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

Another exciting women’s college basketball season is about to commence. With the college hoops season less than a month from tipping off, who are the top WNBA prospects to keep an eye on?

The UCLA Bruins enter the 2026-27 campaign as the defending champions, though they do not return any starters and only five players from last year’s squad. The Bruins will also not have sophomore Lena Bilic,, as she tore her ACL earlier this month.

“We definitely are overlooked,” forward Sienna Betts told ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. “I understand the perspective that no one knows how we’re going to play together.”

South Carolina, Texas, and UConn are expected to be among the top contenders for the national title. USC, which reached the Elite in two of the last three seasons, hopes to rebound from a disappointing season, with star guard JuJu Watkins back healthy after sitting out last year.

Top WNBA Prospects to Watch

1. JuJu Watkins, USC Trojans

USC Trojans head coach Lindsay Gottlieb talks to Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) after she injured her knee during an NCAA Tournament second round game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Watkins enters the 2026-27 season as a WNBA prospect, though she sat out all of last season after tearing her ACL in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in March 2025. The athletic 21-year-old is a highly decorated two-way guard and an elite scorer, though she needs to improve her efficiency and 3-point shooting. Turnovers are also a weakness.

In 67 career games, Watkins averages 25.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks. The 6-2 junior averages 1.9 threes with shooting splits of 41.2/32.2/83.6. She will have one more year of college eligibility after the upcoming season.

WNBA Comps: Maya Moore, Kahleah Cooper

2. Hannah Hidalgo — Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Hannah Hidalgo had a monster season this past year. A huge pest on defense and reigning WBCA Defensive Player of the Year, Hidalgo set career highs with 25.3 points, 5.6 steals, and 47.5%field-goal shootingd this past season.

Hidalgo is a big-time creator on both ends of the floor who is exceptionally quick. The 5-6 point guard excels at attacking the rim and in transition. She is also a good facilitator, though turnovers are problematic. Additionally, she is a volume 3-point shooter — knocking down 1.4 threes at 33.3% for her career.

WNBA Comps: Skylar Diggins, Ari McDonald

3. Madison Booker, Texas Longhorns

Madison Booker heads into her senior camapign, coming off a career season in which she improved her efficiency and scoring production. The 6-1 forward is No. 2 on the board for her size, efficiency, playmaking, and defense.

Booker has a pro -ready body and outstanding footwork. Booker, a versatile perimeter defender, excels in the mid-range and has shown the ability to be a secondary playmaker. She averaged 18.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals with shooting splits of 50.8/28.4/84.9 this past season.

WNBA Comps: Courtney Williams, Jordon Horston

4. MiLaysia Fulwiley, LSU Tigers

MiLaysia Fulwiley stepped up her production and efficiency in her first season at LSU after two seasons with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Fulwiley is an electric athletic scorer who thrives when getting downhill. The 5-10 uber-quick guard possesses excellent handles and a defensive playmaker. She does need to continue working on her perimeter shooting and creation.

Last year, Fulwiley averaged 14.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals. She also knocked down 1.2 triples with shooting splits of 47.4/32.6/78.1.

WNBA Comparison: Chennady Carter

5. S’Mya Nichols, Kansas Jayhawks

S’Mya Nichols is a physical guard who thrives at putting pressure on the rim and finishing through contact. Nichols is an excellent shooter who can run an offense. She gets to the free throw line a ton, though turnovers are an issue.

Nichols averaged 17.4 points on just 10 field goal attempts, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds last year. She also knocked 1.1 threes a game with a shooting split of 48.2/42.9/84.7.

WNBA Comp: Tiffany Mitchell

6. Mikayla Williams, LSU Tigers

Mikayla Williams is a three-level scorer with a WNBA-ready body and an excellent, pure shooting stroke. Williams also has a nice mid-range game, is a good facilitator, and has a strong basketball IQ. Defensively, she is a good rebounder and can guard all three backcourt positions.

Last year, Williams averaged 14.2 points on 1o.4 attempts, 5.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals. She also knocked down 1.4 triples with shooting splits of 50.7/42.0/83.9.

