Conference play is underway and we’ve reached the midpoint of the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season.

UConn, Texas, UCLA and South Carolina all look capable of making the Final Four again. Huskies forward Sarah Strong has made a sophomore leap may be the odds-on favorite for player of the year. Oklahoma’s Aaliyah Chavez and USC’s Jazzy Davidson are meeting high expectations as freshmen.

But there have been a few surprises, too. Texas Tech and Vanderbilt are among the four remaining undefeated teams. Iowa State’s Audi Crooks is leading the country in scoring. The nation’s top rebounder, sophomore Kourtney Grossman, plays at Eastern Washington. In her first year at Kentucky, Tonie Morgan is nearly averaging double-digit assists.

USA Today’s Studio IX reporters covering women’s sports have considered all the developments and are handing out midseason awards.

Player of the Year

Mitchell Northam: Audi Crooks, Iowa State, C, Jr.

Yes, the state of Iowa is home to the leading scorer in women’s college basketball once again. Crooks isn’t swishing 3-pointers from midcourt like Caitlin Clark, but instead wowing fans and dizzying opponents with her smooth work in the post. The 6-foot-3 junior center is averaging an astounding 29.1 points per game and shooting 71% from the floor. She’s scored 30 points or more in six games this season, four of them coming against Power 4 opponents. Crooks has something in common with another former Iowa superstar too: Since 2009, she and Megan Gustafson are the only two players who have shot north of 70% from the field while attempting at least 15 shots per game, according to HerHoopStats, and Crooks is doing it more efficiently and in less minutes. A case can be made for UConn’s Sarah Strong, but as conference play begins, Crooks is going to be playing against better competition in a Big 12 that features four teams in USA Today’s Sports coaches poll, while Strong will be playing in a Big East that earned just two bids to the NCAA Tournament last season.

Meghan Hall: Sarah Strong, UConn, F, So.

Strong is one of the best two-way players in the country. She’s a three-level scorer who can make you pay from all over the court while averaging 18 points and 8.1 rebounds a game. Strong is an underrated facilitator with immaculate vision who is averaging a career-high 4.5 assists per game. The sophomore is also fundamentally sound as a defender and rarely gets sped up or pushed out of position. She has veteran instincts which help her dissect plays long before they develop. Strong currently leads the undefeated Huskies (15-0) in points, rebounds, steals and blocks.

Cydney Henderson: Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt, G, So.

Blakes is a certified bucket. That’s undeniable. She’s powered Vanderbilt (15-0) to the second-longest winning streak in program history, which the Commodores showed it’s no fluke by taking down No. 5 LSU. Blakes leads the Commodores with 25.2 points per game (third in the nation) and 3.7 steals (eighth in the nation). The 5-foot-8 guard has reach double-digit points in every game this season and has recorded four 30-point games, including a 32-point performance in Vanderbilt’s comeback victory to hand LSU their second consecutive loss in SEC play. Blakes scored 10 of Vanderbilt’s final 13 points to seal the win. As Vanderbilt head coach Shea Ralph said, “She is her.”

Defensive Player of the Year

Northam: Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame, G, Jr.

The two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year in the ACC, Hidalgo has a real chance to win the national award this season. Often roaming the court and reading defenses like a free safety — think about if Troy Polamalu played for Niele Ivey — Hidalgo has proven to be one of the best at picking off passes and stripping opponents of the ball. She leads the nation in steals with 5.9 a game and is also grabbing a career-high 6.3 rebounds a game this season, not too shabby for a 5-foot-6 guard. Earlier this season, Hidalgo set the NCAA record for steals in a single game with 16 and is closing in on Skylar Diggins’ program record for the Irish.

Hall: Sarah Strong, UConn, F, So.

Strong is wise beyond her years and can cover space as a patient defender. What makes Strong so good on the defensive end is she allows things to develop before deciding to attack. That patience creates opportunities to press her opponents into making mistakes, and it also helps her maintain a top-15 ranking in steals per game (3.47). Strong is also the ultimate anchor to UConn’s fifth-ranked scoring defense allowing opponents 52.2 points per game.

Henderson: Sarah Strong, UConn, F, So.

Strong, a 6-foot-2 forward, may be a sophomore, but her game is well-rounded. She leads the undefeated Huskies in points (18 per game), rebounds (8.1), steals (3.5) and blocks (1.6). Strong has turned in four double-doubles this season, including a monster 16-point, 20-rebound performance against Michigan on Nov. 21. Fueled by Strong, UConn has the fifth-best defense in the nation and ranks sixth in steals per game (15.4). UConn head coach Geno Auriemma has been around a lot of stars, but he said Strong has “an aura” he hasn’t seen before. 

Freshman of the Year

Northam: Lauren Whittaker, Gonzaga, F, Fr.

The frontrunners for this award are obviously USC’s Jazzy Davidson and Oklahoma’s Aaliyah Chavez, but Whittaker looks like the next great Gonzaga player. The 6-foot-3 forward from New Zealand has eight double-doubles this season and is averaging 19.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game while shooting 56.5% from the floor. She’s one of five players nationally posting at least 19 points and nine rebounds per game and the only rookie doing so. In a tough mid-major league like the West Coast Conference, Whittaker looks like a difference maker.

Hall: Jazzy Davidson, USC, G, Fr.

