Two incoming Big 12 freshmen are already at the center of the 2026 NBA Draft conversation.
Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU forward AJ Dybantsa enter the 2025-26 season as the top two betting favorites to be the first overall pick next summer, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Peterson currently leads the odds at +135, with Dybantsa close behind at +145. Both players arrive in the Big 12 with elite prep resumes and the kind of skill sets that NBA scouts project at the top of the draft board.
Peterson, a 6-foot-5 guard, committed to Kansas as one of the highest-rated recruits in the nation. His combination of scoring ability, vision, and defensive versatility makes him a candidate to contribute immediately to the Jayhawks. Head coach Bill Self has often spoken about the impact elite guards can have in his system, and Peterson will be expected to take on a major role from day one.
Dybantsa, a 6-foot-8 wing, headlines BYU’s freshman class and is considered one of the most polished scoring forwards in recent memory. His shooting range, ball-handling ability, and size give him the tools to impact the game from multiple spots on the floor. With BYU entering just its third year in the Big 12, Dybantsa’s presence could help the Cougars make a leap in the conference standings.
The race between the two will be one of the most intriguing subplots of the college basketball season. Not only will fans get to see them compete against the rest of the league, but they will also have the chance to face each other directly in conference play.
For the Big 12, having two of the top projected picks only strengthens its reputation as one of the premier basketball conferences in the country.
