In the wake of a new ruling that grants players from the high school class of 2022 a fifth year of collegiate eligibility, there a handful of 2026 NBA draftees who could return to college basketball. There are five players who were selected in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft that are now eligible to return to the NCAA for a fifth season.

Dillon Mitchell (drafted 40th by the Boston Celtics) and Tyler Nickel (drafted 47th by the New York Knicks) are both known to be exploring returning to college basketball. It's unknown if Richie Saunders (drafted 32nd by the Memphis Grizzlies and currently rehabbing a torn ACL) or Lajae Jones (drafted 54th by the Golden State Warriors) will pursue returning for another year in the NCAA.

Braden Smith (drafted 38th by the Indiana Pacers) has ruled out returning to Purdue, where he set the NCAA's career assists record. Smith remains hopeful of landing a standard contract with the Pacers. Indiana does have an open standard roster spot, but is working with just $2.2 million in wiggle room under their first-apron hard cap.

The NCAA has ruled that any player who signs an NBA contract, including a two-way deal, will not be cleared to play in college next season. NBA teams would continue to hold the draft rights for these players, should they return for another season in the NCAA. The five players cited above are the only five draftees from NCAA schools that have yet to sign an NBA contract.