As the women’s college basketball season approaches its conclusion, competition for the prestigious Wooden Award has intensified. A group of elite players has risen to the top, but following an outstanding performance against UCLA earlier this month, USC sophomore sensation JuJu Watkins has firmly established herself as the leading candidate.
The Wooden Award Race Heats Up as JuJu Watkins Leads the Pack
Notre Dame’s sophomore star Hannah Hidalgo is not far behind, making this one of the most thrilling Player of the Year battles in recent history. Thanks to an outstanding season for the nation’s once-top-ranked team, Hidalgo has positioned herself near the top of the Wooden Award odds board.
She has consistently ranked among the nation’s leaders in both scoring and steals, proving to be one of the most impactful players in college basketball. However, Watkins’ ability to lead USC against top-tier competition has given her the edge in the latest odds.
The official X page of The Athletic recently posted an image of Watkins, sharing the latest update on the race for the Wooden Award.
“The race for the Wooden Award in women’s college basketball is entering the final stretch. Did JuJu Watkins lock in her No. 1 spot with that signature performance vs. UCLA?” the post was captioned.
The race for the Wooden Award in women’s college basketball is entering the final stretch.
Did JuJu Watkins lock in her No. 1 spot with that signature performance vs. UCLA?
Odds via @BetMGM ⤵️https://t.co/deTBNirzdJ pic.twitter.com/d1cZ59zrBu
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 25, 2025
Watkins (-150 on BetMGM) took control of the race following an unforgettable performance against USC’s crosstown rival, UCLA.
In what was one of the most defining games of the season, Watkins dominated the previously unbeaten Bruins. This includes recording 38 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocks, five assists, and one steal while converting six of her nine three-point attempts.
Her ability to showcase a complete scoring arsenal while making an impact on both ends of the floor demonstrated why she is a generational talent. Against a UCLA team that had previously been considered one of the best in the nation, Watkins outperformed fellow Wooden Award finalist Lauren Betts.
Watkins has been a model of consistency throughout the season, scoring at least 14 points in every game. She currently ranks third in the nation in points per game, averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.1 steals, and 2.0 blocks.
Her impact extends far beyond scoring, as she contributes in nearly every statistical category.
The difficulty of USC’s schedule makes Watkins’ numbers even more impressive. The Trojans have secured eight victories against teams ranked in the AP Top 25, and their only two losses came against No. 1-ranked Notre Dame.
Despite facing constant defensive pressure, including double teams and specialized defensive schemes designed to slow her down, Watkins continues to find ways to produce at an elite level.
Although Watkins’ shooting percentages (42.8% from the field, 33.7% from three-point range, and 83.3% from the free throw line) are slightly lower than some of the other Wooden Award contenders.
USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb recently praised Watkins during an interview on Sirius XM.
“She is probably the most game-planned-for college athlete in our sport ever,” Gottlieb said.
Given the level of attention she commands from opposing teams, her continued success is even more remarkable.
With another marquee matchup against UCLA and Betts scheduled for early March, Watkins will have one more opportunity to strengthen her Wooden Award candidacy in front of a national audience.
Can Hannah Hidalgo Catch Up to Watkins?
The strongest challenger to Watkins’ claim for the Wooden Award remains Notre Dame’s standout sophomore, Hidalgo (+220). A dynamic two-way player, Hidalgo currently ranks second in the nation in points per game while also tying for second in steals per game.
Her statistical averages of 24.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.9 steals per game highlight her ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
What makes Hidalgo an even more formidable contender is her efficiency. She is close to joining the exclusive 50-40-90 club, shooting an impressive 47.5% from the field, 39.9% from three-point range, and 87.2% from the free-throw line. Her ability to score efficiently from all areas of the court has been a major factor in Notre Dame’s success this season.
Notre Dame recently held the No. 1 spot in the AP poll, demonstrating its dominance. However, a double-overtime loss to N.C. State slightly dented its momentum. While Hidalgo remains a top contender, the depth and experience of her supporting cast may impact her candidacy.
Unlike Watkins, who is the undisputed leader of USC, Hidalgo plays alongside an extremely talented and experienced group of teammates. Senior guard Olivia Miles, another Wooden Award finalist, is considered one of the best all-around players in the nation, providing Notre Dame with an elite backcourt.
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Additionally, Sonia Citron consistently contributes as a double-figure scorer, while Liatu King is a dominant presence in the paint, averaging a double.
Although Hidalgo continues to produce at a high level, her case for the Wooden Award may be slightly diminished due to the presence of multiple high-caliber teammates. In contrast, Watkins carries a heavier burden for USC, making her impact even more significant.
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