Gonzaga’s star big man Braden Huff was omitted from CBS Sports’ recent ranking of the top 25 returning college basketball players, a surprise that has sparked discussion among analysts and fans alike.
The criteria behind the rankings
The list deliberately excludes transfers and athletes whose availability is uncertain due to injury, a rule that has shaped the final selections more than raw statistical output.
Huff, who averaged 17.8 points last season while shooting 69.7% on two‑pointers and 33.3% from three, missed the final 17 games because of a left knee injury. He is now fully cleared and slated to open the 2026‑27 campaign against Purdue on November 2.
Texas Tech’s JT Toppin, another highly rated big man, suffered a torn ACL and was also left off the roster, illustrating how medical concerns can override performance metrics.
What Huff brings to the Bulldogs
Coach Mark Few expects Huff to rebound with a 20‑point, 65% shooting line this season, and the addition of Massamba Diop should bolster his defensive responsibilities, easing the rebounding load he carried previously.
The Bulldogs’ roster also features other returning talents such as Mo Krivas, Ivan Kharchenkov, Matas Vokietaitis, Malachi Moreno, Thomas Haugh, Rueben Chinyelu and Alex Condon, all of whom contributed to the team’s depth last year.
Looking ahead
With the season opener looming, the conversation around Huff’s potential All‑American campaign is likely to intensify, especially as the Bulldogs aim to climb back into the national conversation.