It’s rare to find the combination length and athleticism Davidson has as a freshman. At 6-1, she’s a taller guard, whose height immediately causes problems for defenders. Davidson uses her speed and quickness to break down defensive coverages, especially in one-on-one situations. The USC guard also utilizes that same length and speed as a defender, often cutting off lanes and creating stifling ball pressure. With teammate JuJu Watkins out for the season, she likely has more on her plate than most first year players, which makes it all the more impressive that she leads the Trojans in points (16.3 per game), rebounds (6.4) and blocks (2.7) and is tied for second in steals (1.8).

Henderson: Aaliyah Chavez, Oklahoma, G, Fr.

Oklahoma (14-1) is on a 13-game winning streak, the second-longest in program history, thanks in large part to Aaliyah Chavez. The 5-10 guard leads the Sooners and all true freshmen in scoring with 18.9 points per game, contributing to the nation’s second-best offense (94.5 points per game). Chavez has scored in double-digits in all but one game this season and has six 20-point performances, the most among all true freshmen. Chavez has racked up five SEC freshman of the week honors so far. National freshman of the year could be next. 

Most Improved Player

Northam: Tessa Johnson, South Carolina, G, Jr.

While Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot have been impressive in the paint for Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks this season, South Carolina is powered by a trio of superb guards. Johnson has been a big part of that shift as she raises her game. Now in a starting role as a junior, she’s improved in nearly every statistical category, elevating her scoring average by five points, her assists by 1.4 per game, her rebounding by 2.6, and pushing her field goal and 3-point shooting percentages to new heights. Johnson’s 45.1% success rate on shots from behind the arc ranks 15th nationally, and her effective field goal mark of 60.8% is 30th in the country.

Hall: Chazadi “Chit-Chat” Wright, Iowa, G, So.

The Georgia Tech transfer found a new home in Iowa, and she’s making the most of it. Once a rotational player with the Yellow Jackets, Wright is starting at point guard for the Hawkeyes, averaging career highs in points (13.1 per game), assists (3.9) and steals (1.6). What’s been most impressive about her improvement this season is her efficiency. She’s shooting 48% from the field (up from 37% last season) and 49% from 3-point range, good for fifth in the nation.

Henderson: Joyce Edwards, South Carolina, F, So.

Joyce Edwards has taken a large step this season. The 6-foot-3 forward slid into the starting lineup after senior forward Chloe Kitts was ruled out for the season with an ACL tear in her right knee. Edwards has powered South Carolina to the fifth-best scoring offense in the nation (91.1 points per game). She’s averaging a team-high 21 points in 16 starts, up from 12.7 points her freshman year. Her stat line is rounded out by 6.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and a team-high 1.9 steals per game. Edwards came off the bench for the Gamecocks last year, making one start in 39 games, and averaged 5 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

Coach of the Year

Northam: Brenda Frese, Maryland

Few coaches have adapted as well to the transfer portal as well as Frese. Success in college basketball is now a year-to-year proposition, and Frese seems to reload and reshuffle Maryland into a team capable of deep runs in March Madness. Last year’s three leading scorers are absent: Sarah Te-Biasu and Shyanne Sellers exhausted their eligibility. Kaylene Smikle is out for the year with an injury as is Bri McDaniel, who started 25 games as a sophomore. Without them, Duke transfer Oluchi Okananwa has emerged as Maryland’s bus driver, averaging career highs across the board. Rookie Addi Mack has been thrust into a big role, and Indiana transfer Yarden Garzon is providing a punch. The Terps are 15-1 as Big Ten play gets underway. Some faces have changed, but Maryland’s standard under Frese remains high.

Hall: Vic Schaefer, Texas

For the last several years, the Longhorns have been near the top of the women’s college basketball world, but something feels different about this season’s roster. Perhaps it’s the bitter taste of losing in the 2025 Final Four to South Carolina, but the Longhorns have turned up the intensity. Under Schaefer, Texas is undefeated (17-0) and has the third-best scoring offense in the country (91.6 points a game). The Longhorns are shooting 51.8% from the field, good for third in women’s college basketball and have the country’s second-largest scoring margin per game (38.4 points). The Longhorns are also first in turnover margin (14.7) and second in assist to turnover ratio (1.94). Finally, Schaefer’s team has six ranked wins this season, including top-five wins over UCLA and South Carolina.

Henderson: Jennie Baranczyk, Oklahoma

Baranczyk has the Sooners back in the top 5 for the first time since the 2008-09 season in her fifth year as head coach. Oklahoma has the second-best scoring offense in the nation (94.5 points per game) and ranks first overall in rebounds per game (53.1) behind dominant center Raegan Beers and freshman sensation Aaliyah Chavez. The Sooners suffered a blowout loss to No. 3 UCLA two games into the season, but responded with 13 consecutive wins, the second-longest streak in program history. Last season, Baranczyk guided the Sooners to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013. If Oklahoma continues to play like this, an even longer postseason run could be in their future.

Final Four predictions

Northam: UConn, Texas, UCLA, Oklahoma

UConn, reigning national champ, is undefeated and may not lose a game in the regular season. Texas owns an unblemished record too, and while they might face some tough games in a stacked SEC, the Longhorns have the look of a contender with Madison Booker and Rori Harmon leading the way. UCLA’s only loss is to Texas, and the Bruins — anchored by likely No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick Lauren Betts — look elite on both ends of the floor.

In each of the last six NCAA tournaments, at least one team not seeded on the one-line has made the Final Four. This year, that could be Oklahoma, who may pose a matchup problem during March Madness. They have a dominant post in Raegan Beers, a dynamic guard in Aaliyah Chavez, and a strong supporting cast that includes Peyton Verhulst, Sahara Williams and Zya Vann. The Sooners lead the nation in rebounding, grabbing 53.1 boards per game, and are holding their opponents to 29.8% shooting from the floor, which also leads the country.

