The 2025-26 women’s college basketball season is set to tip off with a new hierarchy of talent following some major offseason transfers, like MiLaysia Fulwiley, and star injuries, such as Chloe Kitts. One UConn player who was part of last year’s championship-winning squad has ascended to the top spot, leading a list stacked with both seasoned veterans and high-impact underclassmen. Nine of the ranked players secured a gold medal at the recent FIBA AmeriCup, underscoring the depth of elite talent across the nation.
Here are the top 25 women’s college basketball players for the 2025-26 season, as ranked by ESPN.
25. Maggie Doogan, Richmond
Forward | Senior
The only mid-major player to make the list, Maggie Doogan, was dominant in the Atlantic 10, recording six double-doubles and shooting 40.7% from three-point range, showcasing her versatility. Her production translated to the national stage with 30 and 27 points in the Spiders’ two NCAA tournament games, proving her ability to excel at the highest level of competition.
24. Toby Fournier, Duke
Forward | Sophomore
Toby Fournier was the ACC Rookie of the Year and First-Team All-League, leading Duke to its first Elite Eight since 2013 by being an incredibly efficient scorer off the bench. She led the Blue Devils in scoring and field goal percentage despite being seventh on the team in minutes, highlighting her sky-high potential as a sophomore for the ACC-favorite Blue Devils.
23. Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss 
Birmingham, AL, USA; Ole Miss Rebels forward Cotie McMahon talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel. Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Forward | Senior
The former Ohio State star transferred to Ole Miss, where she is expected to be an immediate key contributor among nine newcomers who replace four starters from last year’s Sweet 16 team. Cotie McMahon averaged 16.5 PPG last season, and improving her perimeter shooting will be vital for both her WNBA draft stock and the Rebels’ success under Coach McPhee-McCuin.
22. Khamil Pierre, NC State
Forward | Junior
Overshadowed by a teammate’s scoring last year, the Vanderbilt transfer still put up huge numbers, ranking near the top of the SEC in scoring (20.4 PPG), rebounding, and steals. An excellent finisher at the rim, Khamil Pierre’s speed and inside dominance will fuel NC State’s fast-paced transition game perfectly, making her a critical new piece in the ACC.
21. Talaysia Cooper, Tennessee
Guard | Junior
After sitting out a transfer year, Talaysia Cooper immediately became one of the SEC’s top players and the Lady Vols’ leading scorer last season. She led the SEC in steals (3.1 SPG) and earned a spot on the league’s all-defensive team for her stellar play, though improving her 3-point percentage will be the primary focus for this season.
20. Yarden Garzon, Maryland
Guard | Senior
Yarden Garzon transfers from Indiana, bringing elite perimeter shooting (42.6% career 3FG) to help reload the Maryland Terps after losing four starters. The 6-foot-3 guard’s height and shooting touch (90.1% FT last season) make her an intriguing WNBA prospect, and she is a crucial addition to replenish the talent pool.
19. MiLaysia Fulwiley, LSU 
Birmingham, AL, USA; LSU Tigers guard MiLaysia Fulwiley talks with the media during SEC Media Days at Grand Bohemian Hotel. Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Guard | Junior
Despite being the SEC Sixth Player of the Year at South Carolina, MiLaysia Fulwiley transferred to LSU in search of more starting opportunities and a central role. The momentum-shifting guard is expected to join Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams to form one of the nation’s most lethal perimeter trios, bringing her dynamic playmaking and defensive instincts to a stacked LSU roster.
18. Serah Williams, UConn
Forward | Senior
The top transfer from Wisconsin was an established two-way star in the Big Ten, recording 12 straight double-doubles last season before joining the reigning national champions. Serah Williams came to UConn to take the “biggest jump on the court,” adding another elite defender and inside presence to the Huskies’ quest for a repeat title.
17. Kiki Rice, UCLA
Guard | Senior
Kiki Rice was critical to UCLA’s run to the Big Ten Tournament title and the program’s first Final Four in the NCAA era as the team’s second-leading scorer. The guard hit career bests in shooting efficiency (48.5% FG, 36.5% 3FG) and led the conference in total assists, surpassing 100 for the third straight season as a true floor general.
16. Zoe Brooks, NC State
Guard | Junior
With Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James gone, Zoe Brooks is now the unquestioned leader of the NC State Wolfpack as they aim for a second straight ACC regular-season title. She made significant year-over-year gains, jumping from 9.0 PPG to 14.2 PPG, and her strength with the ball and ability to consistently attack the lane will be the primary engine of the offense.
15. Kymora Johnson, Virginia 
Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia player Kymora Johnson during ACC Media Days at The Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Guard | Junior
Kymora Johnson is one of the ACC’s most productive guards (17.9 PPG) but has been under the radar due to Virginia’s team record, despite her strong sophomore campaign. She tied for the league lead in assists per game (5.8 APG) and was a top-tier 3-point shooter, proving her value as an elite, all-around conference player.
14. Gianna Kneepkens, UCLA
Guard | Senior
The Utah transfer joins UCLA for her final college season, providing a massive perimeter boost for the Bruins as an elite long-range shooter (44.8% 3FG). Gianna Kneepkens’ threat will help spread the court for center Lauren Betts, and she showcased her sharpshooting by hitting 50% from behind the arc for Team USA during their AmeriCup run.
13. Raegan Beers, Oklahoma
Center | Senior
After a successful transfer to Oklahoma, Raegan Beers led the Sooners to a tie for fourth in the SEC and an NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, earning First-Team All-Conference honors. She is a high-efficiency scorer and rebounder (63.3% FG), and her versatility was highlighted this summer as she led Team USA in rebounding at the AmeriCup.
