January 15, 2026

MADISON, S.D. – Dakota State University junior forward Nathan Ojukwu has been named to the 2026 Bevo Francis Top 100 Watchlist for the 2025-26 season by Small College Basketball.

Ojukwu, a native of Boise, Idaho, is averaging 19.4 points (310 total points), 8.5 rebounds (136 rebounds), 3.0 assists (48 assists), and 1.5 steals (24 steals) per game for the Trojans prior to this weekend's games at DSU Fieldhouse.  He ranks third in the Frontier Conference in points per game and leads the league with rebounds per game.  He is 117-of-239 from the field (49 percent) this season.

Ojukwu scored in double digits in all 16 games this season for Dakota State, including a career-high 37 points at Dickinson State (N.D.) on Jan. 10.  He also produced double-doubles six times this season.

The Clarence "Bevo" Francis Award is presented annually to the player who has had the finest overall season within Small College Basketball, which includes NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA, USCAA, and NCCAA.  Considerations include season statistics and individual achievements, awards, personal character, and team achievements. 

The 2025-26 campaign marks the ninth year of the Bevo Francis Award.

Dakota State, 13-3 overall record and 8-3 Frontier Conference record, returns home this weekend from six consecutive road games in the Frontier Conference.  The Trojans host No. 15 Montana Tech in the seventh annual Ag Ball contest Friday evening and (RV) Montana Western Saturday evening.  Both games are set to tip off at 7 p.m.