WNBA

Who Are The Top WNBA Prospects Heading Into the 2026-27 College Season

October 8, 2026

As the 2026-27 college basketball season approaches, several standout prospects are poised to make their mark on the WNBA pipeline. UCLA, despite losing key players and facing injuries—including sophomore Lena Bilic’s ACL tear—remains a team to watch, though they enter the year with an uncertain roster.

Meanwhile, USC’s JuJu Watkins, a dynamic two-way guard, returns from a torn ACL suffered during last year’s NCAA Tournament. The 6-foot-2 junior averaged 25.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game over her career, though she’ll need to refine her efficiency and three-point shooting (currently at 32.2%) to reach her full potential.

With one year of eligibility left, Watkins could solidify her status as a top draft prospect, drawing comparisons to Maya Moore and Kahleah Cooper for her athleticism and scoring ability.

Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, a reigning WBCA Defensive Player of the Year, also stands out as a dual-threat guard. The 5-foot-6 point guard led the nation in steals (5.6 per game) and shot 47.5% from the field last season, though her turnover issues and 33.3% three-point shooting remain concerns.

Texas forward Madison Booker, meanwhile, enters her senior year after a career-best campaign, combining size, efficiency, and defensive impact to rank among the nation’s top prospects. With South Carolina, Texas, and UConn emerging as title contenders, these players will play pivotal roles in shaping the next generation of WNBA talent.