Hall: UConn, Texas, UCLA, South Carolina

UConn, Texas and UCLA all look like well-oiled machines, and I fully expect all three teams to make it to the Final Four in Phoenix. The Huskies likely have the easiest path, with one ranked opponent on the schedule ahead of the tournament. UCLA and Texas have harder paths to postseason play, but both have dependable anchors. The Bruins have five potential 2026 WNBA draft prospects, including Lauren Betts, and the Longhorns have the talented trio of Madison Booker, Rori Harmon and Jordan Lee leading the way. That leaves one spot for Phoenix and while I don’t feel overly confident in the Gamecocks being the fourth team — their defense has been too shaky at times for my liking — I’m hard pressed to think they won’t be there. Conference play and tournament time is typically when South Carolina plays its best basketball. LSU deserves consideration but at the midway point of the season, I can’t put them in the Final Four.

Henderson: UConn, Texas, UCLA, LSU

UConn and Texas are among the few undefeated teams remaining in women’s college basketball. The Huskies’ title defense is off to a 15-0 start, including a gritty win over No. 6 Michigan. The Huskies will likely run the table in the conference and add to their 53-game streak against Big East opponents. Texas looks equally dominant behind the one-two punch of Madison Booker and Rori Harmon. The Longhorns own ranked wins over UCLA and South Carolina, two teams they could face in Phoenix. UCLA has rattled off eight consecutive wins since its loss to Texas with potential WNBA No. 1 pick Lauren Betts finding her stride. The Bruins’ tougher non-conference schedule should pay dividends as they’ve already fought through some adversity. The final spot will likely come down to an SEC powerhouse, like South Carolina or LSU. The Tigers boast the highest scoring offense in the nation, but dropped two consecutive conference games, leaving more questions than answers. LSU has the talent to make the Final Four with the Big 3 of MiLaysia Fulwiley, Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, but it’ll come down to how the Tigers respond in the second half of the season.

Selection Sunday for the 2026 women’s NCAA Tournament is less than 10 weeks away and the field of 68 is becoming a bit clearer.

For now, the teams on the one-line seem to be locked in. UConn and Texas remain undefeated and South Carolina and UCLA have one loss a piece, but their resumes are bolstered by great wins. Teams like Kentucky and Oklahoma are looming and late-season surges always happen, but it’s likely going to take a few impressive upsets to shake up the top of the bracket.

Heading into the last half of the season, the top overall seed seems to be the Huskies to lose. The reigning national champs are first in NET, HerHoopStats rating, both national polls, and are atop ESPN’s latest bracketology. They’re also second — to only UCLA — in the new metric the selection committee is using this season: Wins Above Bubble, or simply WAB.

Led by Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, UConn is probably going to be a double-digit favorite in every game on their regular-season schedule. While a few Big East teams like Villanova are playing well, the conference doesn’t seem to have a squad that’s truly capable of challenging the Huskies. Left on the non-conference slate for Geno Auriemma’s squad are Notre Dame and Tennessee, who don’t seem quite as strong as last season.

If Texas were to tear through the SEC, they might have the metrics for the top overall seed, but that’s easier said than done. With teams like South Carolina, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Vanderbilt, LSU and Ole Miss, the SEC is looking like the deepest and most competitive conference in the sport again.

Here’s USA Today’s projection of the top 16 seeds in the NCAA Tournament as of Wednesday, Jan. 7:

1. UConn

2. Texas

3. South Carolina

4. UCLA

5. Kentucky

6. Michigan

7. Oklahoma

8. Vanderbilt

9. Maryland

10. Louisville

11. TCU

12. LSU

13. Iowa

14. Michigan State

16. Texas Tech

In the hunt: Baylor, North Carolina, Ole Miss, USC

A season ago, all three schools based in North Carolina’s Research Triangle — Duke, UNC and N.C. State — grabbed top 16 seeds and hosted NCAA Tournament games during the opening weekend of March Madness. In what is shaping up to be a down year for the ACC, it’s quite possible that no venue on Tobacco Road will host this season, and perhaps just one ACC team lands inside the top 16.

However, Duke is surging, N.C. State is playing better and Stanford just grabbed a signature win in Chapel Hill. Over these final two months of the season, the ACC has work to do.

Bubble Watch

Last Four In: Utah, Arizona State, BYU, Syracuse

First Four Out: Richmond, South Dakota State, Virginia, Georgia

It should be said, Richmond and South Dakota State will obviously get into the field if they win their respective conference tournaments. Should they not do that though, the Spiders and Jackrabbits have put themselves in decent positions to grab at-large bids by playing challenging non-conference schedules. South Dakota State owns wins over Gonzaga and Kansas State, and is a combined 6-1 in Quad 2 and 3 games. Richmond is 4-2 in such games, owns a Power 4 win over Penn State, and should be challenged in another strong season for the Atlantic-10, which could be a multi-bid league again.

After playing soft non-conference schedules, Virginia and Georgia both need to pull together a few statement victories to be taken seriously by the selection committee.

Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams provided late-game heroics for his squad as they downed the Sacramento Kings, 100-98, on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

Williams scored 18 points off the bench on 7-of-13 from the field and made his only three-pointer in the game to give Dallas their lead with 33.9 seconds remaining.

