The Florida Expo: 2026 Forward Preview

The 2026 class brings a front court group that blends size, toughness, and versatility. These forwards and posts not only anchor their teams in the paint, but also showcase flashes of skill-sets that go beyond the paint. In this article we look at the 2026 forwards who are looking to make a splash at the Expo and increase their recruiting stock as they head into their final season.      [player_tooltip player_id='1263591' first='Sydney' last='Hurst'] is a long, versatile two-way player who averaged nearly 10 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.5 steals last season. Hurst will be in the building at the upcoming Expo. She combines a smooth shooting stroke with the length to score over defenders and finish through contact, while her defensive versatility allows her to guard in the paint and cover out on the perimeter. With her ability to impact both ends of the floor, Hurst brings versatility and she could likely adapt into any playing system.       [player_tooltip player_id='1218997' first='Gabriela' last='Bernal'] will be bringing a towering post presence along with strong defensive instincts. Bernal can block shots and she is an excellent rebounder. She controls the glass on both ends and finishes efficiently around the rim, giving her team a consistent interior force who can change the game with size, timing, and touch.       [player_tooltip player_id='1277505' first='Kayla' last='Holland'] brings a rugged interior presence. Holland thrives on second-chance points, rebounding battles, and defensive positioning. Her size and effort keep her team competitive in the paint. Coming off of a good showing at the Flagler Camp, Holland will be a senior forward to follow at the Expo.       [player_tooltip player_id='1277765' first='Rael' last='Mendoza'] (5'10” | University) was a rebounding machine last year, pulling down 11.1 rebounds per game. Mendoza also roamed in the paint and blocked close to 3 blocks per game. She did average right at 6 points per game to keep the defense honest, but Mendoza's calling card was on the defensive end. She is a player that other prospects will need to respect when driving to the rim at the upcoming Expo.       [player_tooltip player_id='514599' first='Elyani' last='Dellolio'] is forward who will be high on the "player to see" list. The Forward/Center has a nice shooting form from outside and has the ability to rebound and lead the break. Dellolio will be a forward we are looking to see.       [player_tooltip player_id='633529' first='Mia' last='Chandler'] helps make up the 2026 crop of forwards. Chandler is athletic and fast, and has the ability to rebound inside against taller players. She has a high motor and excels in the transition game. Chandler can also hit the mid range shot and can take taller players off the dribble to the rim. She is a force o the offensive glass where she is known for scoring easy buckets on offensive put backs.     [player_tooltip player_id='864101' first='Jayda' last='Parker'] (cover photo) brings a versatile game to the Expo as she can shoot from the perimeter and also get top the rim and power the ball inside. Parker rebounds well and is also a scorer on the inside and perimeter. Parker has stretch-four ability with her outside shooting touch. Parker is also a force on the boards and on the defensive end. She blocked 2.2 shots per game and will be looking to control the paint on the defensive end at the Expo.    Together, this 2026 forward core shows why the class is loaded with size and skill. Each prospect brings a unique piece, from pure rim protection to stretch-four versatility, and from defensive firepower to running the floor on the fast break.

The 2026 class brings a front court group that blends size, toughness, and versatility. These forwards and posts not only anchor their teams in the paint, but also showcase flashes of skill-sets that go beyond the paint. In this article we look at the 2026 forwards who are looking to make a splash at the Expo and increase their recruiting stock as they head into their final season.