When basketball elites like Rebecca Lobo start naming the most exciting talents in the women’s college game, everyone takes notice.

On the latest episode of A Touch More with Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe, Lobo didn’t hold back in naming the players who are already turning heads early in the 2025-26 season. Combining stats and off-court personalities, Lobo names these stars just off the top of her head.

The UConn Duo

Starting off with her alma mater, Sarah Strong of UConn. “Sarah Strong is so so good,” Lobo declared. “And you know, I think Coach Auriemma had the best description of it. He said it's like basketball's in her soul."

The sophomore is averaging 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds per game while shooting 59.9% from the field. She's the nation’s top prospect for the NPOY.

Lobo also spoke highly of Azzi Fudd, another UConn star whose offensive prowess is 41.4 3P% makes her a must-watch. “I love watching Azzi Fud, too. I think she's phenomenal.”

The Game Changers

Shifting from UConn, she mentioned Madison Booker. Lobo said, “Sue, I know you were watching their game this past weekend at LSU, and she got in foul trouble in the first half. In the second half it was like, 'All right, who's going to try to guard Madison Booker?' And good luck with that. Um, she's just so good”.

The 6'1 forward is a cornerstone for Texas, having started all games this season. Despite losing to LSU and South Carolina in the previous matchups, she posted 24 points in both those games.

“Audi Crooks at Iowa State is one of my favorite players... and she's a delightful young woman," she continued.

This season, Crooks is leading the women's NCAA D- with 26.8 points per game. Not only does she have national attention, but she also caught Lobo’s eye as a freshman.

Ohio State’s Tweety Nolan

Lobo spotlighted Jaloni Cambridge of Ohio State, a dynamic guard whose mid-range finishes of 51.9% this season have drawn comparisons to Deanna Nicole 'Tweety' Nolan. The Nashville native also earnedthe 2024-25 Big Ten Roy.

Do you agree with Lobo's list? Let us know in the comments!

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar