The second position in our preview series is the traditional forward. Defining the role is more difficult than ever. The line between forwards and centers has blurred, and the rise of small-ball lineups makes building a list like this even trickier. Even so, these 15 players stand out as some of the most impactful and game-changing in the country, regardless of positional confusion.
1. JT Toppin | Texas Tech | Junior
Arguably the only player who can rival Braden Smith as the best in the nation, Toppin is an elite athlete who dominates both ends of the paint. His right-hand finishing is the lone blemish in an otherwise complete game.
2. Yaxel Lendeborg | Michigan | Senior
Lendeborg is a rare cheat code. His presence inside is undeniable, but what sets him apart is his transition ability. Running the floor and initiating offense in the open court, he looks more like a point guard than a forward.
3. AJ Dybantsa | BYU | Freshman
The top prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa blends size, athleticism, and versatility. He can score at all three levels, facilitate offense, and defend every spot on the floor. His ceiling is as high as anyone’s in college basketball.
4. Cameron Boozer | Duke | Freshman
Another projected top-three draft pick, Boozer is polished far beyond his years. He combines skill with maturity and already has a winning pedigree that makes him one of the most reliable young forwards in the game.
5. Darrion Williams | NC State | Senior
Williams is the definition of a 3-and-D wing. He thrives as a second option, doing the dirty work, playing with a nonstop motor, and providing defensive IQ. While he struggles as a lead shot creator, his value is unquestionable.
6. Trey Kaufman-Renn | Purdue | Senior
One half of the best two-man game in the country, Kaufman-Renn is a strong play finisher and elite screen setter. Though not a traditional big, Purdue has maximized his scoring instincts and unique role.
7. Nate Ament | Tennessee | Freshman
Ament is perhaps the most unusual player on this list. Smooth on the perimeter, he relies on a tight handle and advanced shooting touch. His lack of physicality is the only factor holding him back from immediate stardom.
8. JoJo Tugler | Houston | Junior
At 6-foot-8 with a staggering 7-foot-6 wingspan, Tugler is a defensive terror. He disrupts plays naturally, even without polish, and will be central to what could be the nation’s top defense.
9. Alex Karaban | UConn | Senior
Karaban thrives alongside elite guards, spacing the floor as a career 40 percent three-point shooter. While he lacks standout athletic traits, his IQ and game sense, honed over four years, make him indispensable.
10. Bryce Hopkins | St. John’s | Senior
Hopkins is a downhill force, overwhelming defenders with strength and surprising finesse. He exploits mismatches with ease and remains one of the toughest covers in the Big East.
11. Coen Carr | Michigan State | Junior
Carr is the most explosive athlete in the country. His dunking and rim finishing are unmatched, and while his skill level still lags behind, glimpses of playmaking growth suggest a more complete game is coming.
12. Joshua Jefferson | Iowa State | Senior
Jefferson is all about fundamentals. While not flashy, his natural feel, vision, and playmaking instincts make him invaluable. He does the little things that win games.
13. Mark Mitchell | Missouri | Senior
Mitchell is a rugged post scorer who draws fouls at a high rate. Defensively solid, his game could reach another level if his perimeter shot creation takes the next step.
14. Nick Martinelli | Northwestern | Senior
Martinelli is a reliable finisher who rarely misses around the rim. He led the Big Ten in scoring last year despite a shaky outside shot, and he is poised to do it again with Northwestern’s roster thinned out.
15. Thomas Haugh | Florida | Junior
The unsung hero of Florida’s title run, Haugh makes an undeniable impact every single game. A strong off-ball presence, he is expected to step into a bigger offensive role this season.
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