Top Players to Watch in the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament

As we finalize our brackets and gear up for March Madness, let’s take a look at the standout players vying for the national championship in the upcoming 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament.

Sarah Strong, University of California: Strong is a frontrunner for National Player of the Year, boasting an average of 18.5 points in merely 26.4 minutes per game. Her impressive performance has been pivotal in keeping UConn’s undefeated streak alive as they eye a second consecutive championship.

Azzi Fudd, U.S.C.: Likely to be a top choice in next month’s WNBA Draft, Fudd is part of UConn’s formidable duo. She averages 17.7 points per game and has a commendable 44.6 percent shooting from beyond the arc, all while playing just 28.3 minutes per game.

Madison Booker, Texas: A core reason for Texas’ success this season, Booker has consistently scored in double digits, except for two games. She leads the Longhorns with averages of 18.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.

Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt: One of the most electrifying players, Blakes has propelled Vanderbilt to a No. 2 seed in the tournament. This season, she’s scoring an astounding 27.0 points per game, leading the nation in that department.

Lauren Betts, UCLA: Standing at 6-foot-7, Betts poses a considerable challenge for opponents. She played a key role in securing back-to-back Big Ten Tournament titles for the Bruins and aims to help them reach the Final Four in her final college season.

Raven Johnson, South Carolina: Johnson is on fire this season, hitting a career-high 10.3 points per game with a shooting percentage of 50.6%. She’s also contributing 5.4 assists per game while adjusting well to her starting role during her fifth college year.

Reagan Beals, Oklahoma: Beals is another powerful presence on the court, ready to bring her grit and defensive skills to March Madness, scoring 15.7 points per game this season.

Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame: A versatile two-way player, Hidalgo leads Notre Dame with an impressive 25.2 points per game, ranking third nationally behind only Blakes and Audi Crooks.

Joyce Edwards, South Carolina: Stepping up as a sophomore, Edwards led her team in scoring, averaging nearly 20 points per game, and also tops the team in steals at 1.7 per game.

Audi Crooks, Iowa: Crooks has been a consistent performer, averaging 25.5 points per game this season, making her one of the top players nationally. Despite her team’s fluctuating performance, she’s been a reliable scoring option.

Olivia Miles, TCU: Another high draft prospect, Miles leads her team in scoring (19.6), assists (6.4), and steals (1.8), showcasing her all-around skills.

Tanya Latson, South Carolina: A standout scorer, Latson has shown her capabilities in her single season at South Carolina, with averages of 14.3 points per game, making her a strong candidate for a first-round draft position next month.

Jaroni, Cambridge, Ohio: The sophomore is racking up 22.8 points and 4.6 assists per game, leading the Buckeyes and helping them achieve a fourth-place finish in the Big Ten this season. They could be a dark horse in the tournament.

Olivia Olson, Michigan: Olson leads Michigan with averages of 19.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, credited for her efficiency in putting points on the board. This performance has earned her a spot on the first team All-Big Ten roster for the second consecutive year.

Toby Fournier, Duke: The Canadian player played a crucial role in Duke’s turnaround from an unranked team to ACC Tournament champions this season. She has improved her scoring from 13.2 to 17.3 points per game in her second season.

Flau’Jae Johnson, LSU: Johnson is a crafty player known for her ability to shake things up in games. With a career-high 3-point shooting percentage of 40.2% this season, she’s definitely one to watch during March Madness.

Kiki Rice, UCLA: Projected as another first-round draft pick, Rice brings solid numbers with 15.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. She has impressive shooting stats as well, hitting 50.4% from the field and 38.1% from three.

Lori Harmon, Texas: As a fifth-year point guard for Texas, Harmon has made significant contributions, notably scoring 26 points in a win against UCLA. This victory was a pivotal moment, helping secure Texas as a top-four seed for the tournament.

Milesia Fulwilly, LSU: After transferring to LSU, Fulwilly’s scoring has jumped from 11.7 points to 14.6 per game. Her ability to take over games makes her a must-see player during the tournament.

Sila Swords, Michigan: The Canadian Olympian has made her mark this season with a first-team All-Big Ten selection after earning second-team honors as a freshman. Her quick shooting skills keep Michigan competitive, and she has great chemistry with teammate Olson.