Me'Arah O'Neal Named to Katrina McClain Award Watch List
The University of Kentucky forward joins 19 other players on the preseason list for the top power forward in the nation.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Basketball
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The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has named University of Kentucky junior forward Me'Arah O'Neal to the Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year preseason watch list. The 6-5 forward joins the list after completing two seasons at the University of Florida.
Why it matters
The Katrina McClain Award recognizes the top power forward in NCAA Division I women's college basketball. Being named to the 20-player watch list acknowledges a player's significant contribution to the collegiate game.
Me'Arah O'Neal recorded 615 points, 347 rebounds, 67 blocks, 59 steals, and 54 assists during her 68 games at Florida. Last season, she averaged 13.6 points per game with a 52.9% field goal percentage across 33 starts.
The players
Me'Arah O'Neal
She is a 6-5 junior forward for the University of Kentucky who previously played two seasons at the University of Florida.
Katrina McClain
She was a National Player of the Year in 1987 and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.
The details
The watch list is curated by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Players may be added to or removed from the list as the 2026-27 season progresses.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: Me'Arah O'Neal was named to the watch list.
December 30, 2025: Me'Arah O'Neal was named SEC co-Player of the Week.
2026-27 season: Players can be added or removed from the watch list.
Season Trajectory
The nomination marks a significant milestone in the 10-year history of the Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year award. It positions Me'Arah O'Neal as a key impact player for the University of Kentucky as the team navigates the 2026-27 season schedule.
O'Neal's recognition highlights her transition into a primary role for the University of Kentucky rotation. Her historical performance of 13.6 points per game and 52.9% shooting accuracy sets high statistical expectations for her productivity this season.
The takeaway
The selection demonstrates the growing recognition of O'Neal's skill set within the highly competitive SEC basketball landscape. Fans and analysts will watch for updates to the watch list as the performance metrics of these 20 athletes evolve throughout the coming months.
Further reading
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