“Can somebody tell me where Ian Jackson is?”: College hoops fans react as Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey & more lead latest top freshman list 

Bleacher Report's latest Freshman of the Year rankings dropped on Thursday via Instagram, with Duke star Cooper Flagg leading the way with Rutgers' top duo Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey close behind.

Fans were quick to comment their thoughts on the list, pointing out those players they believe are missing while some hyped up their favorite stars who did make the list.

Check out some of their reactions below:

"Can somebody tell me where Ian Jackson is?" one fan wrote.

"KASPARAS JAKUCIONIS," another commented.

No McNeeley is bad... look how bad UConn is without him smh", another fan said.

Screenshots via @br_hoops/Instagram

"No labarron philon is wild," one fan commented.

"lol still missing ian??" another wrote.

"Tre Johnson criminally underrated still," a fan added.

Screenshots via @br_hoops/Instagram

Cooper Flagg for National Player of the Year?

Cooper Flagg, Duke's 6-foot-9 freshman phenomenon, has quickly become a dominant force in college basketball. With his all-around skillset, Flagg has propelled Duke to an impressive 16-2 record and established himself as a leading contender for National Player of the Year honors.

Averaging 19.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.1 apg, 1.5 spg and 1.2 bpg, his contributions have been vital to the team’s success.

His impact extends beyond the standard box score, though. Advanced metrics, such as his 14.3 Box Plus/Minus (BPM), place him in elite company, alongside NCAA greats like Zion Williamson and Anthony Davis. His combination of versatility, defensive presence and high basketball IQ solidify him as a complete player.

As the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, Flagg is drawing comparisons to some of the best collegiate players in recent memory. However, he is not without competition.

Some analysts believe other standout performers deserve recognition. Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey, for instance, has garnered attention for his individual brilliance despite playing for a less successful team. NBC Sports analyst Vaughn Dalzell even suggested that Bailey might be “the best player in the country.”

Meanwhile, Villanova senior Eric Dixon has built a compelling case for NPOY consideration. Dixon leads the nation in scoring with 24.9 ppg and boasts an impressive 47% shooting from beyond the arc. His offensive efficiency and leadership have been bright spots for Villanova, even though their overall record doesn’t rival Duke’s.

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Who do you think will win National Player of the Year? Will it be Cooper Flagg or Ace Bailey? Do you think it should be someone else? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.