University of North Carolina Athletics
Caleb Wilson
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Wilson Named To Karl Malone Award Watch List
October 30, 2025 | Men's Basketball
University of North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is one of 20 players nationally named to the preseason watch list for the Karl Malone Award, the Naismith Hall of Fame announced on Thursday afternoon.
The annual Karl Malone Award, named after the Class of 2010 Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, celebrates its 12th year by recognizing the top power forwards in Division I men's college basketball.
2025-26 Malone Award Preseason Candidates
Koa Peat, Arizona
Keyshawn Hall, Auburn
Michael Rataj, Bayor
Cameron Boozer, Duke
Thomas Haugh, Florida
Baye Ndongo, Georgia Tech
Graham Ike, Gonzaga
Joseph Tugler, Houston
Alvaro Folgueiras, Iowa
Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
Malik Reneau, Miami
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
Nick Martinelli, Northwestern
Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
Bryce Hopkins, St. John's
Donnie Freeman, Syracuse
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
The annual Karl Malone Award, named after the Class of 2010 Hall of Famer and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player, celebrates its 12th year by recognizing the top power forwards in Division I men's college basketball.
Fans can support their favorite player by participating in fan voting starting Friday, October 31. In late January, the watch list of 20 players for the 2026 Karl Malone Award will be narrowed to 10, and then in late February, to just five. In March, the five finalists will be presented to Malone and the Hall of Fame's selection committees, where winners will be selected.
All eyes on 8⃣ #MaloneAward pic.twitter.com/qT2snzZuc5
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) October 30, 2025
2025-26 Malone Award Preseason Candidates
Koa Peat, Arizona
Keyshawn Hall, Auburn
Michael Rataj, Bayor
Cameron Boozer, Duke
Thomas Haugh, Florida
Baye Ndongo, Georgia Tech
Graham Ike, Gonzaga
Joseph Tugler, Houston
Alvaro Folgueiras, Iowa
Joshua Jefferson, Iowa State
Malik Reneau, Miami
Caleb Wilson, North Carolina
Nick Martinelli, Northwestern
Trey Kaufman-Renn, Purdue
Bryce Hopkins, St. John's
Donnie Freeman, Syracuse
JT Toppin, Texas Tech
*Players can play their way onto and off the list at any point in the 2025-26 season.
Players Mentioned
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