ESPN’s Top 50 Women’s College Basketball Players for 2026-27

Women’s college basketball has no shortage of star power heading into the 2026-27 season. While former national player of the year winners JuJu Watkins of USC and Sarah Strong of UConn are expected to feature prominently in the individual awards race, the talent across the country extends well beyond the leading names.

ESPN has released its first ranking of the top 50 players in women’s college basketball, with South Carolina leading all programmes with five selections. UConn, LSU and Maryland each have three players on the list, reflecting the depth of talent across the national landscape.

Because only a small number of games have been played, the opening rankings place considerable emphasis on players’ performances throughout their college careers. That approach also includes players returning from injury after missing last season.

The top 10 features players who have remained with one college programme, despite the growing influence of transfers in the sport. Freshmen are not eligible for this initial list, although several could enter future rankings as the season develops. ESPN expects the standings to change as more games provide a clearer picture of individual performances.

ESPN’s top 50 women’s college basketball players for 2026-27

50. Breya Cunningham – Forward, Texas Longhorns

With All-American Madison Booker central to Texas’ plans, Cunningham could become the team’s second-most important player. Following Kyla Oldacre’s departure, Cunningham is expected to take responsibility at centre and could improve on last season’s averages of 7.7 points and 7.0 rebounds. Her size, footwork and lower-body strength make her difficult to dislodge in the post. Charlie Creme

49. S’Mya Nichols – Guard, Kansas Jayhawks

Nichols is a 6-foot perimeter player who is particularly effective at attacking the basket. She led Division I in both made free throws, with 243, and attempts, with 287, last season. A three-year starter, she has averaged 17.1 points and 4.0 assists during her Kansas career. She also converted 42.9% of her three-point attempts as the Jayhawks reached the WBIT semifinals. Michael Voepel

48. Skylar Forbes – Forward, West Virginia Mountaineers

Forbes joins West Virginia after three seasons at Marquette. She ranked fourth in the Big East in scoring last season with 15.5 points per game and led the conference in blocks, averaging 1.8 for the second consecutive year. A smooth transition to the Mountaineers could strengthen their challenge in the Big 12, where they entered the season ranked fourth in the preseason poll. Alexa Philippou

47. Sahara Williams – Forward, Oklahoma Sooners

Although Williams is a 5-foot-11 forward, she makes up for her lack of height with strength and energetic play. She has started every game over the past three seasons and has averaged 11.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists in her career. Oklahoma will look for her to become a more significant scoring threat, including from beyond the three-point line. Michael Voepel

46. Tilda Trygger – Forward, Washington Huskies

At 6-foot-6, Trygger offers Washington an imposing presence inside and the ability to contribute from the perimeter. She arrived from NC State with a versatile offensive skill set, capable of operating in both the high and low post. She also attempted 62 three-pointers last season, making 33.8% of them. Her combination of size and shooting could help Washington take another step forward. Charlie Creme

45. Addi Mack – Guard, Maryland Terrapins

Mack earned All-Big Ten freshman honours after a solid debut season, but her 35-point performance against South Carolina at the start of the current campaign attracted significant attention. She also recorded six assists and helped Maryland mount a comeback against the nation’s No. 1 team. Her 35 points were the fourth-most scored against an AP No. 1 opponent in the previous 25 seasons. A major improvement in her second year could be important for Maryland. Alexa Philippou

44. Madison St. Rose – Guard, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

St. Rose arrives at Notre Dame after an impressive career at Princeton, where she averaged 15.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season. A former Ivy League Rookie of the Year and two-time all-conference selection, she has also recovered from an ACL injury that shortened her junior campaign. She could form an effective backcourt partnership with Hannah Hidalgo. St. Rose began her Notre Dame career with 17 points, two rebounds and two steals against Villanova in Rome. Alexa Philippou

43. Zamareya Jones – Guard, Louisville Cardinals

Jones developed into a productive scorer after entering NC State’s starting lineup as a sophomore. She averaged 2.2 three-pointers per game while shooting 36.6% from long range. At Louisville, she joins Taj Roberts and Imari Berry after leaving the Wolfpack and her former partnership with Zoe Brooks. Her scoring numbers could change in a deeper Cardinals rotation, but her playmaking contribution may increase. Charlie Creme