It was the sixth consecutive loss for the Kings, who were led by DeMar DeRozan with 21 points. DeRozan missed a potential game-winning three-point attempt – a running, one-legged heave from 29 feet – as time expired.

‘I wish we could’ve got – to my point – just being more organized, understanding what we can get instead of trying to rely on a one-legged, 30-footer,’ DeRozan said to reporters after the game regarding the final shot.

Other contributors for the Kings were Zach LaVine with 20 points in 37 minutes in his second game back from injury. He was moved to a starter after coming off the bench against the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 4.

Kings rookie center Maxime Raynaud had 14 points and nine rebounds. He fouled out with 8.1 seconds left in the game.

Sacramento led 58-46 at the half but came out in the third quarter and allowed Dallas to go on an immediate 7-0 run.

By the end of the quarter, the Kings lead was only two and it became a back-and-forth battle in the fourth quarter.

‘Holding them to 100 points, defensively, is solid enough to win a game,’ Kings head coach Doug Christie said. ‘I have to figure out a way to help them offensively. The ball has to move. We came out in the third quarter and just it wasn’t it. We have to make sure that we’re finding the ability to move the ball and move bodies. That means the ball has to go from one side of the floor to the other.’

The Mavericks were led by their rookie Cooper Flagg with 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field. He also added eight rebounds and six assists.

Flagg had an injury scare after center Anthony Davis fell into his knee causing Flagg to go down with 7:42 remaining in the third quarter. He went to the locker room but came back to the bench and immediately reentered the ballgame.

Davis had a big double-double, 19 points and 16 rebounds, despite a 7-of-23 shooting performance.

Dallas is now 14-23 and 11th place in the Western Conference standings. Sacramento at 8-29 is 14th in the conference, 0.5 games away from last place.

Kings vs Mavericks highlights

Kings next five games

• Jan. 9 at Golden State Warriors
• Jan. 11 vs. Houston Rockets
• Jan. 12 vs. Los Angeles Lakers
• Jan. 14 vs. New York Knicks
• Jan. 16 vs. Washington Wizards

AI-assisted summary
• The U.S. Grand Prix in Aspen is a World Cup event serving as an Olympic qualifier for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games.
• Despite early-season snowfall challenges, the slopestyle and halfpipe courses are ready for competition.
• The event features slopestyle and halfpipe competitions for both men’s and women’s skiing and snowboarding.

Qualifying at the 2026 U.S. Grand Prix in Aspen, Colorado, begins Wednesday, Jan. 7, as the United States’ ski and snowboard team takes another step in naming its roster for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

The World Cup event will serve as a chance for American shredders to punch their ticket to Italy. The event will include slopestyle and halfpipe events for both men and women – there is no Big Air competition in Aspen. It’s the official kickoff of the slopestyle season for Team USA.

Stars Red Gerard and Chloe Kim are among those who have already clinched their spots.

Here’s everything you need to know about the action in Aspen:

No snow, no problem

It’s been a challenging season in Colorado (and the entire American west, in general) for snowfall. Competition organizers moved the slopestyle course from Buttermilk, where the halfpipe is located, to nearby Snowmass on Dec. 25. The course was operational by the first day of practice on Jan. 4. And the best news? Organizers reported a foot of snow overnight on the morning of Jan. 6.

The massive 22-foot-tall halfpipe, the Olympic qualifying standard, is nearly 550 feet in length and 70 feet wide and has an 18-degree pitch. It’s in good condition and organizers wanted Buttermilk looking pristine for its turn hosting X Games from Jan. 23-25.

What’s the difference between halfpipe and slopestyle?

Halfpipe: Boarders and skiers drop into the u-shaped ditch and try to perform five tricks that are judged. Highest score wins.

Slopestyle: Boarders and skiers do tricks while going down the mountain, using jumps and obstacles. They are judged, and the highest score wins.

2026 Toyota U.S. Grand Prix schedule (all times in MST)

Wednesday, Jan. 7

• 9-10:30 a.m. – women’s freeski slopestyle qualification/women’s snowboard halfpipe qualification
• ​11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – men’s freeski slopestyle qualification, heat 1/men’s snowboard halfpipe qualification, heat 1
• 1:30-2:40 p.m. – men’s snowboard halfpipe qualification, heat 2
• 2-3:30 p.m. – men’s freeski slopestyle qualification, heat 2

Thursday, Jan. 8

• 9-10:20 a.m. – women’s freeski halfpipe qualification/women’s snowboard slopestyle qualification
• 11:20 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – men’s freeski halfpipe qualification, heat 1
• 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. – men’s snowboard slopestyle qualification, heat 1
• 1:30-2:40 p.m. – men’s freeski halfpipe qualification, heat 2
• 2-3:30 p.m. – men’s snowboard slopestyle qualification, heat 2

Friday, Jan. 9

• 9:30-11:15 a.m. – freeski slopestyle finals
• 1-3 p.m. – snowboard halfpipe finals

Saturday, Jan. 10

• 9:30-11:15 a.m. – snowboard slopestyle finals
• 1-3 p.m. – freeski halfpipe final

Team USA athletes to watch in Aspen Grand Prix

American athletes to watch in Aspen this week:

Jamie Anderson (women’s snowboarding): Trying to come back after briefly retiring and having two children.  

Alex Ferreira (men’s freeski): He already qualified for the Games and was the winner of the most recent World Cup in Copper Mountain, Colorado.

Alex Hall (men’s freeski): The reigning Olympic gold medalist in slopestyle, he also won at Aspen last year.   

