The five finalists for the 2026 John R. Wooden Award, recognizing the nation's top college player, are set just ahead of the Women's Final Four. UConn stars Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd lead the list, joined by UCLA's Lauren Betts, Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes, and Texas forward Madison Booker. These selections confirm the elite talent competing for the national title this weekend in Phoenix.

Betts and Booker earned spots for the second straight year, showcasing sustained excellence as their Bruins and Longhorns prepare to meet in the semifinals. Strong averages 18.6 points and 7.6 rebounds, while Fudd provides perimeter punch, shooting 45.5% from three. Meanwhile, Blakes, whose Commodores fell in the Elite Eight, led the entire nation in scoring output this season.

Beyond the award finalists, the 10-player Wooden Award All-America team included several other top performers. Audi Crooks, Joyce Edwards, Hannah Hidalgo, Flau'jae Johnson, and Olivia Miles received the prestigious nod. The fact that USC’s JuJu Watkins claimed the 2025 award sets a high bar for this year’s recipient, cementing the prestige of the honor.

UCLA's advancement over Duke, powered by a strong second half, secured Betts' place in the semifinals. The Huskies face South Carolina in the first semifinal matchup Friday evening. This collection of athletes represents the peak of women's college basketball talent this season.