Karl Malone Award Watch List (2025-26)

The following post features this year’s selections to the Karl Malone Award Watch List (2025-26).

Honoring the best at the position, the Karl Malone Award Watch List names the top power forwards heading into the 2025–26 men’s college basketball season.

Read: Julius Erving Award Watch List (Best SFs)

Related: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Watch List (Best Centers)

Some college basketball teams have an NBA-level PF capable of singlehandedly dominating the game. These are the PFs you need to know about when betting on college basketball.

So, who are the best PFs in 2025-26? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

Johni Broome’s 2024-25 season was a display of old-school post dominance that drove Auburn’s historic run. The Auburn forward won the Karl Malone Award as the nation’s top power forward after leading the SEC in rebounding (10.8 per game) and blocked shots (2.1 per game), while also averaging 18.6 points. Broome was a Consensus First-Team All-American and the SEC Player of the Year, becoming the first player in Auburn history to claim the Malone Award. His defensive versatility and relentless interior presence propelled the Tigers to the SEC regular-season championship and just the second Final Four berth in school history, cementing his status as one of only four players in NCAA history to amass 2,500 points and 1,500 rebounds.

How the Award Works

Throughout the season, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame selection committee assesses the performance of the power forwards on the preseason watchlist. At mid-season, the committee narrows the candidates down to a smaller group of semifinalists before selecting the five finalists. The winner is chosen by a selection committee consisting of a mixture of media members and former Karl Malone Award winners.

Karl Malone Award Watch List (2025-26)

Below is a table displaying the players on the Karl Malone Award Watch List (2025-26). Click here for the official Karl Malone Award Watch List.

Player Spotlights

Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue Boilermakers)

Kaufman-Renn enters his senior season as a hyper-efficient, high-volume scorer who is poised to take the final step to a national award. His case is built on unprecedented statistical efficiency: as a junior, he was one of only four players this century to average at least 18.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting over 60% from the floor, despite being overlooked for the previous year’s finalists. With a greater overall role in the offense this season, his primary goal is to leverage his polished post-game and perimeter skills to elevate Purdue’s frontcourt. If Kaufman-Renn can maintain his phenomenal scoring efficiency against the rugged Big Ten and anchor the interior for a top-ranked team, he has the profile to win the award.

Alex Karaban (UConn Huskies)

Karaban is the decorated veteran in the race, looking to cap off a historic college career with an individual award. His case is built on his status as a two-time NCAA Champion starter and a cornerstone of Dan Hurley’s winning culture. Karaban is a versatile and high-IQ power forward who offers elite spacing and defense, averaging 14.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 blocks while leading the team in minutes played last season. His primary goal is to become the clear leader for the Huskies’ third-straight national title bid, and if Karaban can increase his scoring while maintaining his high-level three-point efficiency and defensive impact, his proven success in big moments makes him a leading contender.

Graham Ike (Gonzaga Bulldogs)

Ike is positioned as the dominant, high-usage big man of the West Coast. His case is built on his elite offensive rating and interior scoring prowess. The senior forward consistently asserted himself in the paint last season, finishing third nationally in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting over 60% from the field. He hit the 20-point mark 11 times and led the Bulldogs in scoring and rebounding. If Ike can maintain his scoring assertiveness, post consistent double-doubles, and continue to shoot at an elite percentage while leading Gonzaga to a high seed, his sheer offensive efficiency will be hard to match.

Nick Martinelli (Northwestern Wildcats)

Martinelli is the dark-horse breakout candidate, looking to transition his high-level production into national recognition in the Big Ten. His case is built on his efficient and versatile scoring from a season ago, where he was one of the league’s most effective players, averaging 18.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. His pathway to the award is through commanding the offensive attention on a mid-to-high-level Big Ten team. If Martinelli can increase his assist numbers, prove his shooting range is consistent, and carry Northwestern into the thick of the Big Ten title race, his status as the primary offensive engine for a surprising team gives him a compelling narrative.

JT Toppin (Texas Tech Red Raiders)

Toppin is the high-motor transfer ready for the bright lights of the Big 12. His case is built on freshman-year dominance that earned him the Mountain West Freshman of the Year award, and he was also a finalist for the Malone Award last season. The sophomore brings exceptional rebounding and rim protection to the Red Raiders, averaging 12.4 points and 9.1 rebounds per game with 12 double-doubles in his rookie season. His move to a top-tier Big 12 program maximizes his visibility. If Toppin can maintain his elite rebounding and interior efficiency, become the defensive anchor, and lead a competitive Texas Tech team to a high national ranking, his immediate impact in a major conference will solidify his candidacy.

Karl Malone Award Winners (2015 – Present)

The table below highlights every Karl Malone Award winner since 2015.

Conclusion

In conclusion, identifying the top power forwards is smart when betting on college basketball. Keeping tabs on the best PFs (and their teams) helps you stay on the winning side.