ESPN has released its first ranking of the top 50 players in women's college basketball for the 2026-27 season. The list reflects the current state of the sport, where a deep talent pool exists even as a few standout athletes are expected to dominate the race for national player of the year. Past winners such as JuJu Watkins from USC and Sarah Strong from UConn remain at the forefront of that conversation.
South Carolina heads the list with five players making the cut, demonstrating the program's continued depth. UConn, LSU, and Maryland each have three representatives on the initial ranking. Because the season has only just begun, the evaluation leans heavily on the players' established college careers, including those who missed time last year due to injuries. This approach provides a baseline before the new season's results significantly reshape the hierarchy.
A notable trend in the top 10 is the stability of the players' team affiliations. Despite the prevalence of the transfer portal in modern college sports, all top ten ranked players have committed to a single team. This suggests these athletes are poised for long-term success and are likely candidates for the WNBA in the coming years. Freshmen were excluded from this initial list but are expected to move up the rankings as they accumulate playing time and results throughout the season.
The list includes a mix of returning stars and new transfers who are looking to make an immediate impact. For instance, Nunu Agara, who transferred from Stanford to Maryland, is ranked 36th. Agara brings a veteran presence to the Terrapins after leading Stanford in scoring and rebounding during the 2025-26 season. Her move is seen as a significant boost for a young Maryland squad that required reliable interior production.
Other notable entries include Kiyomi McMiller, ranked 40th, who is now with Florida after stints at Rutgers and Penn State. McMiller is attempting to find her best fit in the SEC under new coach Tammi Reiss. Similarly, Jada Williams, ranked 38th, has moved to LSU to utilize her point guard skills and defensive tenacity after a strong statistical performance at Iowa State.
South Carolina's dominance on the list is further highlighted by the return of Chloe Kitts, ranked 27th. Kitts missed the previous season due to a torn ACL but played 19 minutes in the season opener against Maryland, contributing eight points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Her return, alongside teammate Ashlyn Watkins, is expected to keep the Gamecocks as a formidable postseason contender.
The rankings also feature players who have shown significant growth and versatility. Ava Heiden of Iowa, ranked 25th, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors last season while averaging 18.0 points and 7.2 rebounds. Heiden's mobile style and high efficiency make her a central offensive figure for the Hawkeyes. Meanwhile, Syla Swords of Michigan, ranked 28th, is looking to solidify the Wolverines as a championship contender after a strong summer with Canada Basketball.
As the season progresses, the rankings are expected to shift. Players who perform well in upcoming games may move up, while those struggling to adjust to new teams or recovering from injuries may see their positions change. The next update will incorporate more recent game data, providing a clearer picture of the competitive landscape in women's college basketball.
