March Madness: The Best Power Forwards in College Basketball
- Joel Piton
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
March Madness makes or breaks your reputation—and this year, frontcourt talent is hard to ignore. The number of talented power forwards across the country has flooded mock drafts and the 2026 NBA Draft is shaping up to feature an influx of forward-wing hybrids projected to land in the lottery, and the depth at the position is noticeable. Many of the names on this list are carrying their programs and proving they can thrive under pressure. In a college landscape that increasingly values versatility, length, and defense, the modern power forward has become one of the most intriguing archetypes in the sport and this class embodies that evolution.
For fans, scouts, and executives alike, it's time to lock in. March Madness tests you in ways the regular season can't. So as the bracket approaches and the spotlight intensifies, here are the top 10 power forwards in college basketball, a.k.a. the names you’ll want to remember as we get to June.
Cameron Boozer — Duke (Fr.)
Height: 6'9"
Age: 18
Player Comp: Paolo Banchero
Draft Projection: Top 3
2025-26 Stats: 22.7 PPG - 10.1 RPG - 4.0 APG - 58.3 FG%
Son of NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, Cameron is a completely different player entirely. A double-double nightmare who can back anyone down in the post, pull up from beyond the arc or midrange, and has a sneaky vertical. The next in a line of versatile, lengthy wings following Cooper Flagg, Boozer might have equal hype. The criticism lies in his use of size advantage, with some analysts wanting to see him play physical against better NBA-level comp. If Boozer wants his game to translate to the pros, he likely will spend more time in the weight room but that doesn't take away the rest of his game. Duke is making history yet again with a 27-2 record and they look poised to make a major run this month.
Caleb Wilson — North Carolina (Fr.)
Age: 19
Height: 6'10"
Player Comp: Jermaine O'Neal
Draft Projection: Top 10
2025-26 Stats: 19.8 PPG · 9.4 RPG · 2.7 APG · 57.8% FG
A 6’10” double-double machine with a polished and versatile post game, Caleb Wilson has quickly established himself as a projected Top 10 selection in the 2026 draft. Every NBA team covets mobile, hyper-athletic forwards who can score inside, defend multiple actions, and thrive in transition—and Wilson checks those boxes early in his career. He disrupts passing lanes with quick hands, finishes above the rim with authority, and turns lob opportunities into routine highlights.
Beyond the athleticism, Wilson has been the steady engine for a stacked North Carolina squad, leading the team in both scoring and rebounding as a freshman. Encouragingly, his passing has shown real growth as well. The only current concern is a lingering hand injury that could sideline him for March Madness. North Carolina remains dangerous, but they operate at a different level when Wilson is fully healthy. If he plays, the Tar Heels could climb to the top.
Morez Johnson Jr. — Michigan (So.)
Age: 20
Height: 6'9"
Player Comp: Montrezl Harrell
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
2025-26 Stats: 13.4 PPG · 7.4 RPG · 1.2 APG · 65.2% FG
Morez Johnson Jr. has quickly become one of the most imposing forwards in the Big Ten. Serving as a cornerstone for a 27–2 squad, Johnson blends rim-running athleticism with defensive versatility in a way that translates cleanly to the next level.
Offensively, he’s been remarkably efficient—shooting over 65% from the field, ranking among the top 10 in NCAA leaders, while also stretching the floor at roughly 37% from three. I think Johnson could average way more, since he's surrounded by high-volume scorers like Tre White, Roddy Gayle Jr., Lendeborg, and other offensive weapons, but Johnson continues to produce at a high level without disrupting team flow.
Defensively, his value may be even greater. Johnson moves well enough to switch onto guards while still protecting the paint, giving him legitimate multi-positional upside at the NBA level. If this is the current version of Johnson, there’s strong reason to believe his offensive ceiling hasn’t been fully tapped yet, which makes him one of the more intriguing power forwards in this upcoming draft class.
Yaxel Lendeborg — Michigan (Sr.)
Age: 23
Height: 6'9"
Player Comp: Kyshawn George
Draft Projection: 1st Round
2025-26 Stats: 11.0 PPG · 3.4 RPG · 3.8 APG · 47.3% FG
Capable of sliding between both forward spots, Yaxel Lendeborg has developed into one of the more complete offensive forwards in college basketball. His rise from unknown prospect at UAB to a projected Top 20 draft candidate is a testament to how much a full collegiate career can refine a player. Lendeborg is a true three-level scorer. While he isn’t shy about taking perimeter shots, his mid-range game is arguably his most reliable weapon. At 6’9”, he’s also an aggressive finisher who can overpower smaller wings, making him a tough matchup at the small forward spot. His versatility offensively, paired with positional flexibility, gives him real interest as a modern forward prospect. With March approaching, Lendeborg has a legitimate opportunity to elevate his stock even further. A strong tournament run could push him firmly into the lottery conversation.
Thomas Haugh — Florida (Jr.)
Age: 20
Height: 6'9"
Player Comp: Chandler Parsons
Draft Projection: 1st Round
2025-26 Stats: 16.9 PPG · 6.0 RPG · 2.0 APG · 46.5% FG
Fresh off a national title run, Thomas Haugh has taken a significant leap this season, emerging as the centerpiece of Florida’s frontcourt. After a limited role last year where he started just five of 41 games—Haugh has transformed into a reliable offensive weapon, averaging 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists while helping guide the Gators to the top of the SEC standings at 23–6. Operating as a modern stretch four, Haugh’s shooting mechanics stand out immediately.
His release is smooth, repeatable, and NBA-ready, allowing him to consistently space the floor and punish defenses that sag. With three full collegiate seasons under his belt, his comfort level and decision-making reflects a player who understands how to operate on a collegiate team closest to the NBA. Draft boards currently project him as a first round pick if he declares, though another season could further solidify his stock. Either way, Haugh’s leap has firmly placed him on the NBA radar.
