Imagine the thrill of predicting the stars who'll light up the court in the upcoming women's college basketball season—it's like betting on the next big wave in sports evolution! But here's where it gets controversial: With so many talented players returning or rising, how do we really know who's poised to dominate? Dive in as we explore the top five players gearing up for the 2025-26 campaign, based on a preseason All-American team selection process that's equal parts past performance and future potential. As a voter for the Associated Press preseason top 25 in women's college basketball, I'm also tasked with picking this elite squad, and it's no easy feat—especially when you're balancing proven stars with emerging talents who could redefine the game.
Just to set the stage for beginners, a preseason All-American team isn't an official award but a fun prediction by experts like myself, highlighting players expected to shine. Last year's squads featured 15 players across first, second, and third teams, and an impressive 10 are back this time. This includes USC's superstar JuJu Watkins, who's sitting out the season to heal from a knee injury she picked up during the NCAA Tournament (check out the details at https://www.sbnation.com/2025/3/29/24396609/juju-watkins-injury-dawn-staley-paige-bueckers-ncaa-womens-basketball). Even without her, we're still spoiled for choice with nine standout returnees, plus rising stars who were honorable mentions before, such as Raegan Beers of Oklahoma (learn more about her journey at https://www.sbnation.com/womens-ncaa-basketball/2025/3/10/24381109/house-settlement-ncaa-womens-basketball-raegan-beers-oklahoma-interview-sec), South Carolina's Joyce Edwards, and Cotie McMahon, who moved from Ohio State to Ole Miss.
Crafting this team requires weighing what these athletes have achieved so far against what they might accomplish next. It's a blend of stats, leadership, and that intangible spark that turns good players into legends. Last year (as covered in https://www.sbnation.com/2025/3/14/24385482/womens-college-basketball-player-coach-of-the-year-all-americans-juju-bueckers), Watkins and Paige Bueckers were unanimous picks for the preseason lineup, alongside Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo, USC's Kiki Iriafen, and Texas's Madison Booker. By season's end, four made the All-American First Team, with Iriafen securing a spot on the AP Third Team. After plenty of reflection, here's my list for the 2025-26 preseason All-American team:
Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame — Junior, Guard
As a two-time AP First Team All-American, the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year twice over, and the reigning Player of the Year in her conference, Hidalgo is set to carry a heavy load for the Fighting Irish this year (read her insights at https://www.sbnation.com/womens-sports/1084110/hannah-hidalgo-interview-olivia-miles-notre-dame-acc-espn). She's the only starter back from their Sweet 16 run last season, yet she's shown she's up to the challenge of directing Notre Dame's offense under coach Niele Ivey. Hidalgo ranked fifth in the nation for scoring and fourth in steals, making her a strong candidate for the best all-around guard in the game—think of her as the engine that keeps the team running smoothly on both ends of the court.
Olivia Miles, TCU — Senior, Guard
Paired with Hidalgo at Notre Dame last year, Miles turned heads when she bypassed the WNBA Draft—where she could've been a top-five pick—and relocated to Fort Worth, Texas (explore the story at https://www.sbnation.com/2025/4/8/24404292/olivia-miles-tcu-taniya-latson-south-carolina-transfer-portal-ncaa). A twice-named AP Second Team All-American, she's lauded for her passing, creative dribbling, sharp vision, and playmaking skills, but she also upped her game dramatically as a shooter from beyond the arc (see her progress at https://www.sbnation.com/womens-ncaa-basketball/2025/2/20/24369520/olivia-miles-notre-dame-knee-acc-womens-ncaa-basketball), hitting over 40% from three-point range—an almost 18% jump from her 2022-23 stats. As the leader of TCU, she's expected to guide them toward another Big 12 title contention, blending her veteran savvy with explosive potential.
Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt — Sophomore, Guard
Crowned with the USBWA's Tamika Catchings Award for the top freshman (details at https://www.sbnation.com/2025/4/26/24417226/sarah-strong-mikayla-blakes-womens-basketball-freshmen-ncaa), Blakes burst onto the scene last season, thrusting Vanderbilt into the spotlight with her electrifying point production. She was the sole player in Division I—men's or women's—to notch 50+ points in a game, doing so twice: 55 against Auburn and 53 versus Florida. Her Auburn performance smashed the SEC's single-game scoring mark and eclipsed Elena Delle Donne's NCAA freshman record. Adding to her résumé, she dazzled for Team USA this summer, securing a gold medal and MVP honors at the AmeriCup (more on that at https://www.sbnation.com/2025/7/7/24463130/mikayla-blakes-vanderbilt-team-usa-americup-sec-womens-basketball), proving she's not just a scorer but a global force.
Sarah Strong, UConn — Sophomore, Forward
While Blakes claimed the USBWA prize, Strong earned WBCA Freshman of the Year and lived up to her status as the nation's No. 1 recruit. Her all-around game was key to UConn's national title last season (relive it at https://www.sbnation.com/2025/4/6/24402692/uconn-south-carolina-score-paige-bueckers-ncaa-march-madness-fudd), earning her a spot on the Final Four All-Tournament Team. She was the only player to average 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game, leading the nation in win shares and defensive rating via Her Hoop Stats. With Paige Bueckers heading to the WNBA (follow her path at https://www.sbnation.com/2025/5/22/24435398/paige-bueckers-minnesota-double-wnba-dallas-wings-uconn-score), Strong is ready to step into a larger role as UConn defends its crown—imagine her as the versatile cornerstone that could make or break their repeat bid.
Lauren Betts, UCLA — Senior, Center
Betts was in the running for National Player of the Year last season (odds discussed at https://www.sbnation.com/2025/7/3/24460758/national-player-of-the-year-womens-college-basketball-2026-odds) until Watkins surged to claim it, but she still racked up accolades, including the Lisa Leslie Award for top center, Big Ten Tournament MVP, WBCA Defensive Player of the Year, Naismith committee recognition, and First Team All-American honors. Guiding UCLA to their first modern-era Final Four, she averaged 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks while shooting 64.8% from the field. Her commanding presence positions the Bruins as serious contenders again—think of her as the anchor that stabilizes the team, turning potential into powerhouse performances.
Also under consideration: Madison Booker from Texas; Ta’Niya Latson of South Carolina; Flau’Jae Johnson at LSU; Audi Crooks with Iowa State; Toby Fournier from Duke; Raegan Beers of Oklahoma; Joyce Edwards of South Carolina; Azzi Fudd at UConn; Laura Ziegler from Louisville; Maggie Doogan with Richmond.
And this is the part most people miss: Selecting a preseason team like this isn't just about stats—it's a gamble on growth, chemistry, and that unpredictable 'it' factor. But here's where it gets controversial: Are we underestimating the impact of transfers or overlooking players from smaller programs? Some might argue that sticking to big names ignores the underdogs who could surprise everyone. What do you think—do these picks capture the true essence of the season ahead, or is there a hidden gem we overlooked? Share your thoughts in the comments: Agree with my choices, or do you have a different top five? Let's debate and see what sparks fly!
