As the 2025-26 college basketball season approaches, the landscape of women’s basketball has shifted significantly. This year, only eight former women’s college basketball players of the year are returning to their respective teams, a notable decrease from 14 last season. The evolving dynamics of the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements have contributed to an increasingly unstable environment in the sport.
With the season set to begin in less than two weeks, attention turns to the top candidates for player of the year across various conferences. While some selections appear straightforward, such as Sarah Strong from UConn in the Big East and Maggie Doogan from Richmond in the Atlantic 10, others, particularly in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Big 12, promise to be fiercely competitive until the final games.
Conference Breakdown
The following highlights the leading candidates for player of the year in each conference, based on their performances from the previous season and their anticipated impact this year.
**America East Conference**
Adrianna Smith, a 6-foot forward from the Maine Black Bears, is a standout candidate. After earning the America East player of the year award as a sophomore in 2023, she recorded 22 double-doubles in her junior year before missing last season due to a knee injury. Her averages of 16.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game in the 2023-24 season highlight her potential. Her primary competitor will be Eva DeChent from the New Hampshire Wildcats, who averaged 17.8 points per game last season.
**American Conference**
In the American Conference, Edyn Battle of the South Florida Bulls stands out. After leading the Atlantic Sun in scoring with 20.8 points per game while at Jacksonville, she joins a talented Bulls roster. Her main rival will be Dominique Ennis from Rice, who averaged 12.2 points and 4.8 rebounds last season.
**Atlantic Coast Conference**
The ACC features Hannah Hidalgo from Notre Dame, recognized as one of the best two-way guards in the country. She averaged 23.8 points and 3.7 steals per game last season, positioning her as a frontrunner for the player of the year award. Zoe Brooks from NC State, who contributed 14.2 points and 4.7 rebounds, will be her top competitor.
**Atlantic 10 Conference**
Last season’s A-10 player of the year, Maggie Doogan from Richmond, is expected to continue her strong performance after averaging 17.0 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Her closest competitor is Zahirah Walton of George Mason, who posted 15.1 points and 5.8 rebounds.
**Big East Conference**
In the Big East, Sarah Strong of UConn had an impressive freshman year, averaging 16.4 points and leading her team in rebounds. She faces competition from teammate Azzi Fudd, who contributed 13.6 points per game.
**Big 12 Conference**
Olivia Miles of TCU could have entered the WNBA after a successful freshman season at Notre Dame but opted to transfer. Her career-high average of 15.4 points per game last season makes her a strong contender, while Audi Crooks from Iowa State, who averaged 23.4 points, poses a significant challenge.
**Big Ten Conference**
Lauren Betts from UCLA has emerged as a favorite in the Big Ten after averaging 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds last season. She is a formidable shot-blocker, making her a key player to watch. Yarden Garzon from Maryland, who averaged 14.4 points, will be her primary competition.
**Pac-12 Conference**
In the Pac-12, Madison Booker of Texas has already won player of the year honors in both the Big 12 and SEC. After improving her three-point shooting to 40.3%, she aims for a third consecutive title.
**Other Conferences**
The remaining conferences feature a variety of promising talents. In the Horizon League, Colbi Maples from Cleveland State seeks to reclaim her title after an injury-shortened season. Meanwhile, Sisi Eleko of Eastern Michigan leads the Mid-American Conference, and Raegan McCowan from Western Illinois continues to make her mark in the Ohio Valley Conference.
As the season begins, these players will be in the spotlight, showcasing their skills and vying for recognition. The changing landscape of college basketball, marked by new challenges and opportunities, will play a significant role in determining who emerges as the standout player of the year in women’s college basketball.
