As the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season approaches, anticipation is building across campuses nationwide. With less than two weeks until tip-off, fans and analysts alike are eager to see which players will rise to prominence this year. While some notable stars from previous seasons, such as UConn’s Paige Bueckers, have moved on to the professional ranks, and others like USC’s JuJu Watkins are sidelined due to injury, there remains a wealth of talent ready to make their mark on the collegiate stage.
Determining the “best” players in women’s college basketball is inherently subjective, influenced by individual roles, skill sets, and intangible qualities like leadership and energy on the court. This preview highlights ten players expected to dominate the 2025-26 season, selected not only for their statistical contributions but also for their impact on team success and their ability to inspire and elevate those around them. Some notable players, such as Iowa State’s Audi Crooks, Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes, and UConn’s Serah Williams, were considered but ultimately did not make this top-tier list.
Leading the charge is Florida State’s Kiley Latson, who stunned the nation last season by leading all players with an average of 25.2 points per game. Latson’s scoring prowess was remarkably consistent, with 17 games scoring 25 or more points, including a standout 40-point performance against Virginia Tech. She is a versatile scorer capable of hitting shots from all three levels—inside, midrange, and beyond the arc. Now playing for South Carolina under the tutelage of coach Dawn Staley, Latson is expected to evolve into an even more well-rounded offensive threat. Staley is known for developing players into complete basketball athletes, and Latson’s combination of scoring ability and improving all-around skills makes her a formidable weapon for the Gamecocks.
Another dominant force in the paint is Oklahoma’s Kennedy Beers. After transferring from Oregon State, Beers continued to establish herself as a powerhouse inside. She is particularly strong on the glass, a fact underscored by her performance as Team USA’s leading rebounder at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup this past summer. Beers is an efficient scorer, posting an impressive 63.3% shooting percentage during her junior year while averaging 17.3 points per game. Although not traditionally known as a three-point shooter, she has been working to expand her range, suggesting that her senior season may showcase a more versatile offensive game.
Texas’s Jasmyne Harmon is poised for a breakout year after battling through an ACL injury last season. While her numbers were modest as she played with a brace, Harmon is now fully healthy and ready to reclaim her status as one of the nation’s elite two-way players. Beyond scoring, Harmon’s quickness and court vision make her a valuable playmaker. Additionally, her defensive skills rank among the best in the country, making her a critical component on both ends of the floor. Texas coach Vic Schaefer is confident that this season will be Harmon’s true bounce-back campaign, highlighting her resilience and determination.
Transfer headlines also feature Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles, who was one of the most sought-after moves during the offseason. After four stellar seasons with the Fighting Irish, Miles brings a refined skill set to her new program. Known primarily for her passing ability, she has also made significant strides as a shooter. Last season, she averaged 15.4 points per game and dramatically improved her three-point shooting from 22.8% in her junior year to an impressive 40.6%. Miles has consistently been among the top guards nationally since making history in her freshman year as the first player—male or female—to record a triple-double in NCAA Tournament play.
Texas also boasts the versatile Aaliyah Booker, a player whose basketball IQ and adaptability stand out. Originally recruited as a small forward, Booker stepped into the point guard role during her freshman year when Harmon was sidelined with injury. Although she has since relinquished primary point guard duties, Booker retains those skills, including exceptional passing that creates scoring opportunities for teammates. She rounds out her game with solid rebounding and disruptive defense, making her an invaluable asset in coach Schaefer’s system.
At Maryland, Lexie Johnson brings a high-energy, athletic style that impacts both offense and defense. Johnson’s mid-range jump shot is among the best in the country, complementing her strong