High-Knee Ref Jeff Anderson Earns National Championship Assignment

The veteran official's distinctive running style has earned him a loyal following.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:26pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a college basketball referee in motion, with their figure broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of vibrant colors, capturing the energy and movement of the game.The distinctive high-knee running style of veteran college basketball referee Jeff Anderson has made him a recognizable figure on the court.Rochester Today

Jeff Anderson, a veteran college basketball referee known for his high-knee running gait, has been assigned to officiate the upcoming national championship game. Anderson, a native of Rochester, New York, has worked nine consecutive Final Fours and is one of the top officials in the sport, with a career spanning over a decade.

Why it matters

Anderson's unique running style has made him a recognizable figure among college basketball fans, with a dedicated social media account tracking his high-knee movements during games. While some have speculated that he does it for attention, Anderson maintains that the style helps reduce pressure on his knees and back, allowing him to perform at a high level on the court.

The details

Anderson began refereeing after his playing days at the junior college and Division III levels. He worked his way up through the high school and Division III ranks before joining the MAAC in 2002 and the Big East a couple of years later. Anderson has officiated his first NCAA Tournament game in 2008 and has since become a fixture at the sport's biggest events, including nine consecutive Final Fours.

  • Anderson has been assigned to officiate the 2026 national championship game on Monday night.

The players

Jeff Anderson

A veteran college basketball referee known for his distinctive high-knee running style, Anderson has officiated nine consecutive Final Fours and is one of the top officials in the sport.

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What they’re saying

“What it does is it takes pressure off the knees, for one, and pressure off the back. It actually works, it really works, man.”

— Jeff Anderson, College Basketball Referee

The takeaway

Anderson's unique running style has made him a recognizable figure in college basketball, and his selection to officiate the national championship game is a testament to his skills and dedication as a top official in the sport.