due to his strong summer performance.

You can find the latest rankings on Rivals.com or NBC Sports. They provide in-depth analysis and updates on the Rivals150 and Rivals250 rankings for college basketball recruiting.

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