Malik Reneau is turning heads-and now he's officially getting the national recognition to match.
The Miami Hurricanes forward landed a spot on ESPN’s midseason top 50 players list, a nod to the breakout campaign he's putting together in 2025-26. Reneau has become the heartbeat of this Hurricanes squad, anchoring the frontcourt with a blend of power, poise, and consistency that’s been hard to miss.
Let’s talk numbers, because they tell the story just as well as the eye test. Reneau is averaging 19.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting a blistering 57% from the field. That kind of efficiency isn’t just good-it’s elite, especially for a player who does most of his work in the paint.
And that’s where Reneau has truly found his rhythm. According to Synergy Sports data cited by ESPN, Reneau took 674 shots near the rim last season at Indiana.
Fast forward to this season at Miami, and with 11 games still left on the schedule, he’s already taken 617 shots in that same area-converting at a 65% clip. That’s a clear sign of a player who knows where he thrives and isn’t shying away from his strengths.
At 6-foot-9, Reneau has become a matchup nightmare. He’s too quick for traditional bigs and too strong for wings to handle down low.
What’s been especially impressive is how he’s elevated his game without forcing the issue. His shot selection has been smart, his footwork polished, and his presence steady-everything you want from a veteran leader in the frontcourt.
But Reneau’s impact goes beyond the box score. He’s helped reshape the identity of this Miami team, giving first-year head coach Jai Lucas a foundational piece to build around. It’s no coincidence that as Reneau has surged, so have the Hurricanes-who are now eyeing their first NCAA tournament berth since 2023.
This isn’t just a hot stretch. Reneau has made a leap, and it’s changing the trajectory of both his career and Miami’s season. The national spotlight is finally catching up to what ACC fans have been seeing all year: Malik Reneau is the real deal.