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It’s that time of the year. All these season previews, conference previews, year-outlooks, etc.
Well, there are a bunch of talented players among the mid-major ranks. The following players enter the 2025-26 season with super high expectations.
So, we want to know who you think will be the top mid-major player this season?
Mason Falslev, Utah State
Falslev was a catalyst for the Aggies last season. He had a stellar year with 15 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.3 steals a game. All of marks ranked top 10 in the Mountain West as he was 10th in scoring, seventh in rebounding, ninth in assists and first in steals. He shot 50% from the field, good for fourth in the conference.
USU went 28-6 last year and rolled to a 15-5 record in the Mountain West. The Aggies knocked off Saint Mary’s and Iowa in non-conference play.
Miles Byrd, San Diego State
Byrd was a stud for the Aztecs in 2024-25. He ranked top 10 in the Mountain West in steals, free throw percentage and blocks. The MW preseason player of the year averaged 12.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 83% from the line.
SDSU notched another 20-win season with a 21-10 overall record and 14-6 conference mark. The Aztecs had a bunch of marquee non-conference wins over Houston, UC San Diego, Creighton and Cal.
Aidan Mahaney, UC Santa Barbara
Mahaney is back in mid-major basketball. The former Saint Mary’s star is now with UC Santa Barbara after playing for UConn. The two-time All-WCC first team selection took the world by fire with the Gaels. He averaged 13.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game over his two seasons in Moraga. He shot 37.5% from deep. We all remember his explosions against Gonzaga.
He joins a UCSB program that has gone dancing twice in the last five years and has won 20 games in six of the last eight campaigns.
Townsend has been a big part of the Bulldogs’ success. He was a first-team All-Ivy selection last season as he tallied 15.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. The forward shot 52.9% from the field.
Yale is looking for its third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament this season and has won at least 19 games in six straight years.
Lundblade is a massive threat from long range. The Dallas native led the nation in 3-point shooting last year at 48% as he made a program-record 104 trifectas. He poured in 12.4 points and two boards a game. His career has taken off with Bruins after averaging less than a point a game during his two years at TCU.
Casey Alexander’s squad continued its success as it reached the 20-win plateau for a 15th consecutive season last year.
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