LOS ANGELES, CA (Saturday, March 7, 2026) – The Los Angeles Athletic Club today announced the 15 student athletes on the 2026 Men’s National Ballot for the John R. Wooden Award® presented by Principal®. The ballot recognizes candidates for the Wooden Award All America Team and the Wooden Award Trophy, honoring the Most Outstanding College Basketball Player in the United States.
A Diverse Field of Candidates
This year’s ballot includes players from 14 different universities, with Texas Tech having multiple representatives. The group is comprised of two graduate students, two seniors, two juniors, three sophomores – including one redshirt sophomore – and six freshmen.
To be eligible for consideration, candidates must meet standards established by Coach Wooden, including maintaining at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and demonstrating progress toward graduation. Universities certify that candidates as well contribute significantly to their team’s success, excel offensively and defensively, demonstrate strength of character, and perform consistently throughout the season.
Voting and Announcement Schedule
Voting for the 2026 John R. Wooden Award® All America Team presented by Principal® will initiate on March 16 at 6:00 AM ET and conclude on March 28 at 11:59 PM ET. Voters will consider each candidate’s performance throughout the season, including the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
The Men’s and Women’s All America Teams and the Top Five finalists for the Wooden Award Trophy will be revealed on Saturday, April 4 during the Men’s Final Four on ESPN. The celebration will culminate on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, where the 2026 John R. Wooden Award® presented by Principal® will be announced live on ESPNU at 9:00 PM EST. Matt Painter of Purdue will also be recognized as the 2026 Legends of Coaching Award recipient.
The John R. Wooden Award Foundation (JRWAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting teamwork, academic excellence, and character development. The JRWAF independently funds educational, athletic, and philanthropic initiatives.
2026 Men’s National Ballot
Name – School – Class- Position – Height
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Wooden Award recognize?
The Wooden Award recognizes the Most Outstanding College Basketball Player in the United States, as well as honoring the Wooden Award All-America Teams for men and women and the Legends of Coaching recipient.
What qualifications must candidates meet?
Candidates must be full-time students at an accredited NCAA college or university, making progress toward graduation with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and demonstrate success on and off the court.
When will the Wooden Award winners be announced?
The Men’s and Women’s All America Teams and Top Five finalists will be announced on Saturday, April 4, and the 2026 John R. Wooden Award® presented by Principal® will be announced on Friday, April 10, 2026.
As the selection process unfolds, will these athletes’ performances in the NCAA Tournament significantly influence the outcome of the voting?
