The South Carolina Gamecocks are heavily favored to continue their dynastic run in the SEC Women’s Basketball, projected to win their fifth consecutive regular-season title in 2026. However, their path just got significantly tougher with the devastating news that star forward Chloe Kitts will miss the entire season due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, Texas Longhorns standout Madison Booker has earned the prestigious honor of Preseason Player of the Year, signaling a changing of the guard in individual accolades.
The landscape of Southeastern Conference women’s basketball for the 2026 season has been set, with familiar powerhouses and rising stars taking center stage. In a move that surprised few, South Carolina has been unanimously picked by a panel of SEC and national media members to repeat as conference champions. This prediction underscores their remarkable dominance, having either won or tied for first in the regular season for four consecutive years and clinching the last three tournament titles.
However, the Gamecocks’ quest for another championship is already facing a significant hurdle. The team is reeling from the news that senior forward Chloe Kitts, a crucial component of their success, will be sidelined for the entire season due to a knee injury. This unexpected setback will test South Carolina’s depth and resilience from the outset.
Madison Booker Takes Preseason Player of the Year Honors
While South Carolina secured the top team spot, individual glory went to Texas’ Madison Booker, who was voted the SEC Preseason Player of the Year. Booker received 13 points in the media poll, solidifying her status as one of the league’s brightest talents. This recognition highlights the immense potential and expected impact of the Longhorns’ forward, who played a pivotal role in Texas’ strong showing last season, including their run to the SEC Championship game where they faced South Carolina.
Booker’s selection suggests a shift in the league’s individual spotlight, acknowledging her burgeoning skills and leadership. Her performance will be closely watched as Texas aims to challenge South Carolina’s reign, having been picked to finish second in the league, as detailed by ESPN reporting on the preseason awards.
The Impact of Chloe Kitts’ Season-Ending Injury
The news of Chloe Kitts’ knee injury on Monday sent ripples through the SEC women’s basketball community. A star senior forward, Kitts’ absence will be deeply felt by the Gamecocks. Her scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence were key to South Carolina’s past successes, including their victory over Texas in last year’s SEC title game. The team will now need to adapt quickly, with other players stepping up to fill the void left by her absence.
According to AP News, Kitts suffered a torn ACL, an injury that will require extensive rehabilitation and keep her off the court for the entire 2026 season. This unforeseen challenge adds another layer of intrigue to South Carolina’s title defense, forcing head coach Dawn Staley to adjust strategies and rely on her deep roster earlier than anticipated.
SEC Preseason Power Rankings: The Contenders Emerge
Beyond the top two, the media poll painted a clear picture of the expected hierarchy in the SEC. Following South Carolina and Texas, the perennial contenders and rising programs round out the top half of the league. Fans are already buzzing about the potential matchups and rivalries that will define the upcoming season.
The top eight teams, as predicted by the media panel, are:
- South Carolina
- Texas
- LSU
- Tennessee
- Oklahoma
- Mississippi
- Vanderbilt
- Kentucky
The bottom half of the league includes Alabama, Mississippi State, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Texas A&M, Auburn, and Arkansas, suggesting a wide range of competition across the conference.
All-SEC Team Selections: Highlighting the League’s Elite
The preseason media poll also honored the individual talents expected to shine brightest in the SEC. The All-SEC first and second teams feature a mix of established stars and breakout candidates, promising an exciting season filled with top-tier performances.
All-SEC First Team:
- Madison Booker (Texas)
- Flau’Jae Johnson (LSU)
- Raegan Beers (Oklahoma)
- Mikayla Blakes (Vanderbilt)
- Joyce Edwards (South Carolina)
All-SEC Second Team:
- Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina)
- Clara Strack (Kentucky)
- Mikayla Williams (LSU)
- Cotie McMahon (Mississippi)
- Talaysia Cooper (Tennessee)
- Rori Harmon (Texas)
Notably, Ta’Niya Latson, Flau’Jae Johnson, Mikayla Blakes, Raegan Beers, and Clara Strack also received votes for Preseason Player of the Year, underscoring the depth of talent across the conference.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Aspirations
For South Carolina, repeating as champions will require navigating the formidable challenge of Chloe Kitts’ injury and fending off a determined Texas squad. Head coach Dawn Staley’s strategic prowess will be key in developing new rotations and integrating emerging talent. Fans will be eager to see how the team adapts and if their established culture of winning can overcome such a significant setback.
Meanwhile, Madison Booker’s ascent marks a new era for Texas, positioning them as serious contenders. The Longhorns, alongside formidable teams like LSU and Tennessee, are poised to make the 2026 SEC women’s basketball season one of the most competitive and exciting in recent memory. The preseason accolades set the stage, but the true tests await on the court.
