The 2025–26 women’s college basketball season is officially at its midpoint, and ESPN’s updated rankings show just how much the national picture has evolved since preseason. While some stars have held their ground, others have surged into the spotlight, reshaping the race for individual honors and championship contention.
Sarah Strong Remains in a League of Her Own
UConn sophomore Sarah Strong continues to set the standard in women’s college basketball. Ranked No. 1 in the preseason, she hasn’t relinquished her spot—and if anything, she’s strengthened her case.
Strong is averaging 18.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game while shooting over 60% from the field, all while serving as one of the nation’s most impactful defenders. Her game is polished, efficient, and unselfish, making her the centerpiece of the country’s top team. At midseason, she stands as the clear frontrunner for National Player of the Year.
The SEC’s Grip on the Rankings
No conference has made a louder statement than the SEC, which accounts for more than half of ESPN’s Top 25 players. South Carolina leads the way with three selections, while Texas, LSU, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt are all well represented.
Standouts like Madison Booker, Mikayla Blakes, and Joyce Edwards are thriving in one of the toughest competitive environments in the country. Night after night, SEC matchups resemble postseason battles—and the individual numbers reflect that intensity.
Fresh Faces Making Immediate Impact
Although freshmen were left out of the preseason rankings, two newcomers have already forced their way into the national conversation.
Jazzy Davidson (USC) and Aaliyah Chavez (Oklahoma) are not just contributing—they’re leading. Both rank among their teams’ top producers and are firmly in the discussion for National Freshman of the Year. Their rapid adjustment highlights how quickly elite talent can translate at the college level.
Elite Scorers Putting Up Eye-Catching Numbers
Several players are delivering historic scoring performances this season:
Audi Crooks (Iowa State) currently leads the nation in scoring
Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame) continues her dominance on both ends of the floor
Liv McGill (Florida) is producing at a high level despite her team’s SEC struggles
These players are carrying heavy offensive loads and consistently delivering, regardless of defensive pressure or game flow.
Power Rankings Point to a Tight Title Race
On the team side, the championship picture is beginning to take shape:
UConn remains unbeaten and balanced
South Carolina continues to assert SEC dominance
UCLA is thriving behind elite interior play
Texas is regrouping after its first loss
Vanderbilt is enjoying one of the best starts in program history
With marquee matchups and conference showdowns looming, the margin for error is shrinking.
The Road to March Is Heating Up
Midseason rankings are only a snapshot—but they reveal key trends. Star power is rising, freshmen are accelerating the game’s future, and conference play is pushing teams to their limits.
If the first half of the season is any indication, the race to March Madness will be intense, unpredictable, and unforgettable.