WNBA Comp: Allisha Gray

7. Clara Strack, Kentucky Wildcats

Clara Strack is the top big prospect in the 2027 draft class. Strack, who averaged a double-double last season (16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks), is a modern rim‑protecting big who can stretch the floor. She is also very mobile and a very good passer.

WNBA Comparison: Dorka Juhasz

8. Audi Crooks — Oklahoma State Cowgirls

Audi Crooks put together back-to-back impressive campaigns for the Cyclones, but now is in T. The 6-3, wide-body center is extremely strong and efficient, with soft hands. Crooks, who led the Big 12 in scoring and field-goal percentage over the past two seasons, does need to improve her shooting range and defensive acumen.

WNBA Comps: Kalani Brown, Teaira McCowan

8. Khamil Pierre — North Carolina State Wolfpack

Khamil Pierre, who has improved each of her three college seasons, has a WNBA-ready body and game. The 6-2 forward is an elite rebounder on both ends who can finish around the rim, run the floor, and defend all three frontcourt spots. She produced 22 double-doubles, leading the ACC, and averaged 16.7 points on 52.9% shooting from the field and 11.9 rebounds.

9. Kymora Johnson, Virginia Cavaliers

Kymora Johnson is one of the top point guards in the country. Johnson, who has upped her production in each of her collegiate seasons, is an elite playmaker and shooter. She averaged 19.5 points, 5.9 assists and 2.1 steals while knocking down 3.o threes with shooting splits of 40.9/36.1/83.9 this past season.

WNBA Comp: Dana Evans

10. Oluchi Okananwa, Maryland Terrapins

Oluchi Okananwa took a huge step this past season. The 5-10 slashing guard, who started her career at Duke, is an outstanding offensive rebounder and an excellent on-ball defender. She showed major improvement in efficiency, connecting on 52% of her field goals and averaging 5 free-throw attempts per game. However, she does need to improve her three-point shooting — making just 31.5% of her attempts in her career.

WNBA comparison: Shatori Walker‑Kimbrough

11. Talaysia Cooper — Ole Miss Rebels

Talaysia Cooper enters her first season at Ole Miss after spending the last two seasons at Tennessee. The 6-0 versatile guard, who started her career at South Carolina, has two-way potential and scoring pop. She is a slasher, though she increased her perimeter shooting volume last season.

Cooper averaged 16 points for a second consecutive season, with seven 20-point games, and produced three double-doubles. But she does need to continue to improve as a shooter and playmaker and be more consistent.

WNBA comps: Tiffany Hayes, Rhyne Howard (stylistic, not production-level), and DiJonai Carrington.

12. Tessa Johnson, South Carolina Gamecocks

Tessa Johnson has improved in each of her collegiate seasons. Johnson is a three-level scorer who is an elite shooter and fantastic defender. She was fourth in the country in 3-point percentage last year at 44.8% on 2.4 attempts per game and is a 44% career shooter from beyond the arc.

WNBA Comp: Kayla McBride

13. Addy Brown — UCLA Bruins

Addy Brown is one of the top point-forward prospects in the 2027 draft class, but she will have to answer some questions about her shooting prowess after the worst season of her career.

After spending the first three campaigns at Iowa State, Brown wiper game ll play her senioreasofrom beyond the arc UCLA. She averaged 11.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists with shooting splits of 43.1/33.8/77.6 in 21 games. She missed a month of action due to a back injury.

WNBA Comparisons: Haley Jones, Bridget Carleson

14. Sayvia Sellers, Washington Huskies

Sayvia Sellers is a quick 5-7 guard with deep range, though she is not just a long-range shooter; she is also good at getting to her spot in the lane or at mid-range. Sellers, who has improved each year, is also a good on-ball defender and decent facilitator, but turnovers are an issue.

WNBA comp: Dana Evans

15. Zoe Brooks, NC State Wolfpack

Zoe Brooks is one of the top guards in the 2027 draft class. Brooks thrives in downhill creation and does a great job of getting to the free-throw line. She is a good facilitator with excellent defensive instincts. However, she needs to improve as a shooter.

