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Expectations are high for Miami's 5th-year forward Malik Reneau after return to college

Malik Reneau was named to the Karl Malone Award watch list.
ByPatrick Previty
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Jan 24, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Miami Hurricanes forward Malik Reneau (right) drives against Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Betsey (left) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
Jan 24, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Miami Hurricanes forward Malik Reneau (right) drives against Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Betsey (left) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Miami fifth-year forward Malik Reneau has been named one of 20 candidates for the 2027 Karl Malone Award.

The award, now in its 13th year, recognizes the top power forward in NCAA Division I men's basketball.

Reneau, a Miami native, returns for his second season with the Hurricanes after a 2025-26 campaign in which he earned All-ACC First Team honors. He started all 35 games, led the team in scoring at 18.9 points per game, and added 6.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 54% from the field.

Strong senior season from Reneau

Reneau transferred to Miami after three seasons at Indiana, where he earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition. In Coral Gables he immediately became the focal point of the offense under second-year coach Jai Lucas.

The 6-foot-9 forward scored at least 20 points in 18 contests and recorded nine double-doubles (six of them with 20 or more points). He posted a season-high 28 points in a victory over Pitt and added 23 points with a season-high 12 rebounds in a win at Florida State. Other notable outings included 26 points at NC State and 24 points both in an ACC Tournament win over Louisville and an NCAA Tournament win over Missouri.

Return from the NBA

After going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, Reneau signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Orlando Magic and appeared in two games during the Las Vegas Summer League. He averaged 9.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in those outings, including a 19-point performance (6-of-7 from the field, 3-of-3 from three) in Orlando's finale against the Celtics.

He later joined a group of Class of 2022 players in a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking an additional year of eligibility under the organization's updated five-year window. An injunction restored that eligibility, allowing Reneau to return to Miami for the 2026-27 season.

Earlier this month Reneau earned Preseason All-ACC Second Team honors as Miami was picked to finish fourth in the conference preseason poll.

Signature Games from Reneau in 2025-26

  • 2025 vs Pitt (W 76-69): 28 points (8/13 FG, 10/10 FT), 8 rebounds
  • 2026 at Florida State (W 83-73): 23 points, 12 rebounds
  • 2026 at NC State (W 77-76): 26 points
  • 2026 vs Louisville (ACC Tournament, W): 24 points
  • 2026 vs Missouri (NCAA Tournament, W): 24 points
  • 2025 vs Louisiana-Monroe (W 104-79): 22 points, 10 rebounds
  • 2025 vs Delaware State (W 97-41): 24 points (10/10 FG), 10 rebounds
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