Blackwell lands on Jersey Mike’s College Player of the Year Watchlist
November 03, 2025 | Men's Basketball
Junior is one of 50 players named to preseason watchlist
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin men's basketball junior John Blackwell has been named to the 2025-26 Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Men's College Player of the Year Watchlist Presented by AXIA Time, the Basketball Hall of Fame announced Monday.
The 6-foot-4 guard is the first Badger to earn the preseason honor since its inception before the 2022-23 season. John Tonje appeared on the midseason watchlist last year for his efforts, ultimately earning second-team All-American honors.
It's Blackwell's third honor of the preseason, being named to the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Preseason Watch List, and the Preseason All-Big Ten team in the weeks prior.
He is one-of-50 players named to the College Player of the Year Watchlist, and one-of-13 from the Big Ten.
A native of Michigan, Blackwell ranked second on the Badgers last year in scoring, averaging 15.8 points per game en route to All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. He was also named to the Big Ten's All-Tournament team, posting 14.5 points and 4.3 rebounds while leading UW to the Big Ten championship game.
Blackwell tallied eight games with over 20 points last season, aiding Bucky to a 6-2 record in those contests. He's consistently done the Badgers' dirty work, ranking second on the team with 32 steals last season. His 38 offensive rebounds were the second-most for a Big Ten player 6-foot-4 or shorter.
The Michigan native is no stranger to recognition, dating all the way back to his freshman campaign in 2023-24. Blackwell put up 8 points per game, becoming the third-consecutive Badger to earn Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors, joining Chucky Hepburn (2022) and Connor Essegian (2023).
Blackwell and the Badgers open the regular season against Campbell on Monday at the Kohl Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and tickets are available on UWBadgers.com.
The 6-foot-4 guard is the first Badger to earn the preseason honor since its inception before the 2022-23 season. John Tonje appeared on the midseason watchlist last year for his efforts, ultimately earning second-team All-American honors.
It's Blackwell's third honor of the preseason, being named to the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Preseason Watch List, and the Preseason All-Big Ten team in the weeks prior.
He is one-of-50 players named to the College Player of the Year Watchlist, and one-of-13 from the Big Ten.
A native of Michigan, Blackwell ranked second on the Badgers last year in scoring, averaging 15.8 points per game en route to All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. He was also named to the Big Ten's All-Tournament team, posting 14.5 points and 4.3 rebounds while leading UW to the Big Ten championship game.
Blackwell tallied eight games with over 20 points last season, aiding Bucky to a 6-2 record in those contests. He's consistently done the Badgers' dirty work, ranking second on the team with 32 steals last season. His 38 offensive rebounds were the second-most for a Big Ten player 6-foot-4 or shorter.
The Michigan native is no stranger to recognition, dating all the way back to his freshman campaign in 2023-24. Blackwell put up 8 points per game, becoming the third-consecutive Badger to earn Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors, joining Chucky Hepburn (2022) and Connor Essegian (2023).
Blackwell and the Badgers open the regular season against Campbell on Monday at the Kohl Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and tickets are available on UWBadgers.com.
Players Mentioned
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