WNBA Comp: Tyeshia Harris

16. Ashlyn Watkins, South Carolina Gamecocks

Ashlyn Watkins hasn’t played in over a year and a half after tearing her ACL during the 2024-25 campaign. However, she is reportedly ready to go for the upcoming season. She is known for her athleticism, rebounding, and rim protection.

17. Chloe Kitts, South Carolina Gamecocks

Chloe Kitts is also coming off an ACL injury and missed all of last season. Kitts is a high-energy forward who is efficient around the rim and a strong rebounder. She does have a nice touch from mid-range.

18. Kaylene Smikle, Tennessee Volunteers

Kaylene Smikle was limited to seven games with the Maryland Terrapins last year due to a knee injury. The 6-foot guard known for her length, shot creation, and defensive activity transferred to Tennessee this summer. She is a three-level scorer who knows how to get to spots and draw fouls.

WNBA Comps: Kaila Charles

19. KK Arnold, UConn Huskies

KK Arnold is a defense-oriented point guard who excels at on-ball defense, anticipation, and playing at pace. She is an elite ballhandler and decision-maker who finishes well at the rim.

WNBA Comp: Jordin Canada

20. Carys Baker, Louisville Cardinals

Carys Baker has transferred from Virginia Tech to Louisville this summer. Baker is a 6-2 forward, a prototypical stretch-4 with a high motor, coming off two productive seasons. She is a good rebounder and 3-point shooter, averaging 1.5 threes for her career at a 39% clip.

WNBA Comp: Maddy Siegrist

21. Sahara Williams, Oklahoma Sooners

Sahara Williams is an outstanding rebounder, a connector, and an explosive athlete. The 6-foot wing is elite at getting downhill and can guard 1-3. She also has quick hands.

22. Achol Akot, North Carolina Tar Heels

Achol Akot is coming off a career season in her lone campaign at Oklahoma State. Akot, now at UNC, is a lengthy forward with two-way potential. The 6-1 forward is an outstanding finisher around the rim and an excellent rebounder, particularly on the offensive end. She is a good face-up scorer who excels in transition and can guard both forward positions.

23. Nunu Agara, Maryland Terrapins

Nunu Agara, who is in her first season at Maryland, has shown improvement each year and strung together two fantastic seasons at Stanford. Agara has a high motor who excels at getting downhill and finishing at the rim. The 6-2 forward is also a relentless rebounder and can guard multiple positions (3-5).

WNBA Comp: Myisha Hines‑Allen

24.Essence Cody, Alabama Crimson Tide

Essence Cody is a physical low-post presence and rim protector who demonstrated the potential to stretch the floor this past season, knocking down 37.1% of her limited attempts from deep. She does need to improve as a rebounder and keep from fouling.

WNBA Comp: Cheyenne Parker-Titus

25.Jada Williams, LSU Tigers

Jada Williams has improved in each of her collegiate seasons and is now at LSU after spending last season at Iowa State. Williams, one of the top playmakers in college basketball last season, is very shifty and excels in pick-and-rolls. She also can create sepeartion with her dribble and has a nice pull-up game.

WNBA Comparison: Ty Harris

26 .Donovyn Hunter, UCLA Bruins

Donovyn Hunter transferred to UCLA this summer after a career year at TCU. The 6-footer is a two-way guard with defensive upside and secondary playmaking ability. A 2025-26 Big 12 All-Defensive selection, she is a high-energy player who can guard 1-3 positions and is an efficient shooter off the catch.

WNBA Comps: Lexie Brown, DiJonai Carrington, and Jordan Horston

Jenna Villa, Oregon State Beavers

Jenna Villa took a massive step toward becoming a WNBA prospect this past season, her first at Oregon State. The 6-1 guard is an excellent shooter off the move with deep range and possesses a hoops IQ. She is capable of guarding multiple positions on the perimeter, though she still needs to improve her lateral quickness.

Comp: Karlie Samuelson

27. Timea Gardner, UCLA Bruins

Timea Gardner is back with the UCLA Bruins for a third season after sitting out last season due to a knee injury. Gardner is an intriguing WNBA prospect due to her size and shooting ability, knocking down 39.1% on 4.5 three-point attempts for her career. The 2024 Sixth Man of the Year, the 6-3 forward is an outstanding cutter, reads closeouts well, and rarely takes bad shots.

