NCAA 2025/26 – Wooden Award Watch: Early Season Power Rankings

Overview of the Event

The John R. Wooden Award stands as college basketball’s most prestigious individual honor — presented annually to the nation’s most outstanding player in the men’s NCAA Division I ranks.
With the 2025/26 season approaching, the Wooden Award race is shaping into one of the deepest fields in recent years, featuring elite returning players, rising sophomores, and highly anticipated freshmen.

For bettors, this futures market hinges on:

• Consistency in high-level performance

• Team success and national ranking

• Media exposure and spotlight games

All three heavily influence midseason odds movement across sportsbooks.

Recent Winner & Context

In 2024/25, Zach Edey (Purdue) secured his second consecutive Wooden Award, solidifying his place among the most dominant players in college basketball history. His elite scoring and rebounding powered Purdue into another deep NCAA Tournament run.

Heading into 2025/26, analysts expect a transition toward versatile guards and hybrid forwards. Programs such as Purdue, Duke, Kansas, UConn, and North Carolina once again shape the upper tier of the futures market.

Best Sources:

• NCAA.com

• ESPN

• Sports Reference

Contenders to Watch

🔵 Braden Smith (Purdue)

• Senior guard and early frontrunner

• Averaged 15.8 PPG, 8.7 APG, 4.5 RPG, 2.2 SPG

• One of the nation’s most efficient playmakers

• Expected to lead a preseason top-10 Purdue squad

🟡 JT Toppin (Texas Tech)

• 6’9” forward with a strong two-way profile

• Posted 18.2 PPG and 9.4 RPG in 2024/25

• Reliable production, leadership role, high usage

🔴 AJ Dybantsa (BYU)

• Incoming freshman with elite scoring upside

• NBA-level physical tools

• If he adapts quickly, he rises fast on Wooden boards

🟣 Cameron Boozer (Duke)

• Skilled freshman forward with high IQ playmaking

• Immediate starter impact expected

• Duke spotlight boosts award visibility

🟢 Darryn Peterson (Kansas)

• Dynamic young guard and top-tier recruit

• Perfect system fit under Bill Self

• Major breakout candidate

Key Factors to Consider

Team Record

• Wooden winners almost always come from top-15 programs.

• Deep March potential boosts staying power.

Statistical Efficiency

• PER, shooting splits, usage balance, defensive metrics

• Voters favor efficient stars over high-volume scorers.

March Impact

• Conference tournaments and NCAA run can break ties.

• Late momentum matters.

Media Narrative

• Highlight plays, viral moments, national TV games

• Directly impact public and betting sentiment.

Leadership Role

• Returning starters and high-usage guards tend to outperform freshmen in voting.

Quick Summary

Event: NCAA 2025/26 — John R. Wooden Award Winner
Most Recent Winner: Zach Edey (Purdue)
Betting Focus: Team success, season-long consistency, efficiency metrics, storyline momentum
Best Sources: NCAA.com, ESPN, The Athletic, Sports Reference, Bleacher Report