Mac Forehand (men’s freeski): Has podiumed at this event before and was a 2022 Olympian. He won silver in slopestyle at the 2025 World Championship.

Oliver Martin (men’s snowboarding, slopestyle/halfpipe): The 2025 World Championships double bronze medalist heads to Aspen after a third place in Big Air at Steamboat Spring, Colorado, in December.

Red Gerard (men’s snowboarding, slopestyle/halfpipe): 2018 slopestyle gold-medal winner who, now at 25 years old, is looking to get back on top.

Alessandro Barbieri (men’s snowboarding, halfpipe): His third-place finish in Calgary last season is the only podium result by an American man in this discipline in almost three years. The last rider from the USA to win a Halfpipe World Cup event was Shaun White, whose last career victory came at Buttermilk’s sister resort Snowmass in January 2018.

Maddy Schaffrick (women’s snowboarding, slopestyle): Stepped away for nearly a decade and was an assistant coach on the 2022 Olympic team before reentering high-level competition.  

Who are the international stars?

China’s Su Yiming (men’s snowboard, slopestyle), a former child actor, won back-to-back Big Air World Cups at the end of last year.  

In women’s free ski slopestyle, Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland is the reigning Olympic champion.

Halfpipe stars like Ayumu Hirano (Japan), Scotty James (Australia), and Chloe Kim (USA) are already qualified and aren’t on the initial starting lists but could decide to enter.

Who already qualified for the 2026 Olympics?

Men’s Freeski: Alex Hall, Alex Ferreira, Nick Goepper, Quinn Dehlinger, Troy Podmilsak

Women’s Freeski: Jaelin Kauf

Men’s snowboarding: Red Gerard

Women’s snowboarding: Chloe Kim

When is the U.S. Olympic ski, snowboard team announced?

There will be a formal ceremony in downtown Aspen at 6 p.m. local time Jan. 10 after the second and last day of finals wraps up. But the qualification season will continue after Aspen.

May we have this dance?

After the first wave of coaching changes, seven NFL teams are left without a dance partner for the 2026 season. With only 32 of these head coaching jobs available in a given year, there will be no shortage of courting between coach and team as the offseason takes shape.

Offense has been all the rage in recent coaching cycles, with teams looking to hire the brightest offensive minds they can find.

Of course, that has led to a supply shortage. After all, that was bound to happen eventually when the likes of Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Ben Johnson and others are running their teams. That lack of offensive-minded coaches has swung the pendulum back to the defensive side of the ball.

Football, like everything else in the world, is cyclical.

Instead, it will be a group headlined by coaches looking to graduate from ‘Coordinator University,’ and others hoping for a second chance. For the most part, it’s the league’s best defensive coordinators who are ready for their chance to run the show, with plenty of other candidates sprinkled in between.

Here’s a look at some of the top coaching candidates for the NFL in 2026.

Top NFL coaching candidates 2026

John Harbaugh, former Baltimore Ravens head coach

Harbaugh’s name is enough to make him the top candidate on the list of 2026 head coaching candidates. He hasn’t been to the mountaintop since Super Bowl 47, so it has been a while for the former Ravens coach. His recent playoff exits and failures with the Ravens in 2025 won’t be enough to derail his candidacy.

After 18 seasons in Baltimore, a fresh start might be a good thing for Harbaugh. The coach would instantly lend credibility to whichever team he joins, but the staff remains the most important thing for this CEO-style coach.

Kevin Stefanski, former Cleveland Browns head coach

A two-time coach of the year with the Browns is now on the open market. Think about that sequence of words.

The offensive-minded Stefanski never had the chance to coach a great offense in Cleveland and instead oversaw a team with a great defense. Stefanski might want to return to his roots with his next gig, which should come this offseason. Arguably the top coach on the market, the staff isn’t as big a deal for the former Browns’ leader, who brings his scheme with him.

Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator

Flores is going to get a second chance at being a head coach. It comes down to fit, but it’s hard not to like what the defensive coordinator could bring to the table.

His Vikings’ defenses have stolen headlines for being among the league’s best in recent years, or at least one of the more aggressive units. His schemes are enough to put even the best quarterback’s brain in a blender. While things didn’t end well in Miami, someone will take a chance on Flores.

Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator

From the team that brought you Mike Macdonald, we introduce – Jesse Minter. The Chargers’ defensive coordinator is firmly on the radar for a head coaching gig during this cycle, and that should come as no surprise.

He is only 42 and brings close connections to the modern college game after making stops at Vanderbilt and Michigan. From a team-building standpoint, those are two key benefits. He comes from the Harbaugh coaching tree, having coached under both Jim and John. Minter is one of the better defensive minds on the market and it won’t be long before he gets his chance to lead a team.

Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator

There isn’t a Ben Johnson-level offensive coordinator on the market this offseason, but Kubiak is likely the best for any team looking to travel down that same path. It’s easy to forget that Kubiak was quickly on the head coaching radar after how things started with the New Orleans Saints in 2024. Injuries eventually derailed that Saints’ season, but Kubiak is now back on the radar after coaching the third-highest scoring offense in the league this season.

Seattle took a big step forward in 2025, capturing the NFC’s No. 1 seed thanks in large part to the offense led by Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Kubiak comes from a coaching tree that includes his father, Gary, and Kyle Shanahan, who isn’t bad company to keep either. He could be the Kellen Moore of the 2026 coaching cycle.

