College basketball’s top power forwards list projects JT Toppin, Cameron Boozer and Trey Kaufman-Renn as season-impact players. Bettors should note these frontcourt stars can swing team win totals and player props: expect strong rebound and points-in-the-paint lines for Toppin and Boozer, and consider futures on Duke and Texas Tech. Use frontcourt-driven matchups to target over/under paint scoring and player rebound props early in season.
Power Forwards Rankings: Top 15 to Watch This Season
1. JT Toppin — Texas Tech
Toppin’s return to Texas Tech gives the Red Raiders a dependable double-double threat. At 6'9", he dominates the glass and produces efficiently without needing elaborate sets. Expect him to play more at the four while transfers help anchor the five. Teams facing Texas Tech should be prepared for heavy paint scoring and rebound pressure.
2. Cameron Boozer — Duke
Boozer has been a standout through his prep career and projects as a modern, multi-skilled big at Duke. He rebounds, finishes inside and is extending his range and playmaking. In a likely single-season stay, Boozer should post big per-game numbers and be a focal point of opponents’ scouting reports.
3. Trey Kaufman-Renn — Purdue
With Zach Edey gone, Kaufman-Renn exploded into a lead role, using footwork and face-up skill to exploit mismatches. His return keeps Purdue among national contenders and gives the Boilermakers a versatile offensive option in the frontcourt.
4. Yaxel Lendeborg — Michigan
The UAB transfer stuffed the stat sheet last season and arrives in Ann Arbor as a multi-dimensional forward who can score, rebound and facilitate. How much Michigan leans on him to initiate offense will shape both his draft stock and the team’s offensive identity.
5. Joshua Jefferson — Iowa State
Jefferson was a quietly impactful portal addition last year, providing scoring, rebounding and playmaking. A second season in the same program often yields jumps in production, making him a candidate for breakout impact on a Cyclones squad that needs reliable frontcourt offense.
6. Bryce Hopkins — St. John’s
Hopkins returns from ACL recovery and brings physicality and elite rebounding when healthy. He should slot into the Red Storm frontcourt as a go-to interior scorer and a dominant presence on the glass.
7. Alex Condon — Florida
Condon’s combination of toughness and perimeter skill fits the modern four-man mold. He’s an important piece for Florida’s system, capable of battling bigs inside and stretching defenses on the perimeter.
8. Alex Karaban — UConn
After a down efficiency year, Karaban could rebound with high-profile backcourt additions that should restore his role on a team aiming to return to national prominence. If he regains form, he’ll be a key two-way contributor.
9. Joseph Tugler — Houston
Tugler’s game is defense-first: an enormous 7'6" wingspan and elite mobility make him a rim deterrent and matchup nightmare. Expect his value to be measured more in stops than in box-score offense.
10. Thijs De Ridder — Virginia
The Belgian forward brings professional experience from the Spanish ACB and international play. De Ridder’s blend of toughness, versatility and feel could make him Virginia’s most consistent performer this season.
11. Koa Peat — Arizona
Slightly undersized but rugged, Peat thrives in isolation and high-low schemes. Arizona will lean on his scoring from the block and mid-post in many lineups.
12. Nick Martinelli — Northwestern
Martinelli’s scoring has jumped dramatically each season, and he returns as a senior aiming to lift the Wildcats to another NCAA appearance. His unorthodox finishing is effective and should keep him among the Big Ten’s top scorers.
13. Malik Dia — Ole Miss
Dia can stretch the floor, handle the ball and score inside, making him a difficult cover when consistent. If he hits his ceiling, he’ll be one of the SEC’s most versatile frontcourt threats.
14. Tyler Bilodeau — UCLA
Bilodeau provided a scoring lift and shot 40% from three in his first season at UCLA. His role alongside a top-tier point guard will determine how often he gets clean looks from deep.
15. Devin McGlockton — Vanderbilt
McGlockton’s offensive rebounding and rim efficiency were crucial to Vanderbilt’s success. The transfer’s ability to handle bigger SEC frontcourts will again be a major factor for the Commodores.
Honorable Mentions
Caleb Wilson (North Carolina), Braden Huff (Gonzaga), Keyshawn Hall (Auburn), Robbie Avila (Saint Louis), Michael Rataj (Baylor), Mo Dioubate (Kentucky), Mark Mitchell (Missouri), Paulius Murauskas (Saint Mary’s), Nick Davidson (Clemson), Malik Reneau (Miami)
What These Rankings Mean on the Court
Frontcourt talent shapes tempo, rebounding margins and interior defense. Teams with elite fours often control second-chance opportunities and paint scoring, forcing opponents to alter game plans around interior matchups. Several featured players are projected to be focal points in their offenses, which affects lineup construction and defensive scouting for opposing coaches.
Betting Implications and Market Angles
Team futures and win totals
Programs that add or retain high-impact power forwards often see measurable boosts to win totals and conference odds. Back teams with top-ranked fours in early-season markets before public attention inflates lines.
Player props: rebounds and points-in-the-paint
Players like Toppin and Boozer should have marketable rebound and paint-scoring props. Target early-season player rebound overs and points-in-the-paint markets against teams with weaker interior defense.
Matchup-based over/unders
Games featuring dominant frontcourt matchups are prime candidates for betting paint-scoring and total rebound markets. Use defensive metrics and opponent frontcourt depth to identify edges.
Bottom Line
This class of power forwards mixes proven veterans, high-upside transfers and elite freshmen. Their impact will be felt in rebounding margins, interior scoring and defensive presence. For bettors, monitor early-season usage, injury reports and matchup data to exploit player props and team futures tied to frontcourt influence.
Texas Tech’s double-double machine JT Toppin and Duke phenom Cameron Boozer headline college basketball’s deepest position group.
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