As the 2026-27 NCAA basketball season approaches, analysts have highlighted several standout players expected to make an impact by March. Among the top names to watch are USC's JuJu Watkins, Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo, Florida's Thomas Haugh, UConn's Sarah Strong, and Kansas's Tyran Stokes.
The predictions, compiled by Ella Brockway, Bryan Armen Graham, Stephanie Kaloi, and Nicholas Levine, were published on October 30, 2026. The preview identifies these athletes as the biggest names to know for the upcoming college basketball campaign.
Watkins, a standout for the USC Trojans women's team, and Hidalgo of Notre Dame are among the leading women's players featured. On the men's side, Haugh (Florida), Strong (UConn), and Stokes (Kansas) are highlighted as key talents to follow.