Jeff Hafley, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator

Hafley has all the experience in the world, except for an NFL head coaching job. He has been patrolling sidelines since 2001, bouncing around between the college and pro ranks. After serving as Boston College head coach from 2020 to 2023, Hafley wouldn’t be flying blind if he finally landed a seat in the big chair.

The current Packers’ defensive coordinator seems to have a good reputation around the league and has seemingly paid his dues. After coaching Micah Parsons and the Packers’ defense in 2025, he figures to have a good shot to put on a new logo in 2026.

Mike McCarthy, former Dallas Cowboys head coach

When it comes to retread candidates, McCarthy might as well be atop the list. He has a long record of proven success at the NFL level and, like Harbaugh, could bring some credibility to a team that desperately needs some. He isn’t the flashy name, but McCarthy did oversee a Cowboys’ offense that ranked top-five in points during three of his five seasons on the sideline.

The 62-year-old might not be in the mood for a rebuild though. However, if the right opportunity presents itself, McCarthy could easily end up back on the NFL sidelines next season.

Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator

If there’s one thing the NFL likes, it’s history. Shula is the grandson of the winningest coach in NFL history, Don Shula, so the NFL connections run deep for the Rams’ defensive coordinator.

However, don’t discount Shula as a head coaching candidate because he has a famous family. The coach not only brings his defensive identity to the table, but also has access to the Sean McVay coaching tree. As one of the league’s top defensive coordinators, his potential staff would certainly be attractive to teams looking for a new head coach.

Vance Joseph, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator

Joseph coaches arguably the league’s best defense, which is enough to put him in consideration for a head-coaching opening. His track record speaks for itself, but that’s not all. Teams hire head coaches for many reasons – being a good leader is usually among them.

All you need to know about Joseph’s character is that he was once the head coach of the Denver Broncos and was fired in 2018 after two seasons. He would return to Denver as the team’s defensive coordinator in 2023, joining Sean Payton’s staff. There aren’t many people in the world who would return to their old employer to accept a demotion. Joseph not only has the results but the leadership to back it up. He should get another crack at being a head coach.

Kliff Kingsbury, former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator

The Commanders made some headlines on Jan. 6 when they opted to part ways with Kingsbury. Washington’s offensive coordinator during a magical 2024 season, Kingsbury’s return to the NFL sidelines was short-lived after a disappointing 2025 that was ravaged by injuries.

Kingsbury has prior NFL head-coaching experience and could be in line for a second chance to run the show. In a league starved for offensive-minded coaches, it’s not hard to believe he could be in high demand.

The 2026 NHL Draft class has shown a lot entering the new year.

Some players took massive steps upward. Others joined new teams or leagues. Some even regressed. 

We just saw many of the top players in the draft class compete at the World Junior Championship, where Sweden, Czechia and Canada made up the podium. 

The second half of the season is always incredibly important for players in their draft year. It’s where they can leave a lasting impression on NHL clubs. 

With the calendar freshly turned to 2026, it’s time to see what the top prospects in this year’s NHL draft must prove to plant themselves firmly near the top of the order.

Top 10 NHL draft prospects

1. Frolunda (Sweden) left wing Ivar Stenberg

Stenberg’s coming off a gold medal at the World Junior Championship with Sweden, where he played a significant role and only got better as the tournament went on. As Stenberg returns to the Swedish League, he must continue to produce at the record-breaking pace he was on before the U-20 tournament. If he stays on his pace that produced 24 points in 25 games, he could be the first player selected at June’s NHL draft.

2. Penn State (NCAA) left wing Gavin McKenna

McKenna’s offensive skill has always been stellar. His 14 points in seven games at the world juniors made it seem like he was a dominant force. He was feasting on the power play and beat up on lower-end teams for the most part. McKenna must prove he can commit defensively and add some level of board play to his game. He’s an on-puck machine and a disappearing act off the puck. 

3. Boston University (NCAA) center Tynan Lawrence

Lawrence will reportedly leave the USHL after recording 17 points in 13 games and join Boston University mid-season. After recovering from an injury-filled start to the season and jumping to the college ranks, Lawrence must prove he’s capable of playing against bigger, faster, stronger competition. BU needs a spark, and Lawrence might be the perfect player to give them one. 

4. Univ. of North Dakota (NCAA) defenseman Keaton Verhoeff

After a middling world juniors for Canada where he was out of the lineup to start the tournament and then playing third-pair minutes by the end, Verhoeff must continue to show he can be an effective two-way presence at the NCAA level. His offensive game has begun to flourish as of late, with 11 points in 16 games in college.

5. Vancouver (WHL) right wing Mathis Preston

For much of this season, Preston has been a one-man show. His speed and skill were the driving force for the Spokane Chiefs. The high-octane winger was traded to the Vancouver Giants, where he will have a bit more help around him, and he could see a major boost in production because of it. Preston needs to prove he’s still the stud high-caliber offensive player he was last year. 

6. Jukurit (Finland) defenseman Alberts Smits

There may not have been a player who came out of the world juniors with more hype than Latvian defender Alberts Smits. His combination of size, skating and skill is lethal. Smits might be the highest upside blueliner in the draft class. Every year, teams look for the next Moritz Seider, but they never seem to find one. Smits might be the closest thing we’ve seen in recent years. 

7. Djurgarden (Sweden) center Viggo Bjorck

Bjorck helped Sweden win their first gold medal at the world juniors since 2012, playing a top-six role and showcasing how mature his game has become over the last year. His sound defensive play and impressive work rate complement his hyper-skilled offensive game. If Bjorck can continue to prove he’s a well-rounded player and that his size won’t impede him in the SHL, he could be a top-10 pick. 

