Hidalgo, Betts, Booker, and Miles top '26 Wooden Award list.

Among the notable names on the 50-player watch list for the 2026 Wooden Award are UCLA's Lauren Betts, Texas' Madison Booker, and Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo. These standout players, who were finalists for the award last season, are expected to make a strong case for the honor this year.

Joining them on the list are former Wooden All-American team members Olivia Miles from TCU and Ta'Niya Latson from South Carolina. Both players showcased their skills in the previous season and are poised to continue their impressive performance.

Notably absent from the lineup this season is USC's JuJu Watkins, the reigning women's Wooden Award winner, who is sitting out due to a knee injury sustained during the NCAA tournament. Despite her absence, the competition for the prestigious award remains fierce among the talented pool of players.

The 50-player watch list features top contenders, with the possibility of additional players being included in the midseason and late-season lists, as well as the final national ballot comprising 15 players vying for the coveted Wooden Award.

Several powerhouse teams have multiple representatives on the list, including four players each from top-ranked UConn and second-ranked South Carolina. UConn is represented by guards Azzi Fudd and Kayleigh Heckel, along with forwards Sarah Strong and Serah Williams, while South Carolina boasts talents like Latson, Raven Johnson, Agot Makeer, and Joyce Edwards.

Unfortunately, South Carolina's Chloe Kitts, initially on the list, will miss the season due to a knee injury. UCLA, ranked third, has four players on the watch list, including the Betts sisters, Sienna and Lauren, as well as guards Kiki Rice and Gianna Kneepkens.

Meanwhile, LSU, ranked fifth, is well-represented with five players on the list, showcasing their depth in talent across positions. Among the standout freshmen on the list are Makeer, Knox, and Sienna Betts, along with Aaliyah Chavez, Jazzy Davidson, and Addie Deal, who are making their mark in their debut season.