42. Katie Fiso – Guard, Oregon Ducks

Fiso emerged as one of the Big Ten’s leading point guards after making a major improvement between her freshman and sophomore seasons. She led Oregon with 15.5 points per game and ranked 10th nationally with 6.2 assists. Her production also increased during important games, as she averaged 18.8 points across five Big Ten and NCAA tournament appearances last season. Charlie Creme

41. Tajianna Roberts – Guard, Louisville Cardinals

Roberts was Louisville’s leading player last season, topping the team in scoring with 11.5 points per game, assists with 3.4 and playing time with 29.3 minutes per game. Her three-point shooting has improved, but her greatest strengths remain creating opportunities through defensive pressure and attacking the basket. She progressed from the ACC All-Freshman Team to first-team All-ACC recognition. Charlie Creme

40. Kiyomi McMiller – Guard, Florida Gators

McMiller has shown her scoring ability at different programmes, and her move to Florida gives her another opportunity to establish herself. After an unsuccessful freshman season at Rutgers, she made a strong impact at Penn State, starting 26 of 29 games and averaging 21.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season. She now has the chance to demonstrate her ability in the SEC under coach Tammi Reiss. Michael Voepel

39. KK Arnold – Guard, UConn Huskies

Arnold enters her senior season with an opportunity to become a more consistent contributor for UConn. She impressed during the Big East tournament last season but had a quieter NCAA tournament. Her defensive energy remains an important strength, and she ranked second on the team in steals behind Sarah Strong. The Huskies will need her to make a greater impact offensively. Alexa Philippou

38. Jada Williams – Guard, LSU Tigers

Williams played her first two college seasons at Arizona before producing her best statistical campaign at Iowa State. She averaged 15.3 points and 7.7 assists last season, with the latter figure leading the Big 12 and ranking third in Division I. Following her transfer to LSU, she is expected to contribute through her point guard skills, three-point shooting and defensive work. Michael Voepel

37. Blanca Quinonez – Forward, UConn Huskies

Quinonez was named the 2026 Big East Freshman and Sixth Player of the Year. She became UConn’s second-best player during last season’s NCAA tournament, averaging 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.0 steals. After undergoing shoulder surgery during the offseason, she missed the Huskies’ preseason exhibitions. UConn will need her to reproduce that tournament-level impact as a sophomore. Alexa Philippou

36. Nunu Agara – Forward, Maryland Terrapins

Agara’s move from Stanford to Maryland was among the notable transfers of the offseason. She brings experience to a young Terrapins team that needs reliable scoring and rebounding inside. Agara led Stanford in both categories last season, averaging 15.3 points and 8.7 rebounds. She also completed her Stanford degree in three years before transferring for her final season. Charlie Creme

35. Taliah Scott – Guard, Baylor Bears

After playing only 23 games across her first two college seasons at Arkansas and Auburn, Scott found consistency at Baylor. She started 32 of 33 games last season and led the Bears with 19.7 points per game, second in the Big 12 behind Audi Crooks. Scott also led the conference in free-throw percentage at 89.5% and made 80 three-pointers as Baylor finished third in the league. Michael Voepel

34. Britt Prince – Guard, Nebraska Cornhuskers

Omaha native Prince has become a central figure for Nebraska since joining the programme. She earned first-team All-Big Ten recognition as a sophomore and is considered one of the conference’s leading point guards. Last season, she led the Cornhuskers in scoring with 17.9 points per game, assists with 4.4 and steals with 1.5. She also averaged 4.4 rebounds and shot 53.3% from the field. Charlie Creme

33. Berry Wallace – Forward, Illinois Fighting Illini

Wallace has been an important part of Illinois’ recent improvement, with the programme recording consecutive 20-win seasons for the first time this century during her two years there. She earned first-team All-Big Ten honours after leading the Illini with 18.4 points per game last season. Her versatility allows her to operate in the post or on the wing, while she also led the conference in minutes played at 35.7 per game. Charlie Creme

32. Jasmine Bascoe – Guard, Villanova Wildcats

Bascoe has consistently attracted the attention of opposing defences since joining Villanova, yet she has continued to produce. She scored in double figures in all but six games over the past two seasons. Although her long-range shooting is still developing, she can reach the basket and score from midrange. A two-time first-team All-Big East selection, she helped Villanova finish second in the conference last season. Charlie Creme

