Micah Handlogten has been an integral part of a national championship, SEC title and SEC Tournament chamionship at Florida.
Micah Handlogten Named Lt. Fred Koss Award Winner
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 | Men's Basketball
University of Florida head men's basketball coach Todd Golden announced that Micah Handlogten was named the 2026 recipient of the Lt. Fred Koss Award. Lt. Koss was an Air Force fighter pilot killed in a combat mission during the Vietnam War. It is the 52nd year of the award, which has become an integral part of the Gator basketball culture and recognizes a player whose contributions to the program embody the ideals of selfless courage and conviction in the team's pursuit of success. Golden said, "In my opinion, Micah is the most unselfish basketball player to ever play at the University of Florida and exemplifies the ideals of this most prestigious Florida Basketball Award."
In the championship game of the 2024 SEC tournament, while diving for a loose ball, the 7'1" center suffered a devastating injury that completely fractured his left leg. Having already played in 32 games while averaging seven rebounds and blocking 29 shots, his presence was sorely missed as the Gators completed the season. More importantly, there was the uncertainty of how this injury might affect his ability to walk ever again, let alone play basketball at a highly competitive level. In 2024, after a successful surgery, Micah began an intense rehabilitation of the injury while his teammates pursued a conference and national championship in the 2024-25 season. With only ten games left in the regular season, front-court injuries had begun to impact the team's play. Having been recently cleared to practice, Micah decided to "burn" a redshirt year and began playing, becoming a huge factor in the final 16 games of the Gators' national championship run. "We don't win last year's national championship without Micah Handlogten," said Todd Golden.
Micah wears the number three to represent "The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" as a testament to his personal faith. The national championship more than validated his decision to return to the court. "It was one of the biggest gambles I've taken in my life," he says. "But it paid off. Winning the national championship is something you dream of as a kid, growing up watching March Madness, sneaking your phone into class to watch the games. To be a part of all that was incredible."
This season, Micah has continued to perform at a high level, averaging six rebounds a game and blocking 27 shots as the Gators have won the regular-season SEC championship for the first time since 2014. Florida's "big man" coach, Carlin Hartman, says, "Micah Handlogten is a genuine, selfless, and winning player who embodies everything that is a Florida Gator. Taking off his redshirt to join our team last season in a run to a conference title, as well as the national championship, tells you everything about the type of player and human being Micah is! I'm forever proud to be associated with Micah!"
Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the son of Ben and Danielle Handlogten, he got his size from his father Ben, who played college basketball at Western Michigan and in the NBA, but his mother Danielle has directed his spirit, faith, and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others. Along with his sisters, Hailey and Mia, the kids learned to put others first, serving in missions and working at charitable events in their hometown of Charlotte. His "team first" attitude is also an inspiration to his teammates. In the words of Thomas Haugh, "Micah is the most unselfish person I know, and he inspires us daily with his positive attitude and work ethic." As the 48th recipient of the Lt. Fred Koss award, Micah Handlogten's name is etched into the hearts of Gator fans forever.
In the championship game of the 2024 SEC tournament, while diving for a loose ball, the 7'1" center suffered a devastating injury that completely fractured his left leg. Having already played in 32 games while averaging seven rebounds and blocking 29 shots, his presence was sorely missed as the Gators completed the season. More importantly, there was the uncertainty of how this injury might affect his ability to walk ever again, let alone play basketball at a highly competitive level. In 2024, after a successful surgery, Micah began an intense rehabilitation of the injury while his teammates pursued a conference and national championship in the 2024-25 season. With only ten games left in the regular season, front-court injuries had begun to impact the team's play. Having been recently cleared to practice, Micah decided to "burn" a redshirt year and began playing, becoming a huge factor in the final 16 games of the Gators' national championship run. "We don't win last year's national championship without Micah Handlogten," said Todd Golden.
Micah wears the number three to represent "The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" as a testament to his personal faith. The national championship more than validated his decision to return to the court. "It was one of the biggest gambles I've taken in my life," he says. "But it paid off. Winning the national championship is something you dream of as a kid, growing up watching March Madness, sneaking your phone into class to watch the games. To be a part of all that was incredible."
This season, Micah has continued to perform at a high level, averaging six rebounds a game and blocking 27 shots as the Gators have won the regular-season SEC championship for the first time since 2014. Florida's "big man" coach, Carlin Hartman, says, "Micah Handlogten is a genuine, selfless, and winning player who embodies everything that is a Florida Gator. Taking off his redshirt to join our team last season in a run to a conference title, as well as the national championship, tells you everything about the type of player and human being Micah is! I'm forever proud to be associated with Micah!"
Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the son of Ben and Danielle Handlogten, he got his size from his father Ben, who played college basketball at Western Michigan and in the NBA, but his mother Danielle has directed his spirit, faith, and compassion to make a difference in the lives of others. Along with his sisters, Hailey and Mia, the kids learned to put others first, serving in missions and working at charitable events in their hometown of Charlotte. His "team first" attitude is also an inspiration to his teammates. In the words of Thomas Haugh, "Micah is the most unselfish person I know, and he inspires us daily with his positive attitude and work ethic." As the 48th recipient of the Lt. Fred Koss award, Micah Handlogten's name is etched into the hearts of Gator fans forever.
Players Mentioned
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