With the 2024 college basketball season behind us, it’s never too early to look ahead at what’s next in the sport.
While plenty of top-tier talent is heading out the door, several standout players are returning — especially at the point guard position, where experience and elite skill remain in abundance.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the top 10 point guards in college basketball ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Top 10 Point Guards in College Basketball in 2025
10) Aden Holloway, Alabama Crimson Tide
After serving in a reserve role behind star point guard Mark Sears, Holloway still managed to contribute 11.4 points and 1.9 assists per game. Now stepping into a starting role as a junior, he’s expected to take on a larger workload and emerge as one of the SEC’s best.
His three-point shooting (41.2%) and explosive slashing ability will be critical for an Alabama team with national title aspirations.
9) Robert Wright III, BYU Cougars
The top-rated point guard in the 2024 recruiting class, Wright made a strong impression during his freshman year at Baylor. He showcased a poised floor game, averaging 11.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 35.2% from deep.
Wright now heads to BYU after reportedly signing a $4 million NIL deal. He’s set to be the offensive catalyst for a high-powered Cougars team, with the potential to average over 15 points and six assists per night.
8) Jaland Lowe, Kentucky Wildcats
Lowe, formerly of the Pitt Panthers, was the clear-cut leader of that squad, stuffing the stat sheet with 16.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. A crafty pick-and-roll playmaker, Lowe also excelled at creating his own offense around the rim.
Joining a stacked Kentucky roster could decrease his raw numbers, but Lowe will be in the national spotlight and tasked with leading a group aiming for an SEC crown.
7) Markus Burton, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The ACC’s leading scorer last season, Burton, averaged 21.3 points per game as a sophomore. He proved to be a three-level scoring threat, hitting 37.5% of his three-pointers and regularly breaking down defenders off the dribble.
In addition to scoring, Burton contributed 3.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. With defenses keying in on him, his efficiency and production were especially impressive. He looks ready to do it all over again in 2025.
6) Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee Volunteers
Gillespie was instrumental in Maryland’s 27-win season, averaging 14.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 45.3% shooting. He also knocked down 40.7% of his threes, spacing the floor and creating driving lanes for his teammates.
Tennessee landed a major playmaker in Gillespie, especially for a team that ranked just 140th nationally in scoring last season. He brings much-needed shot creation and offensive spark to head coach Rick Barnes’ lineup.
5) Bruce Thornton, Ohio State Buckeyes
Despite Ohio State missing the NCAA Tournament, Thornton shined as one of the Big Ten’s top guards. As a junior, he tallied 17.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 50.1% from the field and 42.4% from deep.
At 6’2″ and 215 pounds, Thornton is a physical force who can get to his spots at will. After earning All-Big Ten second-team honors, he’s poised to lead the Buckeyes back into contention.
4) Boogie Fland, Transfer Portal
Fland began his college career at Arkansas, where he impressed early with averages of 13.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game — all as a freshman. He displayed elite creativity and shot-making before a hand injury sidelined him in January.
Following a stint in the NBA Draft process, Fland opted to withdraw and enter the transfer portal. He’s expected to command a major NIL deal, and whichever program lands him will be getting one of the nation’s top point guards.
3) Donovan Dent, UCLA Bruins
Dent broke out during his junior year at New Mexico, averaging 20.4 points and 6.4 assists while shooting 49% from the field and 40.9% from three-point range. He became a household name despite playing outside a Power Five conference.
Now set to finish his career at UCLA, Dent’s downhill attacking and elite distribution skills instantly make the Bruins contenders for a Big Ten title in 2025.
2) Bennett Stirtz, Iowa Hawkeyes
Stirtz’ rise has been meteoric. Just two years ago, he was at the Division II level. After transferring to Drake and following his head coach, he emerged as one of the country’s top floor generals. As a junior, he put up 19.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 49.8% from the field and 39.5% from three.
The 6-foot-4 guard led Drake to a first-round NCAA Tournament upset over Missouri. He’ll now suit up for Iowa, again following his coach, and looks to elevate the Hawkeyes while boosting his 2026 NBA Draft stock.
1) Braden Smith, Purdue Boilermakers
A Naismith Player of the Year finalist in 2024, Smith enters his senior season as the nation’s top point guard. He filled the stat sheet last year with 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game — the second-highest mark in the country — while hitting 38.1% of his three-pointers.
KEEP READING: Purdue Brings Back 86% of Scoring, Including Three Title-Game Starters, for 2025 Championship Push
Smith thrives in pick-and-roll situations, where he can pick apart defenses with sharp passing or score himself. Already one of the sport’s most complete players, he returns as the clear favorite to be college basketball’s top point guard in 2025.
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