The Men’s Player of the Year Ladder: AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson Surge Up the Rankings
As the 2025-26 college basketball season heats up in mid-February 2026, the race for national Player of the Year honors remains one of the most intriguing storylines. Freshman phenoms are dominating headlines, and FOX Sports’ latest Men’s Player of the Year Ladder—released around February 10, 2026—highlights massive jumps by BYU’s AJ Dybantsa and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson. While Duke’s Cameron Boozer continues to hold the top spot, the explosive play from these two standouts has reshuffled the deck, injecting fresh energy into the conversation.
This ladder, curated by analysts like Casey Jacobsen, weighs current hot streaks against season-long body of work, team success, and overall impact. Dybantsa and Wilson, both elite recruits turned immediate stars, have climbed significantly thanks to monster performances in high-profile games, efficient scoring, and all-around contributions that scream future NBA lottery picks.
Cameron Boozer Remains the Benchmark
At the pinnacle sits Cameron Boozer, the Duke freshman forward who’s been the consensus frontrunner for much of the season. Boozer’s blend of athleticism, rebounding prowess, and efficiency inside has powered the No. 4 Blue Devils to a strong ACC record. His consistent double-doubles, defensive versatility, and ability to dominate in big moments keep him ahead—for now. Boozer’s presence anchors Duke’s title aspirations, and his stats reflect a player who’s not just talented but polished beyond his years.
Yet the ladder underscores that no lead is safe. Recent surges from challengers like Dybantsa and Wilson have narrowed the gap, turning what once looked like a runaway into a legitimate multi-candidate race.
AJ Dybantsa: The Explosive Climber
AJ Dybantsa, the 6-foot-9 freshman wing for BYU, has made one of the most dramatic ascents. Ranked lower earlier in the season, he’s vaulted into the top tier—often No. 2 or chasing Boozer closely—thanks to a scorching stretch.
Dybantsa’s season averages hover around 24.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game across 23 contests, leading the nation in scoring at times. His field-goal percentage sits at 54.0%, with strong marks from three (around 37-38%) and the line (75%). In recent outings, he’s been unstoppable: a 36-point explosion against Baylor (14-of-20 FG, 7 assists) in a 99-94 win showcased his scoring versatility, pull-up game, and playmaking. Another high-output game against Houston (28 points) further solidified his Big 12 dominance.
What sets Dybantsa apart is his do-it-all skill set. He attacks off the dribble, shoots over defenders, facilitates in transition, and defends multiple positions with his length. Awards have piled up: multiple Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors, Naismith Player of the Week nods, and inclusion on midseason watch lists like the Julius Erving Award for small forwards.
BYU sits at 18-6 overall (6-5 in Big 12 play), and Dybantsa’s performances have been crucial in gritty road wins. His ability to elevate in crunch time—averaging over 30 points in several high-scoring affairs—has pundits buzzing about him overtaking Boozer if the Cougars make a deep conference push. The ladder notes his recent dominance as the key to his jump, with efficiency and volume making him a nightmare matchup.
Caleb Wilson: The Interior Force Rising Fast
Parallel to Dybantsa’s surge is Caleb Wilson, the 6-foot-10 freshman forward at North Carolina. Wilson’s leap into the top echelon—often landing at No. 3—stems from elite production in the paint and clutch showings in ACC battles.
Averaging 20.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, Wilson boasts an impressive 58.5% field-goal percentage. His efficiency inside (around 61-62% on twos) and rebounding tenacity make him a double-double machine. A standout 23-point, efficient performance (8-of-12 FG) in UNC’s 71-68 upset win over rival Duke highlighted his growth—scoring in the post, hitting free throws under pressure, and contributing defensively.
Recent streaks include multiple 20+ point games, with strong rebounding and low turnovers. In a win over Syracuse, he notched 22 points and 9 boards. Wilson’s physical tools—length, mobility, and finishing touch—pair with improving feel for the game, making him a cornerstone for the Tar Heels (around 19-4 in recent updates).
The UNC-Duke rivalry game was a showcase: Wilson held his own against Boozer, leading scorers while helping secure a thrilling victory with a game-winner from a teammate. Analysts praise his consistency in tough matchups, noting five straight 20+ point outings in one stretch. His jump reflects not just stats but impact—elevating UNC in the loaded ACC.
Why These Jumps Matter
The ladder emphasizes that while the top 10 remains familiar, reordered performances tell the story. Dybantsa and Wilson benefit from massive recent outputs, team wins, and eye-popping efficiency. Both are freshmen, adding to the narrative of a youth movement in college hoops.
Dybantsa’s perimeter-oriented game contrasts Wilson’s interior dominance, yet both project as high NBA picks—part of a “Big 4” in the 2026 draft conversation alongside Boozer and others like Darryn Peterson. Discussions on platforms like YouTube and draft boards debate if Wilson has overtaken Dybantsa in stock, fueled by head-to-head potential and recent form.
For Player of the Year, context is key: team success amplifies individual brilliance. Boozer benefits from Duke’s ranking and depth; Dybantsa carries BYU in the rugged Big 12; Wilson powers UNC through rivalry tests. Late-season surges, conference tournaments, and March Madness will decide the winner—perhaps the Wooden Award shortlist already includes these names.
Broader Implications for the Season
This ladder reflects a season where freshmen are not just contributing but leading. Dybantsa’s scoring barrage and Wilson’s double-double consistency challenge veterans and raise expectations. If either sustains momentum, they could become the first freshman since recent winners to claim POY.
As February rolls on, eyes turn to upcoming slate: Big 12 battles for Dybantsa, ACC gauntlets for Wilson, and Duke’s push to hold the fort. The race is wide open, with these big jumps signaling that the best is yet to come.
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