As the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season reaches its midpoint, the University of Connecticut (UConn) remains a formidable contender for the NCAA championship. Despite the absence of star guard Paige Bueckers, who played a pivotal role in last season’s title victory, UConn has maintained its winning momentum. Sophomore Sarah Strong is not only leading the team but is also a frontrunner for the national player of the year award.
UConn’s performance thus far has reaffirmed its status as the team to beat. Strong’s impressive stats, including a recent game where she recorded 18 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals against Creighton, demonstrate her all-around skill set. Alongside guard Azzi Fudd, Strong is part of a deep squad that is vying for the program’s seventh perfect season.
The competition is fierce, with traditional rivals such as Texas, South Carolina, and UCLA emerging as significant challengers. Each of these teams has only one loss this season and were part of the 2025 Final Four in Tampa. The upcoming tournament in Phoenix looms large, and these rivals are determined to disrupt UConn’s championship aspirations.
Challengers Emerge as UConn Dominates
The landscape of women’s college basketball has seen some surprises this season. While UConn has remained consistent, other teams have begun to make their mark. Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt and Madison Booker of Texas have emerged as potential threats to Strong’s dominance in the player of the year race. Blakes, the second-leading scorer in the nation, has helped Vanderbilt to a remarkable 17-0 start, equaling the program’s best record at this point in the season. If Vanderbilt can secure a top finish in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Blakes’ chances for the award will significantly improve.
Similarly, Booker is crucial to Texas’s success. Despite a recent loss to LSU, she showcased her scoring ability with 24 points in that game. If Booker can lead Texas to strong performances, especially in critical matchups, her candidacy for player of the year will gain traction.
Freshman Standouts and Conference Dynamics
Among the newcomers, Jazzy Davidson of USC and Aaliyah Chavez from Oklahoma are making headlines. Davidson, the top recruit from the SportsCenter NEXT 100 of 2025, has stepped up in a challenging season for USC, leading her team in several statistical categories. Meanwhile, Chavez has assumed the role of point guard for Oklahoma, averaging 19.2 points and 4.2 assists per game.
The competition is not solely focused on UConn, as Texas has emerged as a significant contender. Although their recent loss raises questions about their consistency, the Longhorns’ defensive prowess and physicality could pose challenges for UConn in a potential tournament matchup. Coach Vic Schaefer has experience defeating UConn in the Final Four and knows what it takes to upset the defending champions.
UCLA also presents a unique challenge with its size and defensive capabilities. Under Coach Cori Close, the Bruins feature a lengthy roster, including Lauren Betts, who is recognized as one of the sport’s top rim protectors. Their impressive defensive statistics indicate they could give UConn a run for their money should they meet again in the tournament.
As the season progresses, UConn’s path to repeating as champions may not be as straightforward as it once seemed. The potential for upsets and unexpected outcomes is ripe, as demonstrated by earlier close calls, such as UConn’s narrow 72-69 victory over Michigan, where they struggled against the Wolverines’ zone defense.
The depth of talent across various programs makes the second half of the season compelling. Teams like Texas Tech and Vanderbilt have defied expectations and are now in contention for NCAA tournament positions, showcasing the unpredictable nature of college basketball.
As the race intensifies, the focus remains on UConn and its bid for another championship. With the NCAA tournament on the horizon, every game becomes crucial, and the pressure mounts for both UConn and its adversaries. The coming weeks will undoubtedly reveal whether anyone can indeed stop a UConn repeat.