31. Agot Makeer – Guard, South Carolina Gamecocks

Makeer made her biggest impact as a freshman during the NCAA tournament, scoring in double figures in all six of South Carolina’s games. Her length, two-way ability and defensive contribution made her an important part of the Gamecocks’ run. She also delivered an impressive performance in the team’s Paris game, recording 20 points, four three-pointers from four attempts, three assists, two steals and two blocks. Alexa Philippou

30. Jordan Lee – Guard, South Carolina Gamecocks

Lee brings valuable postseason experience to South Carolina after reaching the Final Four in both of her freshman and sophomore seasons at Texas. She averaged 13.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists last season. The Gamecocks will look to her experience and composure on offence, along with her defensive intensity, as they pursue another successful campaign. Michael Voepel

29. Aubrey Galvan – Guard, Vanderbilt Commodores

Galvan quickly established herself as an effective point guard alongside Mikayla Blakes. Their backcourt partnership helped Vanderbilt achieve its most successful season since 2007. Galvan added speed and energy to the Commodores’ attack, while her average of 5.7 assists was the highest among freshmen nationally. She was also named SEC Freshman of the Year. Charlie Creme

28. Syla Swords – Guard, Michigan Wolverines

Swords enters the season with expectations rising around Michigan’s junior group after the team’s Elite Eight defeat to Texas. A two-time All-Big Ten selection, she is coming off a strong summer with Canada Basketball, where she was named MVP of the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament. Michigan will look to her and the rest of its experienced group to push towards the Final Four. Alexa Philippou

27. Chloe Kitts – Forward, South Carolina Gamecocks

Kitts has returned to action after missing the 2025-26 season because of a torn ACL. The 2025 SEC tournament and Birmingham 2 regional MVP played 19 minutes in South Carolina’s season opener against Maryland, recording eight points, seven rebounds, five assists and one block. Her performances will be closely followed as she returns from a significant injury, with teammate Ashlyn Watkins also expected to feature in the rankings discussion. Alexa Philippou

26. Liv McGill – Guard, Oklahoma State Cowgirls

McGill transferred from Florida to Oklahoma State as she looks to help the Cowgirls compete at a higher level in the Big 12. She averaged 22.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 2.6 steals last season. Her scoring ability could complement Audi Crooks’ presence inside, although improving her 28% shooting from beyond the arc remains an area of focus. Michael Voepel

25. Ava Heiden – Centre, Iowa Hawkeyes

Heiden established herself as a major contributor during her sophomore season, earning first-team All-Big Ten honours. She averaged 18.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks, while her 64.1% field-goal shooting ranked fourth in Division I. The 6-foot-4 centre is expected to be a central offensive option for Iowa after the team’s strong conference campaign. Michael Voepel

24. Addy Brown – Forward, UCLA Bruins

Brown joined UCLA through the transfer portal after playing at Iowa State. The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 11.9 points, 8.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists as a junior, offering the defending champions additional size and versatility. Her passing and scoring could be particularly valuable following the departure of six UCLA players to the WNBA draft from the previous season’s title-winning team. Kendra Andrews

23. Khamil Pierre – Forward, NC State Wolfpack

Pierre is an energetic and mobile forward whose rebounding is among her biggest strengths. She averaged nearly 9.0 rebounds during her first three seasons and finished third nationally with 22 double-doubles last season. Her post game has continued to develop, while her speed and effectiveness in transition make her difficult to defend in open court. Charlie Creme

22. Dani Carnegie – Guard, Iowa Hawkeyes

Carnegie is reunited with Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright in Iowa’s backcourt after the pair began their college careers at Georgia Tech in 2024-25. Carnegie later moved to Georgia, where she led the team in scoring with 17.8 points per game last season. She made 84 three-pointers, while Wright converted 70, giving Iowa an experienced shooting partnership. Michael Voepel

21. Talaysia Cooper – Guard, Ole Miss Rebels

Cooper arrives at Ole Miss after two consistent seasons at Tennessee, averaging 16.6 points in 2024-25 and 16.0 in 2025-26. She is expected to become the Rebels’ leading offensive option. Adjusting to Ole Miss’ more measured half-court approach will be important, but her improved three-point shooting and ability to finish at the rim provide valuable scoring options. Charlie Creme

