The first watchlist for the 2026 Wooden Award has been released, and it includes a plethora of stars who were a part of last year’s final roundup and have elevated their games to new heights. The current list, as reported by @ESPN_WomenHoop on X/Twitter through an article by Michael Voepel on Tuesday, Nov. 18, includes names like UCLA Bruins stalwart Lauren Betts, Notre Dame Fighting Irish star Hannah Hidalgo, and others.
UCLA center Lauren Betts, Texas forward Madison Booker and Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo, who were among the five finalists for the Wooden Award last season, are on the 50-player watch list for the 2026 Wooden Award.https://t.co/LEsXoVxbq5
— ESPN Women’s Hoops (@ESPN_WomenHoop) November 18, 2025
A few days ago, USC Trojans sensation JuJu Watkins was presented with the 2025 Wooden Award for her efforts in the 2024-25 campaign. She, of course, won’t be in the running this year, given that she is still nursing her torn ACL injury that she suffered in the 2025 NCAA tournament. Let’s look at the 10 top players in the current Wooden Award shortlist.
Top 10 NCAAW Stars in 2026 Wooden Award Shortlist
#10 Ta’Niya Latson
Ta’Niya Latson has found a new home with the South Carolina Gamecocks since transferring to the program from Florida for her fourth year. She is one of the top scorers for one of the nation’s premier basketball programs.
#9 Olivia Miles
Since transferring to coach Mark Campbell’s TCU Horned Frogs, fifth-year standout Olivia Miles has been the best player for the team, as she is looking to close out her college basketball career on a strong note.
#8 Flau’jae Johnson
Now in her senior and likely final campaign of college basketball, Flau’jae Johnson has provided steady perimeter offense for the LSU Tigers, as the team holds a 5-0 record in their 2025-26 non-conference schedule.
#7 MiLaysia Fulwiley
LSU Tigers transfer MiLaysia Fulwiley has been able to carry over her game into her new program and continues to be a slashing threat for coach Kim Mulkey’s 2025-26 roster.
#6 Raven Johnson
South Carolina Gamecocks senior Raven Johnson is the main facilitator for coach Dawn Staley’s team, and has given the program a trajectory towards winning back the national title as a proven two-time national champion guard.
#5 Madison Booker
One of the best scorers in women’s collegiate hoops, Madison Booker’s outstanding scoring has helped the Texas Longhorns uncork a 4-0 overall record.
#4 Sarah Strong
In her second year, Sarah Strong is making a more significant impact on her games for coach Geno Auriemma’s squad after a fantastic rookie campaign. She is looking to help her program defend its national title this year.
#3 Azzi Fudd
Graduating star Azzi Fudd has been more than just a vocal presence for the UConn Huskies this season, as she is also the defending national champion’s biggest threat from the perimeter both as a scorer and as a defender.
#2 Lauren Betts
UCLA Bruins stalwart Lauren Betts continues her dominant post play as the clear-cut best player in women’s college basketball. She has led coach Cori Close’s team to a 5-0 record while averaging a near double-double.
#1 Hannah Hidalgo
Notre Dame Fighting Irish sensation Hannah Hidalgo tops the list with how she has dominated games with her two-way play. Leading coach Niele Ivey’s 2025-26 squad to a 3-1 record thus far, Hidalgo has been transcendental on both ends of the floor, which is highlighted by her 44-point, 16-steal outing against the Akron Zips.
Read More: Azzi Fudd Misses Out on Preseason Honor Behind Sarah Strong, Hannah Hidalgo, Lauren Betts, Madison Booker and Ta’Niya Latson
Also Read: “Can’t Take This Ranking Serious at All”: Fans in Disagreement as Azzi Fudd Loses Out to Lauren Betts, Awa Fam, Olivia Miles in 2026 WNBA Mock Draft
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
