For the second consecutive year, the women’s college basketball season commences with a seasoned senior holding the prestigious title of reigning consensus national player of the year. Can Caitlin Clark of Iowa uphold these accolades?

Clark begins as the undisputed top pick in ESPN’s 2023-24 top 25 players rankings, mirroring her position from last season. However, her journey in 2022-23 commenced at No. 2. Just as she contested South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston for national player of the year honors last season, Clark is poised to face formidable challengers this season.

Paige Bueckers of UConn, another former national player of the year, returns after missing the previous season due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, LSU’s senior Angel Reese is expected to showcase another stellar season, despite LSU’s unexpected loss in the season opener.

Elizabeth Kitley from Virginia Tech, akin to Clark, is a two-time conference player of the year who led her team to the Final Four last season. She is among several post players vying for a spot in the top 10 rankings.

Throughout the season and NCAA tournament, ESPN’s rankings, as voted on by Michael Voepel, Charlie Creme, and Alexa Philippou, will be continually updated. Though there are no freshmen in the initial top 25, their noteworthy debuts hint at potential appearances in subsequent lists. Additionally, injury concerns were factored into the rankings for players whose status remains unclear at the onset of the season.

1. Caitlin Clark, Iowa

Guard | 6-foot-0 | Senior

Stats for 2022-23: 27.8 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 8.6 APG, 140 3-pointers

Clark, who claimed national player of the year honors last season, led Iowa to the Final Four and clinched the Big Ten tournament championship. Throughout her three years in college, she has consistently displayed an extraordinary level of performance. As a junior, she led the nation in assists and 3-pointers, presenting a formidable challenge for defenses. This season, she sets her sights on potential major individual records, yet her primary focus remains on leadership and empowering her teammates, especially those assuming larger roles this season.

Angel Reese, LSU

Forward | 6-foot-3 | Junior

Stats for 2022-23: 23.0 PPG, 15.4 RPG, 52.5% FG

Reese made a remarkable impact in her debut season at LSU, instantly becoming the linchpin of the program. Her impressive performance not only resulted in significant statistical achievements but also propelled the Tigers to their first national championship, with Reese earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. With an exceptional ability to track missed shots, Reese led the nation in offensive rebounds per game last season. Amidst the accolades, her defensive prowess also earned her a place on the all-defensive teams in both the SEC and Big Ten (Maryland).

Paige Bueckers, Uconn

Guard | 6-foot-0 | Junior

Stats for 2021-21*: 14.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.9 APG (*did not play in 2022-23; ACL)

College basketball has been deprived of a fully healthy Bueckers for nearly two years. Nonetheless, Geno Auriemma, UConn’s head coach, asserts that his point guard has evolved into a superior basketball player since her freshman year when she earned national player of the year honors. Despite an anticipated adjustment period, Bueckers is poised to make a triumphant return following an ACL tear in August 2022. Motivated to compensate for lost time, her primary focus remains on securing unfinished business: capturing a national championship.

Cameron Brink, Stanford

Forward | 6-foot-4 | Senior

Stats for 2022-23: 15.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 3.5 BPG

Brink contributed to Stanford’s national championship triumph as a freshman and now shoulders the responsibility as their focal point in her senior year. She demonstrates equal prowess on both ends of the court, ranking second in blocked shots per game nationwide last season. Although Stanford faced disappointment in the previous season, bowing out in the Pac-12 tournament semifinals and NCAA tournament second round, Brink’s commendable performances in those losses underscore her importance to the team’s success. With Stanford not being the conference favorite this season for the first time in recent memory, Brink’s consistency will be paramount to their campaign.

Mackenzie Holmes, Indiana

Forward | 6-foot-3 | Senior

Stats for 2022-23: 22.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 68 FG%

Holmes, a dominant presence in the post, has been a reliable asset for Indiana throughout her four-year tenure. Her remarkable accuracy, shooting 63.5% from the field during her time at Indiana, solidifies her status as a scoring force. As she embarks on her super senior year, Holmes remains integral to both the offensive and defensive strategies of the Hoosiers. Indiana’s triumph in securing its second-ever Big Ten regular-season championship in 2023 was a significant milestone, yet postseason challenges, compounded by Holmes’ injury woes, underscore the team’s unfinished aspirations.

Elizabeth Kitley, Virginia Tech

Center | 6-foot-6 | Graduate

Stats for 2022-23: 18.2 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 55.8% FG

Under the stewardship of coach Kenny Brooks, Virginia Tech has undergone a renaissance, largely propelled by Kitley’s exceptional talent. Instrumental in leading the Hokies to their maiden ACC tournament triumph and Final Four appearance, Kitley has emerged as a transformative figure in the program’s history. With a remarkable level of consistency, she seeks to join the illustrious ranks of Alana Beard and Alyssa Thomas as a three-time ACC player of the year. Kitley’s unwavering contributions, averaging 18.2 points per game over the past three seasons, coupled with her impressive shooting accuracy, underscore her pivotal role in Virginia Tech’s ambitions for continued success.

Rickea Jackson, Tennessee

Forward | 6-foot-2 | Graduate

Stats for 2022-23: 19.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 54.8 FG%

Jackson seamlessly transitioned from Mississippi State to Tennessee, asserting herself as one of the SEC’s premier offensive talents. Her exemplary scoring prowess, coupled with an impressive field goal percentage and free throw efficiency, positions her among the conference’s elite. With her refined midrange game and adept shot creation abilities, Jackson is poised to once again capture the spotlight in the upcoming season. Her impending WNBA draft selection further underscores her significance as a player of immense potential.

Aaliyah Edwards, UConn

Forward | 6-foot-3 | Senior

Stats for 2022-23: 16.6 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.1 BPG

Despite UConn’s tumultuous season, Edwards emerged as a standout performer, showcasing remarkable growth and asserting herself as an all-American caliber player. Leading the team in scoring and demonstrating prowess on the boards, she rose to the occasion in crucial moments. With the return of key players such as Bueckers and Fudd, Edwards’ role may evolve, yet her significance to UConn’s title aspirations remains undiminished. As the team navigates uncharted territory, Edwards’ contributions are poised to play a pivotal role in their pursuit of success.

Alissa Pili, Utah

Forward | 6-foot-2 | Senior

Stats for 2022-23: 20.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 59.0 FG%

After overcoming early career challenges, Pili experienced a resurgence at Utah, culminating in Pac-12 Player of the Year honors. Renowned for her versatility and proficiency in both the post and perimeter game, Pili emerged as a vital component in Utah’s historic Pac-12 championship triumph and deep NCAA tournament run. As she continues to refine her skills, Pili’s impact on both ends of the floor is poised to elevate Utah’s standing in the collegiate basketball landscape.

Cotie McMahon, Ohio State

Forward | 6-foot-0 | Sophomore

Stats for 2022-23: 15.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.6 SPG

McMahon’s impressive debut season at Ohio State garnered attention, earning her recognition as the Big Ten freshman of the year and All-Big Ten selection. Buoyed by her success on the international stage with USA Basketball, McMahon enters her sophomore campaign with heightened confidence and expectations. As Ohio State aims to ascend to the Final Four, McMahon’s continued development and impact on both ends of the court will be instrumental in the team’s pursuit of excellence.