2026 Wooden Award: Men’s National Ballot Announced – Top College Basketball Players
LOS ANGELES, CA (Saturday, March 7, 2026) – The Los Angeles Athletic Club today announced the 15-member national ballot for the 2026 John R. Wooden Award®, recognizing the most outstanding college basketball player in the United States. The ballot, selected by the Wooden Award National Advisory Board, includes players vying for both the Wooden Award All America Team and the coveted Wooden Award Trophy.
This year’s ballot features a diverse group of student-athletes, encompassing two graduate students, two seniors, two juniors, three sophomores – including one redshirt sophomore – and six freshmen. Notably, Texas Tech is the only university with two players represented: Christian Anderson and JT Toppin.
All candidates have been certified by their universities as meeting the qualifications established by Coach John Wooden, emphasizing academic commitment and on-court excellence. These qualifications include full-time student status at an accredited NCAA institution, a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00, significant contribution to their team’s success, demonstrated skill in both offensive and defensive play, consistent performance throughout the season, and a display of strong character both on and off the court.
Voting for the 2026 John R. Wooden Award® All America Team presented by Principal® will open on March 16 at 6:00 AM ET and conclude on March 28 at 11:59 PM ET. Voters will assess each candidate’s complete season performance, including their contributions during the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament, to determine the most outstanding players in college basketball.
The Wooden Award Men’s and Women’s All America Teams, along with the Top Five finalists for both the Men’s and Women’s Wooden Award Trophy, will be revealed on Saturday, April 4 during the Men’s Final Four on ESPN. This announcement will build anticipation for the sport’s most prestigious individual honor.
The celebration will culminate on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Los Angeles Athletic Club. The 2026 John R. Wooden Award® presented by Principal® will be announced live at 9:00 PM EST during a nationally televised broadcast on ESPNU. The event will also honor Matt Painter of Purdue with the 2026 Legends of Coaching Award, marking a historic fiftieth anniversary celebration of excellence in college basketball.
Created in 1976, the John R. Wooden Award Program recognizes the most outstanding players in men’s and women’s college basketball, as well as honoring coaching legends. Past winners include basketball icons such as Larry Bird (1979), Michael Jordan (1984), Tim Duncan (1997), Kevin Durant (2007), Candace Parker (2007 & 2008), Maya Moore (2009 & 2011), Chiney Ogwumike (2014), Juju Watkins of USC and Cooper Flagg of Duke (2025).
The John R. Wooden Award has contributed nearly one million dollars to university scholarship funds and nonprofit organizations in the names of its All-American recipients. It has also provided over 1,000 underprivileged children with opportunities to attend week-long college basketball camps. The program also partners with Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) to host an annual basketball tournament, bringing together athletes, All-Americans, and coaches at the Los Angeles Athletic Club.
The John R. Wooden Award Foundation (JRWAF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to promoting teamwork, academic excellence, and character development, reflecting the enduring values of Coach John R. Wooden. The foundation operates independently, guiding funding for educational, athletic, and philanthropic initiatives.
John R. Wooden Award® 2025-26 Men’s National Ballot
- Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas – Freshman – G – 6-3
- Christian Anderson – Texas Tech – Sophomore – G – 6-3
- Cameron Boozer – Duke – Freshman – F – 6-9
- AJ Dybansta – BYU – Freshman – F – 6-9
- Jeremy Fears Jr. – Michigan State – Redshirt Sophomore – G – 6-2
- Kingston Flemings – Houston – Freshman – G – 6-4
- Thomas Haugh – Florida – Junior – F – 6-9
- Graham Ike – Gonzaga – Grad Student – F – 6-9
- Joshua Jefferson – Iowa State – Senior – F – 6-9
- Yaxel Lendeborg – Michigan – Grad Student – F – 6-9
- Labaron Philon Jr. – Alabama – Sophomore – G – 6-4
- Braden Smith – Purdue – Senior – G – 6-0
- JT Toppin – Texas Tech – Junior – F – 6-9
- Keaton Wagler – Illinois – Freshman – G – 6-6
- Caleb Wilson – North Carolina – Freshman – F – 6-10