8. Windsor (OHL) left wing Ethan Belchetz

At 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, NHL scouts are bound to be intrigued by the physical tools Belchetz possesses. What they want to see from him is that his mobility continues to improve and that he can continue producing at a high rate. Belchetz is about a point-per-game player, but with his skill and size, he could dominate. He needs to prove himself to be more consistent, though, because he can disappear at times. 

9. Blainville-Boisbriand (QMJHL) defenseman Xavier Villeneuve

The undersized blueliner will have to prove the same thing for the rest of his career. Can a small defenseman play steady enough defense in his own end to justify the offensive game that he brings to the table? Villenueve plays with a killer instinct, looking to thread the needle as a passer and weave through traffic as a puck carrier. His defensive game has improved, but whether it can take another step remains his biggest question. 

10. Tappara (Finland) center Oliver Suvanto

We have seen his defensive game and his physical play at the world juniors and the Liiga level in Finland. What we need to see is the offensive skill that he flashes every once in a while become more consistent. Suvanto can be a truck on skates when he’s barreling up ice with the puck. Playing against pros, he’s been more reserved and relied less on his power-forward game and more on staying structured.

If you’re still feeling the excitement of Texas A&M women’s volleyball’s first national title in program history, then look no further than League One Volleyball (LOVB) to serve up more elite action.

The second season of LOVB (pronounced ‘love’) gets underway Wednesday, Jan. 7, and opening week is filled with five marquee matchups, including a semifinal rematch Sunday between LOVB Atlanta and LOVB Austin, the defending champions.

A handful of All-American collegiate stars will make their professional debuts, including a trio that played in the NCAA title match. Texas A&M opposite hitter Logan Lednicky signed with LOVB Houston and middle blocker Ifenna Cos-Okpalla LOVB Salt Lake. Kentucky outside hitter Eva Hudson heads to LOVB Atlanta.

The players on LOVB’s six teams have a combined 21 NCAA Division I titles, 101 AVCA All-American awards and 23 Olympic medals. Here’s what you need to know ahead of season two:

College stars will add instant impact

Here’s a handful of college players that will begin their rookie season:

• Rebekah Allick, Nebraska, LOVB Madison: The 6-4 middle blocker racked up a team-high 128 blocks (19 solo) and 259 kills on .450 hitting. She was named AVCA second-team All-American.
• Ifenna Cos-Okpalla, Texas A&M, LOVB Salt Lake: The 6-foot-2 middle blocker lead the nation with 199 total blocks (22 solo) and had a team-high 1.69 blocks per set. The AVCA first-team All-American was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team.
• Eva Hudson, Kentucky, LOVB Atlanta: The 6-1 outside hitter was named the SEC Player of the Year after hitting .319 with 4.59 kills per set and 546 total kills. She was a finalist for national player of the year finalist after leading Kentucky to the 2025 title game.
• Logan Lednicky, Texas A&M, LOVB Houston: The 6-3 opposite hitter led the Aggies’ championship squad in points (534), kills (467) and kills per set (4.10) and hit .310. She recorded double-digit kills in 29 of 33 matches her senior season and was named a AVCA second-team All-American.
• Bailey Miller, Arizona State, LOVB Austin: The 6-foot-3 outside hitter was named first-team All-Big 12 after recording 462.5 points, 392 kills, 3.29 kills per set and 39 service aces.
• Maya Sands, Missouri, LOVB Houston: The 5-foot-7 Illinois native was named the SEC Libero of the Year after recording 511 digs, including a career-high 32 against South Carolina on Oct. 24. She also had 108 assists.

LOVB Austin reloads ahead of title defense

Despite finishing the regular season with a 5-11 record, LOVB Austin got hot in the postseason and cemented itself as the inaugural champion. They did so with reverse sweeps of LOVB Salt Lake in the quarterfinals and top-seeded LOVB Atlanta in the semifinals, before taking down LOVB Omaha in the title match behind dominant performances by Logan Eggleston (22 points) and Madisen Skinner (21 points). Skinner, who finished the season ranked fourth overall in points (227) and kills (201), was named the Finals MVP.

Skinner and Eggleston are among 10 players returning as LOVB Austin looks to defend its title. Skinner, Eggleston, Asjia O’Neal, Zoe Jarvis and newcomer Bella Bergmark all won an NCAA title together at Texas in 2022. Skinner, Bergmark and O’Neal successfully defended the Longhorn’s title in 2023. Skinner, who also won a NCAA title with Kentucky in 2020, has won four championships in the past five years.

LOVB Austin suffered a major offseason blow after Chiaka Ogbogu, the middle blocker of the year with a league-high 53 blocks, accepted an offer to play in Turkey. But head coach Erik Sullivan will rely on Molly McCage and O’Neal to shore up Austin’s league-leading defense. McCage had 39 blocks last year, fourth in the league. Austin has the talent to pull off a repeat, but it’s paramount they get off to a better start.

LOVB Nebraska looks to continue momentum

LOVB Austin wasn’t the only team to undergo a dramatic postseason turnaround. LOVB Nebraska (formerly LOVB Omaha) finished at the bottom of the standings with a 5-11 record, but went on a Cinderella run in the playoffs. LOVB Nebraska took out LOVB Madison in the quarterfinals and reverse swept LOVB Houston in the semifinals. LOVB Nebraska was subsequently swept in the finals by LOVB Austin, but its deep playoff run highlighted the team’s potential.

