You cannot win a national title without a true point guard. It’s that simple, I think. This 2026 class offers the next crop of elite floor generals who will decide where the trophies land a few years from now. These architects of the future will run the show at major programs, and their recruitment battles are heating up.
It’s time to break down the nation’s best. Here is the full look at the names who will dominate the headlines.
The Elite 10 Floor Generals
Taylen Kinney
Size: 6’1″, 185 lbs.
School: Overtime Elite (Atlanta, GA)
Committed: Kansas (11/12/2025)
The Jayhawks snagged the top floor general early, and it was a massive win for Bill Self. Kinney is a complete scoring and playmaking lead guard who is smooth and versatile with his attack. He sees plays develop a full sequence ahead, he averaged 5.0 assists per game in both OTE and 3SSB circuit play. He moves with a purpose and consistently throws the cross court baseline pass that others miss. His 6-foot-6-plus wingspan helps him play much bigger than his size, and he’s good with his hands on defense (1.3 steals per game in 3SSB play).
Deron Rippey Jr.
Size: 6’2″, 175 lbs.
School: Blair Academy (Blairstown, NJ)
Rippey is a phenomenal athlete who combines elite speed with impressive defensive commitment. His quickness is special. He moves like a young, explosive guard who later became a lottery pick. He must improve his assist-to-turnover ratio. But you cannot deny the talent, he has the motor and athleticism that separate him from most of his peers. He recently cut his list to Duke, Miami, NC State, Tennessee, and Texas.
Dylan Mingo
Size: 6’5″, 190 lbs.
School: Long Island Lutheran (Glen Head, NY)
Mingo is the prototype for the modern, big point guard. He has an ideal frame at 6’5″ that allows him to see over defenses and guard multiple spots. Mingo takes his time in the process. He recently told me he wants to see programs run a full practice before making his call. This suggests a kid prioritizing fit and coaching style over immediate NIL flash.
Miles Sadler
Size: 5’10”, 165 lbs.
School: Bella Vista Prep (Scottsdale, AZ)
Sadler is a true point guard who loves to set up teammates. Forget scoring; this kid passes first. He committed to an unannounced school, according to one major ranking service, but that commitment remains unverified by our team. He plays with the kind of aggressive, change-of-pace handle that keeps bigger, slower defenders off balance.
Marcus Johnson
Size: 6’2″, 180 lbs.
School: Garfield Heights (Cleveland, OH)
Marcus Johnson brings a solid frame to the position. The 6’2″ guard is known for scoring the basketball. He embraces contact. One opponent actually called him “built like a linebacker” after a tough tournament game. This physicality is a huge asset, especially when driving against high-major athletes.
Luke Ertel
Size: 6’1″, 170 lbs.
School: Mt. Vernon (Fortville, IN)
Luke Ertel is a human engine at guard. He constantly pressures the defense, playing with the intensity of a veteran. One high-major assistant coach recently called him “the hardest working guard in his class,” citing his dedication in the film room and weight room. He uses his sharp handle to create separation for his jumper.
Jonathan Sanderson
Size: 6’2″, 170 lbs.
School: La Lumiere School (La Porte, IN)
Sanderson’s strength is his shooting ability. He can legitimately pull up from NBA range, which instantly warps a defense. He holds offers from several major programs. Still, he keeps his recruitment quiet so far. He’s a confident scorer who needs to prove he can consistently run the offense as a pure point.
Josiah Johnson
Size: 6’3″, 185 lbs.
School: Mayfair (Lakewood, CA)
Johnson has elite size for the position. His versatility gives his team a valuable asset by allowing him to play on or off the ball. He’s a capable shooter but truly excels in the mid-range and getting to the basket using his strength.
Carlos Medlock Jr.
Size: 5’11”, 165 lbs.
School: Link Academy (Branson, MO)
Medlock is a quick-witted, pure playmaker. He has the kind of court vision that makes everyone around him better, which is a rare, elite trait. He’s small, but his vision and passing accuracy compensate for any lack of height.
Anthony Brown
Size: 6’1″, 160 lbs.
School: Archbishop Carroll (Washington, DC)
Brown is a lightning-quick guard who excels in transition. He constantly forces the pace and makes the defense uncomfortable. He needs to add weight, but his instincts and willingness to attack are top-tier.
What Comes Next
The battles for these top point guard recruits are only heating up. I predict we will see some surprising commitments early next year, as coaches scramble to solidify their backcourts before the next transfer portal cycle. The portal definitely impacts high school recruiting, but top-tier point guards are the exception. Their skill set is too critical to pass up.
This video breaks down Taylen Kinney’s commitment to Kansas, which sets the early standard for the 2026 point guard class.
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FAQs
Q: Who is the top point guard recruit in the 2026 class?
A: Taylen Kinney sits at the top of this list and already has the early spotlight after his Kansas commitment.
Q: Why are point guards so important for title teams?
A: They control tempo, organize half court offense, and steady a team in tight March games.
Q: Which 2026 point guard has the most size upside?
A: Dylan Mingo stands out as a big lead guard who can see over defenses and guard multiple spots.
Q: Has the transfer portal changed high school recruiting?
A: Yes. It adds pressure to win faster, but elite high school point guards still stay a priority.
Q: When will more 2026 commitments happen?
A: Expect more movement soon as coaches try to lock in backcourt leaders before the next roster shuffle.
