The Big East preseason polls and all-conference teams are out, and the story hasn't changed in three decades: UConn women's basketball took almost everything. The Huskies are the unanimous favorite to win the conference, and their stars swept the preseason Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards. In a league stocked with national contenders and WNBA talent, Geno Auriemma's program still stands alone.
That sweep isn't just a compliment. It's a warning. Every other Big East team knows the road to a conference title runs through Storrs, and the preseason voters don't see an obvious challenger. The real question isn't whether UConn wins the league again - it's whether the Huskies can turn that dominance into a deep March run and another national championship.
The Big East Preseason Landscape
The Big East released its preseason coaches' poll and all-conference teams on October 1, 2026. The results were lopsided. UConn grabbed every first-place vote, making the Huskies the clear favorite to win a fourth straight regular-season conference title since rejoining the league. The gap between UConn and the rest of the field was significant, with projected contenders like Creighton, Villanova, and Marquette jockeying for position behind the Huskies.
The sweep extended to the individual awards. UConn claimed both Preseason Player of the Year and Preseason Freshman of the Year - a rarity even for a program that routinely produces All-Americans. Multiple Huskies landed on the Preseason All-Big East First Team, reflecting a roster built on returning veterans and highly touted newcomers. For the rest of the conference, the message lands hard: UConn is reloading, not rebuilding.
📊 Every first-place vote in the coaches' poll - The Huskies were the unanimous pick to win the Big East, leaving zero votes for any challenger.
| Position | Team | Preseason Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UConn | Unanimous favorite, all first-place votes |
| 2 | Creighton | Projected top challenger |
| 3 | Villanova | Consistent contender, lacks depth |
| 4 | Marquette | Battling for upper-tier positioning |
UConn's dominance in the preseason voting reflects a talent advantage that has become the norm in Big East play. For the latest on the conference's official preseason awards and team breakdowns, check the Big East Conference and UConn Athletics coverage.
Why the Honor Sweep Matters
For UConn, a preseason sweep is validation and motivation at once. The returning core spent the offseason watching film and shoring up weaknesses exposed in last season's NCAA Tournament. The preseason awards confirm that the Huskies' talent is recognized nationally. They also raise expectations. Auriemma has long used preseason hype as fuel, reminding his team that October trophies don't win games in March.
For the Big East, the sweep highlights a widening talent gap. UConn's national brand, NIL resources, and player development pipeline make it hard for conference rivals to close the distance. Creighton and Villanova have built consistent programs, but they still lack the depth and star power to challenge the Huskies over a full season. The 2026-27 campaign will test whether anyone can turn preseason predictions into a real race - or whether UConn runs away with another title.
📊 Preseason Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year both belong to UConn - A single program sweeping both individual honors is rare even by the Huskies' standards.
What to Watch Before the Season Tips Off
The Huskies enter the season with a blend of experienced leaders and elite freshmen. The preseason Freshman of the Year is expected to make an immediate impact, while the Preseason Player of the Year will anchor the offense. UConn's non-conference schedule includes marquee matchups against top-10 opponents, giving the Huskies early tests before Big East play begins. How those games go will reveal whether UConn is truly a national title contender or just the best team in its own league.
