The end of the regular season is seeing its share of season ending injuries to stars, but there are plenty more injury statuses to keep an eye on. Here are some injuries for you to monitor before filling out your bracket for March Madness 2026. Even if these players have returned, its worth noting how they and their team have performed in the closing month of the season before the Madness begins.
BYU’s Richie Saunders Ruled Out for Season with ACL Tear
The headline of an injury-plagued week in college basketball was the sad news about BYU sharpshooter Richie Saunders suffering a season-ending ACL injury, ending his Cougars career in heartbreaking fashion. Saunders was a veteran leader for the Cougars, averaging around 18.8 points per game while shooting nearly 49% from the field and about 37.6% from three this season. His absence will be felt both on the scoreboard and in the locker room, as Saunders’ ability to space the floor and provide veteran stability made BYU a consistent threat in Big 12 play heading toward March.
UNC’s Caleb Wilson Out With Broken Hand, Veesaar Now Added to Injury Report
UNC star Caleb Wilson suffered a broken hand this past week, but has shared on social media how he looks forward to playing again at Chapel Hill. Because Wilson is a no-doubt NBA lottery pick, many people are speculating that he’ll never return to a UNC powder blue uniform again. Adding to the concern, 7 footer Henri Veesaar is now listed on the UNC injury report with an undisclosed injury, giving the Tar Heels yet another personnel question as the postseason approaches.
Illinois Injury Shuffle: Boswell Returns, Stojakovic Now Sidelined
It’s one guard off the IL, one guard remaining on the IL for Illinois. After an extended absence from the lineup, Kylan Boswell returned to the lineup for a convincing win at home against Indiana, giving the Illini a much-needed jolt of experience and steadiness. However, Andrej Stojakovic has been now nursing an ankle injury of his own, and Illinois suddenly finds itself toggling between getting healthier and losing another key contributor.
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Gonzaga’s Braden Huff Injury Could Loom Larger Than Expected
Braden Huff was emerging as one of those classic Gonzaga program players who evolves from a skinny modest contributor to a major force down low. His verstality as a stretch 4 has been noticeably missing since his 4–8 week absence began a few weeks ago with a knee injury. However, as his timetable stalls and the postseason competition intensifies, this injury could become more consequential as the weeks go by.
Arizona’s Koa Peat Avoids Reported Injury List But Still Worth Monitoring
Despite missing the second half and second loss of the season at home for Arizona against Texas Tech, Koa Pete was not listed on the injury report on Monday morning (according to covers.com). The talented freshman is averaging about 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game this season and has already become one of Arizona’s most versatile pieces. Wildcats fans will still be watching closely, because even minor late-season injuries can carry major implications once March arrives.
Kansas Star Darren Paterson: Injury Mystery or Draft Countdown?
There’s been some confusion surrounding KU basketball star Darren Paterson’s status this season. Right now, it remains unclear whether he is doing college basketball part time before cashing in his NBA Lottery ticket, or whether he has a tangible injury that we should be monitoring. Kansas has not provided a fully transparent update, and that ambiguity has fueled speculation at the worst possible time of year.
Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance Remains Sidelined With Knee Injury
Jayden Quaintance has missed an extended stretch of games for Kentucky while dealing with a knee injury, and his status remains one of the most important health questions for the Wildcats entering the heart of the postseason. The former Arizona State transfer brings rare athleticism and size to Kentucky’s frontcourt, making his absence especially noticeable in matchups against bigger opponents. Reports in mid-February indicated that the length of the injury has also begun to impact outside perceptions of his season and availability. Until Quaintance is cleared to return, Kentucky’s rotation continues to operate without one of its most physically dynamic interior pieces.
Auburn’s Keyshawn Hall Remains Shrouded in Secrecy
Auburn’s Keyshawn Hall has an undisclosed injury, shrouded in secrecy and mystery. With minimal detail released by the program, analysts and opponents are left guessing what exactly is being managed behind the scenes as Auburn’s rotation tightens heading into March.
Vanderbilt’s Depth Tested as February Wears On
Vanderbilt’s backcourt and frontcourt have been thin in February and the Commodores record has suffered as a result. Duke Miles and Frankie Collins health statuses are worth monitoring, because Vanderbilt simply doesn’t have the margin for error that deeper SEC contenders enjoy down the stretch. Vanderbilt lost three straight games (Texas, Florida, Arkansas) in February while Frankie Collins was out of the lineup.
USC’s Engine: Chad Baker-Mazara Keeps the Trojans Going
At the heart of USC’s offense this season is Chad Baker-Mazara, the engine that makes the Trojans go. After transferring from Auburn, Baker-Mazara has emerged as USC’s most consistent offensive force, providing scoring, shot creation, and leadership in late-game moments. His ability to steady the Trojans’ attack has made him indispensable as USC navigates a competitive Big Ten slate.
Nebraska Monitoring Multiple Questionable Rotation Pieces
Nebraska has several rotation players currently appearing on the injury board, including forward Lawrence Curtis, forward Uros Jarusevicius, and forward Harv Burt, all listed as questionable with undisclosed issues. The most statistically meaningful absence, however, is guard CJ Essegian, who remains out with an ankle injury after providing one of Nebraska’s better perimeter scoring options earlier in the year. Essegian averaged roughly 10 points per game last season and has been a career 40 percent three-point shooter at the college level, making him the most proven offensive contributor among this group as Nebraska pushes toward March.
Teams Currently Carrying Completely Clean Injury Reports
Some of America’s top programs currently show completely free injury reports, giving them a major advantage as the season tightens:
- UCONN
- Florida
- Arkansas
- Wisconsin
- Virginia
- Louisville
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