12. Mikaylah Williams, LSU
Guard | Junior
Mikaylah Williams is a reliable and smooth-shooting scorer, equally dangerous from deep (38.6% 3FG) and on the mid-range pull-up, making her a First-Team All-Conference selection. Coach Kim Mulkey trusts the junior in high-pressure moments, including a buzzer-beater to avoid an upset loss, proving her value in a clutch situation.
11. Joyce Edwards, South Carolina
Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Joyce Edwards (8) drives against Texas Longhorns guard Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda (32) during the third quarter in a semifinal of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Forward | Sophomore
The All-SEC first-team freshman was South Carolina’s leading scorer (12.7 PPG) despite coming off the bench for most of the season, showcasing her massive talent. Joyce Edwards grew into a force to be reckoned with after Ashlyn Wakins’ injury and was an All-Tournament selection at the Final Four, continuing her development as a key scorer for Team USA at the AmeriCup. Staley will count on her even more this season, with Chloe Kitts out for the whole season with injury.
10. Audi Crooks, Iowa State
Center | Junior
Audi Crooks is one of the most dominant interior players in the nation, setting Iowa State records for single-season scoring (820 points) and making field goals while leading the Big 12 in scoring. The junior center returns to a deep roster with a chip on her shoulder, fueled by limited playing time in the summer’s AmeriCup, promising another powerful campaign.
9. Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt
Guard | Sophomore
Blakes had an unprecedented freshman year, logging two 50-plus point games and earning National Freshman of the Year honors with the nation’s eighth-highest scoring average. She was an elite and consistent scorer in the brutal SEC, and her offensive skills were further highlighted when she led Team USA in scoring at the AmeriCup.
8. Azzi Fudd, UConn
Tampa, FL, USA; Connecticut Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) dribbles the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first half of the national championship of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Guard | Senior
After two injury-plagued seasons, Azzi Fudd finally played 34 games last year, a huge relief that culminated in her being named Final Four MOP after scoring 24 points in the final. Her career-best 43.6% 3-point shooting is set to become the Huskies’ most reliable perimeter weapon and a major focus of the offense. Geno Auriemma also expects her to step up in the leadership role, following the departures of Paige Bueckers and Kaitlyn Chen.
7. Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina
Guard | Senior
Ta’Niya Latson comes to South Carolina as the nation’s leading scorer (25.2 PPG), instantly reshaping the Gamecocks’ offensive approach as a bona fide shotmaker. She significantly improved her 3-point percentage to 34.3% last season, and her addition gives Dawn Staley a clutch bucket-getter who will thrive with the surrounding talent in Columbia.
6. Olivia Miles, TCU
Olivia Miles would have been a top 3 pick in the #wnba draft this past spring. But she surprised folks when she elected to enter the transfer portal and play her final season at #tcu.
She explained why after a recent practice. pic.twitter.com/9FeyoRYkWS
— Melissa Triebwasser (@TheCoachMelissa) October 13, 2025
Guard | Senior
Olivia Miles made a high-profile transfer from Notre Dame to TCU, opting to stay in college to prepare for the WNBA draft and embrace the Horned Frogs’ pick-and-roll system. She will anchor the offense and maximize her elite playmaking skills, which were on full display this summer as she averaged a team-high 7.1 assists in the AmeriCup championship run.
5. Flau’Jae Johnson, LSU
Gainesville, Florida, USA; LSU Tigers guard Flau’Jae Johnson (4) looks on before a game against the Florida Gators at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Guard | Senior
The well-rounded senior is a core player for Kim Mulkey, thriving in multiple roles as a scorer, primary perimeter defender, and playmaker, making her integral to LSU’s success. Flau’jae Johnson set new career highs last season in points and 3-point shooting efficiency, and her all-around talent on and off the court puts her firmly in the mix for the 2026 WNBA draft lottery.
4. Madison Booker, Texas
Forward | Junior
As a sophomore, Booker helped the Longhorns win a share of the SEC title in their first year in the league and reach their first Final Four since 2003. She is a highly efficient scorer, shooting 46.4% from the field and an impressive 40.3% from 3-point range, positioning her to challenge the school’s all-time scoring record.
3. Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
Guard | Junior
The electrifying guard followed up her standout freshman year by earning ACC Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors, despite the Irish losing in the Sweet 16. Known for her elite defensive pressure (4.2 steals per game), expect Hannah Hidalgo’s assist numbers to rise with a full-time lead guard role, complementing her high-volume scoring (23.8 PPG).
2. Lauren Betts, UCLA
Center | Senior
A top contender for National Player of the Year, Lauren Betts anchored UCLA to its historic first Final Four appearance in the NCAA era with her scoring and defensive prowess. She set a school record by recording 600 points, 300 rebounds, and 100 blocks in a season, making the dominant 6-foot-7 center a likely lottery pick in the 2026 WNBA draft.
1. Sarah Strong, UConn 
Uncasville, CT, USA; UConn Huskies forward Sarah Strong (21) drives the ball against Villanova Wildcats guard Maddie Burke (23) in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Forward | Sophomore
Sarah Strong was instrumental in UConn’s national championship, showcasing a well-rounded game and a quiet, business-like approach that suggests her best days are yet to come. She significantly elevated her performance in the NCAA tournament, averaging 19.0 points and 11.7 rebounds. With elite defense and 38.8% shooting from three, the reigning national champion ascends to the top of the list.
Conclusion
This preseason ranking highlights the shifting landscape of women’s college basketball, defined by impactful transfers and the rise of exceptional sophomore talent. With stars like Sarah Strong, Lauren Betts, and Ta’Niya Latson leading their teams, the 2025-26 campaign is set to be fiercely competitive. The performances of these 25 athletes will not only determine their school’s championship fortunes but also heavily influence the 2026 WNBA draft.