LOVB Nebraska will be led by team co-owner Jordan Larson, who finished top 5 in the league in aces (14). She’s not the only Nebraska alum. Libero Lexi Rodriguez is returning and will look to take on a more prominent role after two-time U.S. Olympic medalist libero Justine Wong-Orantes left to move closer to home.

LOVB Nebraska also signed renowned Brazilian middle blocker Ana Carolina da Silva. The 34-year-old led the Brazilian national team to two Olympic medals — silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics — in addition to two world championships. LOVB Nebraska was the only team shut out of the end of season awards last season, but that’s likely to change if the team can recapture its postseason magic.

LOVB Atlanta seeks redemption

LOVB Atlanta is stacked. The team is made up of three-time Olympic medalist Kelsey Cook, the league’s inaugural MVP, in addition to McKenzie Adams (outside hitter of the year) and Tia Jimerson (who ranked second in blocks with 52). The team dominated the regular season with a 13-3 record, but was upset in the semifinals by LOVB Austin. ‘There was just a lot left out on the court,’ Cook said after the shocking loss.

Another season brings a chance at redemption, although LOVB Atlanta will be without their superstar outside hitter. Cook announced her pregnancy in October out for the 2026 season. Adams is capable of carrying the load, ranked top five among outside hitters in the league last season in points (193), kills (163), digs (146), blocks (20) and aces (10). LOVB Atlanta also added Kentucky grad Eva Hudson, who should fit seamlessly into the lineup after being named the SEC player of the year and a national player of the year finalist.

LOVB is expanding (teams + moms)

LOVB is expanding from six teams to nine next season in 2027, with the addition of LOVB Los Angeles, LOVB Minnesota and LOVB San Francisco, but that’s not the only way to the league is growing. Three-time Olympic medalist Kelsey Cook is one of several LOVB players preparing for motherhood.

Cook (LOVB Atlanta) announced her pregnancy in October and her U.S. national teammate Justine Wong-Orantes (LOVB Houston) is expecting a baby boy in March. In fact, Cook and Wong-Orantes revealed they are due two weeks apart.

LOVB Madison middle blocker Anna Hall is returning to LOVB after giving birth to son Louie last September. Hall revealed she was pregnant with her son during LOVB’s inaugural season.

2026 LOVB team rosters

Here’s a look at each team’s roster, by position:

LOVB Atlanta roster

Head coach: Paulo Coco

• Liberos: Beatrice Negretti, Piyanut Pannoy
• Middle Blockers: Magdalena Jehlarova, Tia Jimerson, Onye Ofoegbu, Jess Robinson
• Outside Hitters: McKenzie Adams, Kelsey Cook, Miroslava Paskova, Julia Sangiacomo, Eva Hudson
• Opposite Hitters: Carly Dehoog, Tessa Grubbs, Ivonee Montano
• Setters: Rachel Fairbanks, Ella May Powell

LOVB Austin roster

Head coach: Erik Sullivan

• Liberos: Kotoe Inoue, Zoe Jarvis
• Setters: Carli Lloyd, Brie O’Reilly
• Outside Hitters: Madi Banks, Logan Eggleston, Leah Hardeman
• Opposite Hitters: Khat Bell, Juliann Faucette, Madisen Skinner, Bailey Miller
• Middle Blockers: Bella Bergmark, Magdalena Jurczyk, Molly McCage, Asjia O’Neal

LOVB Houston roster

Head coach: Sanja Tomašević

• Liberos: Lauren Briseño, Justine Wong-Orantes, Maya Sands
• Middle Blockers: Anita Anwusi, Raphaela Folie, Amber Igiede, Jazmine White,
• Outside Hitters: Julia Brown, Madi Kingdon Rishel, Sara Loda, Jess Mruzik, Karin Palgutova
• Opposite Hitters: Grace Frohling, Jordan Thompson, Logan Lednicky
• Setters: Kaisa Alanko, Micha Hancock

LOVB Madison roster

Head coach: Matt Fuerbringer

• Liberos: Milica Medved, Anna Pogany
• Middle Blockers: Ana Beatriz Correa, Anna Hall, Annayka Legros, Callie Schwarzenbach, Rebekah Allick
• Outside Hitters: Claire Chaussee, Anna Haak, Mariena Hayden, Andrea Mitrovic, Indrė Sorokaitė
• Opposite Hitters: Xiangyu Gong, Temi Thomas-Ailara
• Setters: Lauren Carlini, Argentina Ung

LOVB Nebraska roster

Head coach: Suzie Fritz

• Liberos: Annie Cesar, Lexi Rodriguez
• Middle Blockers: Ana Carolina da Silva, Candelaria Herrera, Emily Thater, Iga Wasilewska
• Outside Hitters: Anne Buijs, Alexis Hart, Jordan Larson, Vicky Savard, Jaali Winters, Julia Hanson
• Opposite Hitters: Kimberly Drewniok, Audriana Fitzmorris
• Setters: Gabby Blossom, Laura Dijkema

LOVB Salt Lake roster

Head coach: Tama Miyashiro

• Liberos: Manami Kojima, Mary Lake
• Middle Blockers: Tori Dixon, Sophie Fischer, Serena Gray, Haleigh Washington, Ifenna Cos-Okpalla
• Outside Hitters: Dani Drews, Alexa Gray, Maddie Haynes, Claire Hoffman, Roni Jones-Perry 
• Opposite Hitters: Heidy Casanova, Skylar Fields
• Setters: Madi Bugg, Jordyn Poulter

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