28. Courtney Ogden, Michigan Wolverines

Courtney Ogden will play for Michigan in 2026-27 after spending the previous three seasons at Stanford. Ogden, a 6-1 wing, became a WNBA prospect after taking a huge step in her development this past season — averaging 12.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.1 steals with shooting splits of 51.3/37.3/87.5.

WNBA Comp: Lexie Hull, Sydney Taylor, Nia Coffey

29. Laila Reynolds, LSU Tigers

Laila Reynolds transferred to LSU after three seasons at Florida. Reynolds is a long and physical 6-2 wing who excels at getting to the basket. She is also very good at finishing through contact and is a strong point-of-attack defender.

WNBA Comp: DiJonai Carrington, Jordan Horston, Nia Coffey

30. Sa’Myah Smith, Oklahoma Sooners

Sa’Myah Smith, a fifth-year senior, is at her third collegiate program with the Oklahoma Sooners. The athletic and lengthy 6-2 forward thrives in transition and is an outstanding offensive rebounder and rim protector. She is also developing her perimeter shooting.

31. Ashlyn Shade, UConn Huskies

Ashlyn Shade struggled in 2025-26, but she does many things well. The 5-10 guard is like the Energizer Bunny, who is an ideal glue guy and very active on the defensive end.

WNBA Comp: Kate Martin

32. Ruby Whitehorn, Arizona State Sun Devils

Ruby Whitehor is entering his first season at Arizona State after spending time at Clemson and Tennessee. The 6-0 combo guard, a former top-25 recruit, is a slasher wwho canput the ball in the basket. She is a good rebounder and versatile defender who needs to rebuild her image after getting dismissed by Tennessee right before the 2025-26 season and improve her perimeter shooting.

Pro Comp: Lindsay Allen

33. Jordan Wood, Duke Blue Devils

Jordan Wood is a lengthy, switchable, and physical wing who can guard 1-3. While the 6-4 forward hasn’t shown an overabundance of productivity throughout her college career, she has improved each season and knocked down 37.2% of her 3-point shots last year on low volume (2.2 attempts).

34. Delaney Thomas, Duke

Delaney Thomas is an efficient scorer, outstanding offensive rebounder, and defender who is coming off a career season.

WNBA Comp: Myeshia Hines-Allen

35. Stailee Heard, Oklahoma State

After a breakout sophomore campaign, Stailee Heard struggled in her third year with the Cowgirls. Still, Heard — who recorded a triple-double against Iowa State last season — is a high-level prospect due to her two-way potential. She is a downhill attacker, an outstanding rebounder for a guard, and extremely active on the defensive end.

36. Mara Braun, Minnesota

Mara Braun, a fifth-year senior, is a high-volume scorer. While the 6-foot guard is known for her 3-point shooting, she has more tools in her offensive bag. She is very active defensively.

International Prospects

Zhang Ziyu, China

Zhang Ziyu is a 19-year-old, 7-foot-3 center who won’t turn 20 until next May. Ziyu will be a candidate for the No. 1 pick if she enters the 2027 WNBA draft, given her size, touch, and efficiency. The tallest active women’s hooper, Ziyu averaged 9.7 points on 77.9% shooting from the field and 3.4 rebounds this past season for Shandong Six Stars of the CBA.

Aïnhoa Risacher, ASVEL (France)

Aïnhoa Risacher, the younger sister of Dallas Mavericks forward Zaccharie Risacher, is just 19 and won’t turn 20 until next July. So, it is possible she won’t enter the 2027 WNBA draft. She averaged 6.4 points and 3.7 rebounds while shooting 37.7% and 25.3% from the 3-point line for Lyon ASVEL in 2025-26.

Sarah Cisse, BLMA (France)

Sarah Cisse has developed into one of the most important European prospects in the 2027 WNBA draft class. The 6-3, 19-year-old center is an outstanding scorer in the paint, an outstanding rebounder, and a physical interior presence on defense.

WNBA Comp: Myeshia Allen-Hines

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Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

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