SEC Shines with Five Players in AP Women’s Basketball Preseason All-America
Women’s college basketball fans are buzzing about the 2025-26 season after the Associated Press dropped its preseason All-America team. This year’s picks come from some of the sport’s most storied programs and capture the energy and talent running through the game right now.
A panel of 31 media members from all over the country chose the AP preseason honorees. They spotlighted players who seem poised to shape the season in a big way. Let’s take a closer look at these standout athletes and what makes them tick.
Highlighting the Top Players
Table of Contents
Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
Hannah Hidalgo drives Notre Dame with her relentless defense and lightning-fast play. In just two seasons, she’s ranked near the top nationally in both scoring and steals.
She’s helped the Irish reach back-to-back NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteens, snag an ACC Tournament title in 2024, and win the ACC regular-season crown in 2025. Even after key teammates left through the transfer portal, Hidalgo keeps Notre Dame in the mix as a serious threat.
Lauren Betts, UCLA
Lauren Betts’ story is one of grit. She went from a rough freshman year at Stanford to starring at UCLA after transferring.
Her numbers last season—20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.9 blocks per game—say it all. Betts helped UCLA reach its first-ever Final Four in the NCAA era and win the Big Ten Tournament. At this rate, she’s looking like a sure-fire lottery pick for the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Sarah Strong, Connecticut
Sarah Strong exploded onto the scene as a freshman, helping Connecticut win a national championship. She picked up honors like WBCA National Freshman of the Year along the way.
Her defense and knack for scoring make her a cornerstone for the Huskies. With Strong leading the charge, Connecticut starts the year atop the AP preseason top 25 for the 13th time.
Madison Booker, Texas
Madison Booker, last season’s SEC Player of the Year, has been a game-changer for Texas. She led the Longhorns to their first Final Four since 2003, which is wild if you think about it.
Booker even slid into the point guard spot as a freshman, showing just how much she can adapt. She’s absolutely one to watch as the season unfolds.
Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina
Ta’Niya Latson is starting a new chapter at South Carolina after transferring in. Her scoring is no joke—she led the entire country last season with 25.2 points per game.
Now, she’s joining a loaded Gamecocks squad that many expect to win the SEC and maybe even the national title. If South Carolina goes all the way, Latson will probably be right in the middle of it.
Other Notable Mentions
The preseason All-America team isn’t the whole story—other players got votes and could easily steal headlines as the season goes on. A few names to keep an eye on:
- Connecticut’s Azzi Fudd
- TCU’s Olivia Miles
- LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson
- Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes
- Oklahoma’s Raegan Beers
- Southern California’s Jazzy Davidson
- Baylor’s Darianna Littlepage-Buggs
Conference Representation
The SEC really stands out this year—five of the 12 players who got AP preseason All-America votes come from SEC schools. That’s some serious depth.
The Big Ten, Big East, and Big 12 each have two players in the mix, and the ACC has one. It’s a crowded field, but right now, the SEC seems to be setting the pace for everyone else.
SEC Dominance
That SEC strength shows up in the AP preseason top 25 too. Eight SEC teams made the list, and five of them landed in the top 10.
Honestly, it’s kind of wild how much talent keeps coming out of the conference. If you’re looking for the best games, the SEC is probably where you’ll find them.
Player-by-Player Analysis
Hannah Hidalgo’s Impact at Notre Dame
Hidalgo plays at a breakneck speed and locks down on defense, making her a nightmare for opponents. With Notre Dame’s roster in flux, she’s the steady hand that keeps them in the hunt.
Lauren Betts’ Transformation at UCLA
Betts’ move to UCLA changed everything for her. She’s not just putting up big stats—she’s been the engine behind UCLA’s run to the Final Four.
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Now, with her younger sister Sienna joining the team, there’s a fresh spark. It’s hard not to get excited about what this duo might pull off.
Sarah Strong’s Stellar Freshman Season
Strong’s first year at Connecticut was something special. Her defense and scoring helped the Huskies win it all.
She’s coming back even hungrier, and honestly, it’s tough to see anyone slowing her down right now.
Madison Booker’s Versatility
Booker can do just about anything on the court. She stepped up in different roles last season and helped Texas make a deep tournament run.
Texas fans are counting on her to keep pushing the team forward. If her track record means anything, they’re in good hands.
Ta’Niya Latson’s Scoring Prowess
Latson’s arrival at South Carolina could shake things up in a big way. She’s a proven scorer and brings a ton of experience to a team that’s already stacked.
If the Gamecocks make a serious title run, Latson’s leadership will be a big reason why.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 preseason All-America team brings together some jaw-dropping talent and pure competitive fire in women’s college basketball. Standout players from powerhouse programs all over the country are gearing up for what honestly looks like it could be a wild season.
Fans have a lot to look forward to—exceptional performances, close games, and probably a few surprises. If you want to dig into more details about these players and their teams, check out the Lexington Herald-Leader.