20. Clara Strack – Centre, Kentucky Wildcats

Strack developed into a major contributor after moving from Virginia Tech to Kentucky alongside coach Kenny Brooks. Her offensive game has expanded with an improved shooting range, but her defensive ability remains her defining strength. After winning SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, she led the conference in total blocks and ranked second nationally with 91. She also led Kentucky in steals at 1.2 per game. Charlie Creme

19. Sayvia Sellers – Guard, Washington Huskies

Sellers made an immediate impact in Washington’s season-opening victory, recording 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for a triple-double. She became the first Huskies player to achieve the feat since 2016. Last season, she averaged 18.0 points, 3.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds while helping Washington reach the second round of the NCAA tournament. Kendra Andrews

18. Zoe Brooks – Guard, NC State Wolfpack

Brooks enters her senior season as an important player and leader for NC State. A two-time first-team All-ACC selection, she is expected to guide the Wolfpack’s challenge in the conference and nationally. Across her first two games this season, she averaged a team-leading 19.5 points, a figure that would represent a career high if maintained. Alexa Philippou

17. Kymora Johnson – Guard, Virginia Cavaliers

Johnson enjoyed a breakout junior season, helping Virginia reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in eight years. She averaged 19.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.1 steals, establishing herself as a threat at both ends of the court. Her 41-point performance in December was also a career high. She will be central to Virginia’s efforts to build on last season’s progress. Kendra Andrews

16. Jazzy Davidson – Guard, USC Trojans

Davidson produced an impressive first season at USC, starting all 32 games and becoming the only Division I player to lead her team in all five major statistical categories. She averaged 17.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks. With JuJu Watkins and Saniyah Hall also part of USC’s plans, Davidson has an opportunity to develop further as a sophomore. Kendra Andrews

15. Tessa Johnson – Guard, South Carolina Gamecocks

Johnson helped South Carolina win a national title as a freshman in 2024 before continuing as a reserve during her sophomore season. She moved into the starting lineup last season and recorded career highs of 12.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists. Her 44.8% three-point shooting, on 90 makes from 201 attempts, was the best mark in the SEC. Michael Voepel

14. MiLaysia Fulwiley – Guard, LSU Tigers

Fulwiley has been one of the country’s most effective bench scorers over the past three seasons, including two campaigns at South Carolina. Her move to LSU offers an opportunity to take on a starting role. She averaged 14.6 points in 22.7 minutes per game last season, leading the Tigers in scoring. Coach Kim Mulkey wants her to improve defensively and as a playmaker. Kendra Andrews

13. Oluchi Okananwa – Guard, Maryland Terrapins

Okananwa delivered a career-best season in her first year at Maryland, averaging 17.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 2.0 assists. She earned first-team All-Big Ten and all-defensive team honours. As the most experienced returning player on a young Terrapins roster, she is expected to take on an even greater role. Alexa Philippou

12. Aaliyah Chavez – Guard, Oklahoma Sooners

Chavez was among the country’s leading freshmen last season, averaging 18.4 points and 4.2 assists. Her 92.9% free-throw shooting ranked second in Division I. She suits Oklahoma’s fast-paced offence, which ranked third nationally in scoring at 85.9 points per game last season. As one of only two returning starters, Chavez will be important to the Sooners’ success. Michael Voepel

11. Audi Crooks – Centre, Oklahoma State Cowgirls

After three seasons at Iowa State, Crooks transferred to Oklahoma State as part of the Cyclones’ major player departures. She will look to lead the Cowgirls towards a conference title. Across her college career, Crooks has averaged 22.8 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 61.3% from the field. Michael Voepel

10. Toby Fournier – Forward, Duke Blue Devils

Fournier started all 36 games last season and led Duke in scoring with 17.3 points per game as the Blue Devils secured their second consecutive ACC title. She also averaged 7.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks, establishing herself as a strong presence around the basket. However, she missed Duke’s season opener because of a lower-leg injury, and coach Kara Lawson had not provided a return timetable. Kendra Andrews

9. Mikaylah Williams – Guard, LSU Tigers

Williams combines physical strength inside with reliable ball-handling and an effective outside shot. She tied with Flau’jae Johnson as LSU’s second-leading scorer last season, averaging 14.2 points. With Johnson no longer in the team, Williams is expected to take on a larger scoring responsibility. Her experience under coach Kim Mulkey could make her an important option in crucial moments. Kendra Andrews

