Mississippi State Star Named to McClain Award Watch List
Madison Francis earns recognition for the Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year award.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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Sophomore forward Madison Francis has been named to the Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year watch list by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The distinction follows an impactful freshman season for the Mississippi State standout.
Why it matters
Her inclusion recognizes her standout performance during her 2025-26 freshman season and establishes her as one of the top collegiate power forwards in the country.
Francis averaged 13.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.8 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game during her freshman season. She holds the Mississippi State single-season record with 88 blocks and ranks eighth on the school's all-time list.
The players
Madison Francis
She is a sophomore forward for the Mississippi State women's basketball team who set a program record for single-season blocks.
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
This organization honors basketball history and selects the annual candidates for various collegiate positional awards.
Mississippi State University
This public research university located in Starkville hosts the women's basketball team competing in the Southeastern Conference.
The details
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame selected 20 Division I players for this year's preseason watch list. Francis is the fourth Mississippi State player in program history to be named to this specific award list.
Timeline
The watch list was officially announced on October 29, 2026.
Francis played her freshman season in 2025-26.
The Mississippi State season opener against North Alabama is November 3, 2026.
The Katrina McClain Award will be presented in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year award highlights the most elite talent in the collegiate game, serving as a primary indicator for top-tier post players. This recognition elevates Francis status within the SEC as Mississippi State builds its roster for the 2026-27 season.
Fans in Starkville can expect to see Francis anchor the frontcourt rotation as the Bulldogs look to leverage her record-breaking defensive presence. Her selection signals a potential increase in her usage rate and playing time during the upcoming non-conference schedule.
The takeaway
Players recognized on preseason watch lists often see increased scrutiny from opponents throughout the regular season. This distinction confirms that Francis has successfully transitioned from a breakout freshman to a core veteran for the Mississippi State program.
What happens next
Mississippi State opens its 2026-27 basketball season against North Alabama at Humphrey Coliseum on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the Bulldogs, visit the Starkville Basketball coverage page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by On3.
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