March Madness has always focused on the men’s college basketball tournament despite having a women’s tournament since 1982. But after enough highlights and upsets, the women couldn’t be denied a piece of the “Madness.” They officially became the Women’s March Madness tournament in 2022.
March is where elite talent meets pressure, and where the biggest names elevate their game when it matters most. Whether it’s a dominant post presence, a dynamic guard, or a breakout freshman, this tournament will show who can dominate when the pressure is highest.
To make sure you don’t miss the women who highlight the 2026 tournament, here are the top 10 players to watch during Women’s March Madness in 2026.
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2026 Women’s March Madness Tournament
#10 Flau’Jae Johnson, LSU
With a national championship in 2023 already under her belt, Johnson is no stranger to March, and that alone makes her one of the more dangerous players in the tourney. The LSU senior guard is averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists this season, and while those numbers are lower than last year, she still brings the type of confidence and shot-making ability that can flip a game fast. LSU is a No. 2 seed, and Johnson’s veteran, big-game presence gives the Tigers a proven tournament weapon.
#9 Jaloni Cambridge, Ohio State
Cambridge is one of the true breakout stars in women’s basketball after making a sophomore jump. The Ohio State guard increased her scoring by 48%, averaging 22.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, climbing into All-American territory. She can score in the paint, create shots for others, and control the tempo – a big requirement when facing multiple squads in March. If Ohio State is going to make a real run as a No. 3 seed, Cambridge will be the engine.
#8 Joyce Edwards, South Carolina
Edwards has gone from a young talent who only started one game to MVP of a national title contender. The South Carolina sophomore forward is averaging 19.6 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 58.7 percent from the field, emerging as another interior force for the Gamecocks who can overwhelm teams with efficiency and strength. The No. 7 Gamecocks are loaded with options, but Edwards stands out as she can dominate without multiple touches.
#7 Olivia Miles, TCU
Miles remains one of the smoothest and smartest guards in the country, but this year she is doing it for TCU, not Notre Dame. After playing four years for the Fighting Irish, the senior guard brought out her best for the Horned Frogs, averaging a career high in points (19.6 points), rebounds (6.9 rebounds), along with 6.4 assists. That all-around production makes her one of the most dangerous players in the bracket.
TCU is No. 3 in the Sacramento region and if they go far she’ll be the one to carry them.
#6 Azzi Fudd, UConn
Fudd always had star power, but injuries have always somewhat derailed her potential. Not this year. The UConn senior is averaging a career-high 17.7 points per game while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from three, making her one of the most dangerous perimeter scorers in the tourney. UConn is undefeated, and Fudd has a superstar teammate in Sarah Strong (more on her in a bit), but Fudd brings enough fire from the perimeter to make noise all on her own.
#5 Madison Booker, Texas
Booker has grown into one of the most complete players in college basketball. The Texas junior forward is averaging 18.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, and enters the tournament as an AP First Team All-American on a No. 1 seed. She has a deadly midrange game while having the strength and versatility to score on the interior. Her ability to create mismatches with her size gives the Longhorns the ability to play any style throughout the tournament – a key asset.
#4 Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
If you’re looking for highlight-reel speed, perimeter shooting, and ball-handling that would make Kyrie Irving stand up, Hidalgo is the one to watch all tournament. The Notre Dame junior is averaging career highs in 25.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, putting together one of the most explosive seasons in the country. She’s on constant attack and never slows down, which can swing momentum in a matter of minutes.
Notre Dame is only a No. 6 seed, which makes their Women’s March Madness odds tougher than most. But we guarantee that no matter what happens, Hidalgo will give you a reason to watch the Fighting Irish all tournament.
#3 Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt
Blakes has become one of the biggest stories in the sport, for good reason. The Vanderbilt sophomore guard is averaging 27.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, making her the Division I’s top scorer.
Vanderbilt breaking through as a No. 2 seed is already enough to put your focus on the Commodores in March, but Blakes’ ability to get buckets better than anyone else in the country makes them must-see TV.
#2 Lauren Betts, UCLA
Size still matters in basketball, and UCLA center Lauren Betts is proof of that. The 6’7 UCLA senior is averaging 16.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, and she remains one of the most physically imposing players in the tournament. Her size changes everything on both ends; she’s efficient in the key, dominates the boards, and can send back shots on defense. UCLA is a No. 1 seed in the Sacramento Region, and Betts is a huge reason why.
When we get deep into the bracket, and the pace slows, and every shot matters, Betts is the type of player to emerge.
#1 Sarah Strong, UConn
Strong gets the top spot because she feels like the most complete force for the most complete team. The sophomore forward is averaging 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists for the undefeated Huskies while shooting 60 percent from the field. A leading star on a team of stars.
She scores efficiently, rebounds, passes, defends, and rarely looks rattled. In other words, she checks every March Madness box. If one player is most likely to have shining moments in this tourney, it’s Strong.
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