Overview
- USA TODAY’s preseason All-America team is led by UCLA center Lauren Betts and UConn forward Sarah Strong, with no freshmen selected.
- The New York Post’s new Top 25 has UConn at No. 1, highlighting returners Sarah Strong, Azzi Fudd and KK Arnold and additions Kayleigh Heckel and Serah Williams.
- UCLA, Texas and South Carolina headline the contender tier, with South Carolina recalibrating after Chloe Kitts’ season-ending ACL injury and the arrival of top transfer Ta’Niya Latson.
- Betts is described by USA TODAY as the heavy favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA draft.
- The Post’s preseason prediction forecasts a Final Four of UConn, UCLA, Texas and Duke, with UCLA picked to win the national title.