Gonzaga's Huff Out Until NCAA Tournament

Junior forward Braden Huff to miss at least another month with knee injury

Feb. 17, 2026 at 8:39am

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Gonzaga junior forward Braden Huff will miss at least another month and won't return until the 2026 NCAA Tournament, head coach Mark Few announced. Huff sustained a knee injury at practice before the Bulldogs' Jan. 15 game at Washington State and has been out since then.

Why it matters

Huff has been a key contributor for Gonzaga this season, averaging 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. His extended absence is a significant blow to the Bulldogs as they prepare for the stretch run and NCAA Tournament.

The details

Huff was initially expected to miss 4-8 weeks, but Few said it will be at least 8 weeks before he returns. The 6-foot-10 forward has been seen on crutches since returning to Spokane last week after spending time recovering at home in Chicago. In 18 games this season, Huff has scored 20+ points 8 times, including a career-high 37-point performance.

  • Huff sustained the knee injury at practice before Gonzaga's Jan. 15 game at Washington State.
  • Huff is expected to miss at least another month and won't return until the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The players

Braden Huff

A 6-foot-10 junior forward for Gonzaga who has been a key contributor this season, averaging 17.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

Mark Few

The head coach of the Gonzaga Bulldogs men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We said four to eight weeks, it'll be at least eight. He's still on crutches, we'll get him off crutches here in a little while. As that progresses, we'll see how it's going. He's a long ways away from getting back, but hopefully. Who knows?”

— Mark Few, Head Coach, Gonzaga Bulldogs

What’s next

The first-round games in the NCAA Tournament will take place on March 19 and 20, and Gonzaga is hoping Huff will be able to return in time to contribute to their tournament run.

The takeaway

Gonzaga will have to find a way to win without their star forward Braden Huff for at least the next month, which will be a significant challenge as they prepare for the postseason. The Bulldogs' depth and ability to adjust their game plan will be tested during Huff's extended absence.