Koa Peat — Arizona (Fr.)
Age: 19
Height: 6'8"
Player Comp: Rui Hachimura
Draft Projection: 1st Round
2025-26 Stats: 13.8 PPG · 5.4 RPG · 2.6 APG · 54.2% FG
Koa Peat has been on my radar since high school, he's achieved international success as well with multiple gold medal performances in FIBA competition. This season, he’s translating his promise into high-level production at Arizona. A projected first-round pick, Peat is averaging roughly 14 points and 5 rebounds while helping guide the Wildcats to a 27–2 record and the top spot in the Big 12. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet. Peat brings physicality, speed, and offensive versatility to the power forward spot.
Like other elite forwards in his class, he uses his frame to attack downhill and finish through contact, but what separates Peat is his feel for the game. His decision-making, timing, and ability to read defenses reflect advanced basketball IQ that often translates to the NBA level. With Arizona positioned for a deep March run, Peat has another opportunity to elevate his draft stock. If the stage gets bigger, expect him to step up to the plate.
Jayden Quaintance — Kentucky (So.)
Age: 18
Height: 6'10"
Player Comp: Robert Williams III
Draft Projection: Top 15
2025-26 Stats: 5.0 PPG · 5.0 RPG · .5 APG · 57.1% FG
There's a good chance we don't see Jayden play another game this season, but I have to put him here simply because he's too talented. Don't let the stat sheet fool you. The length (7'0" wingspan), defensive timing and offensive capabilities are pushing for a short-term project with immediate NBA upside. With a Jaren Jackson Jr. player comparison mixed with a little bit of Bam Adebayo, Quaintance swats shots with ease and has a flowing mid-range jumper. An ACL tear is never easy to bounce back from, but I think he'll come back even stronger.
Joshua Jefferson — Iowa State (Sr.)
Age: 22
Height: 6'9"
Player Comp: Pascal Siakam
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
2025-26 Stats: 16.6 PPG · 7.5 RPG · 5.2 APG · 47.7% FG
Joshua Jefferson’s rise through the college ranks has been steady and well-earned. At 6’9” with a strong frame and natural feel for the game, Jefferson has become one of the most versatile forwards in the country, anchoring an Iowa State team that sits at 24–5. The Cyclones lean on him to do a little bit of everything—score, rebound, facilitate, defend, and lead. Averaging a team-high five assists per game, Jefferson stands out as the most prolific playmaker among the forwards on this list, even stringing together back-to-back triple-doubles in January. His usage rate is high and he consistently creates team advantages without forcing it. Jefferson’s two-way versatility and basketball IQ make him an intriguing prospect. While Iowa State’s championship ceiling may be unlikely, Jefferson’s ability to impact games in multiple areas will make Iowa State compelling to watch.
Zuby Ejiofor — St. John's (Sr.)
Age: 21
Height: 6'9"
Player Comp: Jarace Walker
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
2025-26 Stats: 15.6 PPG · 7.1 RPG · 3.4 APG · 53.1% FG
Zuby Ejiofor may be one of the more overlooked names in this draft class. The Kansas transfer and reigning Big East Most Improved Player has quietly become the backbone of a St. John’s team sitting at 23–6 after losing multiple NBA-caliber contributors.
At 6’9”, Ejiofor has been slotted as an undersized center at times, and what he lacks in height, he compensates for with strength, physicality, and length. He’s powerful on the interior, difficult to dislodge in the paint, and uses his wingspan effectively to contest shots and clean the glass. His athletic profile isn’t flashy, but he brings functional vertical pop and solid lateral mobility. If St. John’s is going to make a serious run, Ejiofor’s interior defense will be central. And if he continues to anchor both ends, he could be a slept on draft steal by summer.
Alex Karaban — UConn (Sr.)
Age: 23
Height: 6'8"
Player Comp: Georges Niang
Draft Projection: 2nd Round
2025-26 Stats: 13.0 PPG · 5.3 RPG · 2.2 APG · 47.9% FG
With two NCAA championships already on his resume and chasing a third, Alex Karaban is arguably the most accomplished player in this group. The UConn senior has served as a foundational piece in the Huskies’ frontcourt for three seasons, and this year, he’s fully embraced the spotlight. A natural sharpshooter capable of playing either forward position, Karaban has evolved beyond a simple pick-and-pop shooter. His offensive game has expanded, and his defensive presence has steadily improved each season.
The most translatable NBA skill he offers is unquestionably his shooting, but there’s more to his game than perimeter touch. After Donovan Clingan’s departure, Karaban elevated his defensive impact, averaging around 1.5 blocks last season and showing stronger weak-side instincts and interior timing. UConn’s 27–3 record reflects both team depth and Karaban’s growth into a true primary option.
Now firmly positioned as “the guy” for the Huskies, Karaban has the experience, confidence, and stage to further solidify his draft stock.
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As March Madness tips off and the spotlight gets brighter, this is where the draft boards really begin to take shape. Some of these power forwards will solidify their stock. Smaller names will introduce themselves to a national audience with one breakout performance: that's what we love about it.
So now it’s your turn.
Which of these names do you believe is a lock to make it at the NBA level? Who has the skillset that translates beyond college systems and into long-term NBA success? And when the bracket locks in, who are you rooting for to make a deep tournament run? Let us know who you’re betting on—both for draft night and for March.
Get ready for it, NCAA March Madness tips off Sunday, March 15th at 1 PM (ET) 🚨 Can't keep up with the games? Be sure to stay tuned into Sportz Nation for your sports updates on all things basketball.
Thanks for reading!
-Joel Piton
(@jpiton7)
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