AP FILE PHOTOS

The Associated Press released its 2025-26 All-America men’s basketball teams Tuesday, highlighting a freshman-heavy first team while recognizing standout seasons across the country — including key contributors from Iowa State and Iowa.

Iowa State senior forward Joshua Jefferson was named to the AP second team after a versatile season leading the Cyclones in multiple categories. Jefferson averaged 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, serving as one of the nation’s most complete players. His selection places him among the top 10 players nationally and continues Iowa State’s recent run of All-America recognition.

Cyclones coach T.J. Otzelberger has consistently emphasized Jefferson’s all-around value.

“Our team is at its best when Joshua’s flying around on defense,” Otzelberger said during the season.

At Iowa, guard Bennett Stirtz earned honorable mention All-America honors following his first year in Iowa City. Stirtz emerged as one of the Big Ten’s top playmakers, elevating his national profile while anchoring the Hawkeyes’ backcourt.

He’s averaging 20 points, 4.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game in earning honorable mention for the second year in a row.

The AP first team featured a trio of elite freshmen, underscoring a youth movement at the top of the sport. Guard Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) was joined by forward Cameron Boozer (Duke) and wing AJ Dybantsa (BYU). They were rounded out by forward JT Toppin (Texas Tech) and forward Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan), forming a group that blends scoring, versatility and high-level production.

The second team, which included Jefferson, also featured guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State), guard Braden Smith (Purdue), guard Keaton Wagler (Illinois) and forward Caleb Wilson (North Carolina), highlighting a mix of experienced guards and impactful frontcourt players.

The third team consisted of guard Christian Anderson (Texas), guard Kingston Flemings (Houston), forward Thomas Haugh (Florida), forward Graham Ike (Gonzaga) and guard Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama), rounding out the 15-player list.

The Associated Press 2025-26 men’s college basketball All-America teams

(*-unanimous selection)

First Team

*Cameron Boozer, Duke, 6-9, 250, Freshman; Miami, Florida; 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists (61 of 61 first-place votes, 305 points)

AJ Dybantsa, BYU, 6-9, 210, Freshman; Brockton, Massachusetts; 25.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists (57, 295)

Yaxel Lendeborg, Michigan, 6-9, 230, Senior; Pennsauken, New Jersey; 14.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.3 assists (47, 273)

Darius Acuff Jr., Arkansas, 6-3, 190, Freshman; Detroit, Michigan; 22.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 6.4 assists (47, 264)

JT Toppin, Texas Tech, 6-9, 230, Junior; Dallas, Texas; 21.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists (12, 163)

Second Team

Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State, 6-9, 240, Senior; Las Vegas, Nevada; 16.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists (15, 162)

Braden Smith, Purdue, 6-0, 170, Senior; Westfield, Indiana; 14.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.0 assists (12, 150)

Jeremy Fears, Michigan State, 6-2, 190, Sophomore; Joliet, Illinois; 15.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 9.2 assists (10, 139)

Keaton Wagler, Illinois, 6-6, 180, Freshman; Shawnee, Kansas; 17.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.4 assists (8, 131)

Caleb Wilson, North Carolina, 6-10, 215, Freshman; Atlanta, Georgia; 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists (4, 119)

Third Team

Kingston Flemings, Houston, 6-4, 190, Freshman; San Antonio, Texas; 16.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists (8, 111)

Labaron Philon Jr., Alabama, 6-4, 185, Sophomore; Mobile, Alabama; 21.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists (5, 109)

Thomas Haugh, Florida, 6-9, 215, Junior; New Oxford, Pennsylvania; 17.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists (1, 101)

Christian Anderson, Texas Tech, 6-3, 180, Sophomore; Atlanta, Georgia; 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.6 assists (5, 68)

Graham Ike, Gonzaga, 6-9, 250, Senior; Aurora, Colorado; 19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists (0, 67)

Honorable Mention (alphabetical order, next 10 vote totals and ties )

Michael Ajayi, Butler; Jaden Bradley, Arizona; Brayden Burries, Arizona; Rueben Chinyelu, Florida; Zuby Ejiofor, St. John’s; PJ Haggerty, Kansas State; Ebuka Okorie, Stanford; Darryn Peterson, Kansas; Bennett Stirtz, Iowa; Tyler Tanner, Vanderbilt; Bruce Thornton, Ohio State.