The College season is 17 games old now, and the teams have positioned themselves in the conference standings for the NCAA tournament. The new rankings show UConn as the top challenger once again, while the teams below it experience slight movements due to recent results.
With these results and performances, discussions about the 2026 draft order have already begun. While Lauren Betts reclaimed the top spot once again, other stars are also in close contest with the UCLA Centre. Another interesting ‘race’ on the cards is for the Naismith Player of the Year accolade.
UConn’s Sarah Strong is the Top contender for 2026 Naismith Player of the Year
Azzi Fudd might be in focus for the WNBA franchises considering the upcoming draft and her final season with the UConn program. But one player who is making a statement with her play is Sarah Strong, who could be a top contender for the NPOTY 2026 award.
While the Huskies are undefeated and an unstoppable force in the NCAAW, the sophomore forward is making noise with her consistency and high-IQ plays. Strong is currently averaging 18.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks for the Huskies, where every position has a star performer.
Sarah Strong is the BIG EAST Player of the Week! 🤩
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) January 12, 2026
Sarah averaged 21.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 5.5 steals while shooting 72.0% in 27.7 minutes per game last week. pic.twitter.com/3TNMGI7LiF
Though the Huskies have an easy road ahead to the NCAA March Madness tournament, the player won’t be relaxing a bit, knowing her nature and attitude on the floor. The Madrid-born star already made history in her first NCAA Finals appearance with a double-double performance as a freshman, and now has a chance to win an illustrious accolade early in her career.
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Though there might be tough competition for the award, especially from two other stars in the league.
Competition For UConn Star Sarah Strong
Just like Geno Auriemma’s side, two other teams are making a strong push in the season. Vanderbilt and Texas. Both sides have top-performing stars capable of challenging Strong for the NPOTY.
Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes is averaging 24.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.6 steals so far for the Commodores and has formed a great partnership with freshman Aubrey Galvan. Vanderbilt’s faith in freshman guard pays off big as she emerges as SEC standout early in season.
Powered by Blakes
— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) January 12, 2026
Mikayla Blakes has led the Commodores to an impressive 17–0 start, tying the best start in program history!
For the first time since the 2001 season, Vanderbilt ranks in the AP Top 5, with our @jerseymikes Naismith Women’s College POY Watch List star leading… pic.twitter.com/G80hiQDGmS
As for Texas’s top player, Madison Booker is averaging 19.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.6 steals. Both Blakes and Booker also benefit from playing for other teams that may pose a significant challenge to the Huskies. Unless and until Sarah Strong stops performing, she is the top contender for the title; otherwise, Blake would replace her as the favourite.