When Baba Oladotun was sitting atop the Class of 2027 rankings, it felt like only a matter of time before his name would be called as a McDonald’s All-American. The 6-foot-9 forward out of Silver Spring had all the tools-size, length, scoring upside-and the kind of national buzz that usually makes a selection feel like a formality. Even after reclassifying to the Class of 2026 and committing to Maryland, Oladotun remained firmly in the elite tier of high school hoops prospects.
But when the McDonald’s All-American rosters dropped Monday, his name was nowhere to be found. And this wasn’t a snub-it was a matter of eligibility. Oladotun hasn’t played a single game this season for Blake High School due to an ankle injury that’s kept him on the sidelines far longer than initially expected.
At first, the injury seemed minor-something to be cautious with, nothing more. But as the high school season has marched on without him, questions have started to mount.
There’s still no clear timetable for his return, and with each passing week, the likelihood of him suiting up during his senior year continues to shrink. That absence made him ineligible for McDonald’s All-American consideration, per the event’s selection criteria.
Still, Oladotun’s name came up in the conversation. National recruiting analyst Adam Finkelstein included him on a list of top players who didn’t make the cut, noting the significance of his absence.
“One of the biggest named absences in this year’s roster is Baba Oladotun, who is ineligible because he has missed the majority of his season with injury,” Finkelstein wrote. He also highlighted Oladotun’s unique profile-a long, athletic forward with scoring potential and a high ceiling.
The former No. 1 player in the Class of 2027, Oladotun now ranks No. 11 in the Class of 2026 and is set to join Buzz Williams at Maryland next season.
While Oladotun will have to watch the McDonald’s game from afar, Maryland fans still have reason to celebrate. On the women’s side, Sidwell Friends standout Jordyn Jackson earned her spot on the prestigious roster. The 6-foot-1 small forward is ranked No. 21 nationally in the Class of 2026 by 247Sports and committed to Maryland back in August.
For Jackson, the decision to stay close to home and play for Brenda Frese was about fit and development. “I just think they’re the perfect fit for me and I wanted to stay close to home,” she said. “I think Coach Brenda has done a really good job developing players in my position, and I believe she’ll help me achieve the goals I want to reach.”
So while one Terps signee is sidelined and watching from the wings, another is stepping into the spotlight-ready to represent Maryland on one of high school basketball’s biggest stages.