8. Jaloni Cambridge – Guard, Ohio State Buckeyes

Cambridge enjoyed a major breakthrough as a sophomore, averaging 23.2 points per game last season. That figure ranked sixth nationally and first in the Big Ten, helping her earn WBCA All-American recognition. Ohio State’s progress will depend partly on the supporting cast around her, but Cambridge is expected to remain central to the Buckeyes’ ambitions. Alexa Philippou

7. Olivia Olson – Guard, Michigan Wolverines

Olson has been a driving force behind Michigan’s success, with the programme recording 51 wins over the past two seasons, tying its best two-year stretch in programme history. She led the Wolverines in scoring during both her freshman and sophomore campaigns. Her ability to score from different areas and defend multiple positions gives coach Kim Barnes Arico flexibility across the court. Charlie Creme

6. Joyce Edwards – Forward, South Carolina Gamecocks

Edwards progressed from a leading reserve as a freshman to a starter last season, increasing her scoring average by almost seven points to 19.2. Her performances earned her first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American recognition. She has already reached the Final Four twice with South Carolina and will continue to pursue her first national championship. Michael Voepel

5. Madison Booker – Forward, Texas Longhorns

Booker has earned first-team All-American honours in each of the past two seasons. The 6-foot-1 forward averaged career highs of 18.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals last season, helping Texas reach the national semifinals in both 2025 and 2026. Improving her three-point shooting could make her an even more complete offensive player and strengthen her position ahead of the 2027 WNBA draft. Michael Voepel

4. Mikayla Blakes – Guard, Vanderbilt Commodores

Blakes has progressed from SEC Freshman of the Year to SEC Player of the Year and now enters the season as a leading national award contender. She averaged 27.0 points per game last season, the highest figure in the country, and shot 35.9% from three-point range. Her ability to attack the basket and score from different positions makes her difficult to defend. She also averaged 2.9 steals per game, ranking third in the SEC. Charlie Creme

3. Hannah Hidalgo – Guard, Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Hidalgo is regarded as one of the country’s leading two-way players. She averaged 25.3 points last season and led the nation with 5.6 steals per game, earning the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award. Her ability to produce triple-doubles and create turnovers makes her a major presence on both ends. She also set an NCAA record with 202 total steals. Kendra Andrews

2. JuJu Watkins – Guard, USC Trojans

Watkins returned to the court in USC’s season opener after waiting 588 days following her ACL tear in March 2025. She made an encouraging comeback, recording 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 25 minutes. During her sophomore season in 2024-25, she averaged 23.9 points per game and won the major national Player of the Year awards. Watkins has also spoken about improving her catch-and-shoot ability, while coach Lindsay Gottlieb has highlighted her increased strength and explosiveness. Kendra Andrews

1. Sarah Strong – Forward, UConn Huskies

Reigning national Player of the Year Sarah Strong takes the top position in ESPN’s opening rankings. She spent the summer working towards full fitness after dealing with a persistent Achilles injury throughout last season. With Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers having moved on to professional basketball, Strong now has a leading role in UConn’s plans. Her performances and leadership will be central to the Huskies’ ambitions this season. Alexa Philippou

South Carolina leads the programme representation

South Carolina has the strongest representation in ESPN’s initial top 50, with five players making the list. UConn, LSU and Maryland each have three selections, while several other programmes feature multiple players among the country’s leading performers.

The rankings also highlight the growing importance of transfers. Players such as Skylar Forbes, Nunu Agara, Kiyomi McMiller and Audi Crooks have changed programmes, bringing experience and proven production to their new teams. Their performances will be closely watched as they adjust to different systems and conference competition.

Rankings could change as the 2026-27 season progresses

ESPN’s first list is based heavily on players’ previous college performances because the new season has only just begun. The early games have already offered some notable developments, including JuJu Watkins’ return from injury, Addi Mack’s scoring performance against South Carolina and Sayvia Sellers’ season-opening triple-double.

With freshmen excluded from the initial rankings, the list could also develop as the season provides more opportunities for emerging players. Injuries, transfers, changing roles and performances against stronger opponents may all influence future assessments.

For now, Sarah Strong leads the opening rankings, followed by JuJu Watkins and Hannah Hidalgo. However, the depth of talent across women’s college basketball means the positions could look different when ESPN publishes its next update during the 2026-27 campaign.