South Carolina's Dominance and Texas' Booker Shine in SEC Predictions
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The 2026 Southeastern Conference women's basketball season is set to be an intriguing one, with South Carolina looking to defend its title and Texas' Madison Booker making waves as the Preseason Player of the Year. A panel of SEC and national media members cast their votes, revealing some interesting insights.
South Carolina, the defending champions, are favored to repeat their success. However, they face a setback with the news that star senior forward Chloe Kitts will miss the entire season due to a knee injury. The Gamecocks have been on a remarkable streak, finishing first or tied for first in the regular season for the past four years and winning the last three tournaments. This consistent performance has solidified their status as a powerhouse in women's basketball.
Texas, on the other hand, is projected to finish second in the league. The team's success is largely attributed to the exceptional play of Madison Booker, who received 13 votes for the SEC Preseason Player of the Year honor. Among the other notable players receiving votes are Ta'Niya Latson of South Carolina, Flau'Jae Johnson of LSU, Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt, Raegan Beers of Oklahoma, and Clara Strack of Kentucky. These players are expected to make a significant impact throughout the season.
The All-SEC first team includes Madison Booker, Flau'Jae Johnson, Raegan Beers, Mikayla Blakes, and Joyce Edwards of South Carolina. The second team features Ta'Niya Latson, Clara Strack, Mikayla Williams of LSU, Cotie McMahon of Mississippi, Talaysia Cooper of Tennessee, and Rori Harmon of Texas. These selections highlight the depth of talent across the conference.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on South Carolina's ability to overcome the loss of Chloe Kitts and maintain their dominance. Meanwhile, Texas and Madison Booker will look to make a strong case for their championship aspirations. The SEC promises an exciting and competitive season, with these predictions setting the stage for a thrilling basketball journey.
