Thomas Haugh, a senior forward for the Florida Gators, has cemented his place as the leading candidate for the 2026‑27 National Player of the Year award after deciding to remain in college rather than enter the NBA draft.
Why Coaches Are Betting on Haugh
A recent CBS Sports survey of college coaches placed Haugh at the top, garnering 43 percent of the votes, while Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr. followed with 15 percent and Vanderbilt’s Tyler Tanner collected 14 percent.
What distinguishes Haugh is his rare blend of scoring, rebounding, defensive versatility and high‑IQ playmaking, allowing him to influence the game in multiple ways.
The Gators, currently ranked No. 1 in the CBS Top 25, built on a 2025 national championship and a core that retained most of its talent after an upset loss to Iowa, giving Haugh a strong platform to lead the team.
His decision to stay in college has turned him into one of the most recognizable names in the sport as the 2026‑27 season approaches, making him the first non‑freshman to win the award since Zach Edey in 2024.