The Verdict Is In!

Kyrie Irving is NEXT ... for so many reasons. He's got the skills (41 points against the Knicks!). He's got the charisma (hello Uncle Drew). And now, he's got the Mag's ultimate approval. Pablo S. Torre »

  • NEXT 2013Kyrie Irving

  • MMA's FutureThe Black Widow

  • Peyton Who?Andrew Luck

  • espnW HeadlinersSloane Stephens

  • NEXT NomineesNEXT 2013

NEXT 2013

  • Mark McMorris
    NEXT in snowboarding
  • Mikaela Shiffrin
    NEXT in skiing
  • Lexi Thompson
    NEXT in golf
  • Saul Alvarez
    NEXT in boxing
  • Corey LaJoie
    NEXT in racing
  • Nail Yakupov
    NEXT in hockey
  • Oscar
    NEXT in soccer
  • Sloane Stephens
    NEXT in tennis

ROOKIE STAR POWER

  • Pass or fail
    Coaches risk their seasons on young QBs.
  • Stopping RG III
    You can't. So Haloti Ngata just goes after him.

THE BLACK WIDOW

espnW HEADLINERS

  • Sloane Stephens
    Why Sloane Stephens is enjoying being the new it girl of American women's tennis. Story
Mag Image

Every year since 1998, ESPN The Magazine has recognized an elite group of emerging athletes to watch in the year ahead -- athletes we call NEXT. They are competitors not only on the cusp of stardom, but on the verge of transcending their sports. NEXT is what happens when the hype is real.

FROM THE VAULT

• PAST WINNERS   • COVER GALLERY Photo Gallery

MORE FROM THE MAGAZINE

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COVER JINX

  • Next or bust?
    It was beginner's luck at The Mag in 1998, when the inaugural issue correctly picked the NEXT big stars. But did the streak continue? Find out where NEXT cover athletes are now in "The Mag Daily" on our iPad app. Download the app »

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