Women's NCAA tournament 2023 - Ranking the top 25 players in March Madness

The bracket is out, and we know everyone's potential path to Dallas. But who will be the leaders on that journey for the best women's college basketball teams?

For the third time this season, we're ranking the top 25 players in the country — but we've limited it to the best players competing in the 2023 women's NCAA tournament.

Some prominent names are missing, including UConn guard Azzi Fudd. She was in our top three in December's ranking, but has appeared in just 12 games this season because of injury. Similarly, Ohio State guard Jacy Sheldon made our last list, but has played only nine games. Because of their limited playing time, they didn't meet the criteria for inclusion. But fear not: ESPN will update the list heading into the Sweet 16, at which point they and others might play their way into the ranking.

Players such as Notre Dame's Olivia Miles, whose injury status is still unclear, were ranked based on what we have seen of their recent play.

The national player of the year debate this season has centered largely around Iowa's Caitlin Clark and South Carolina's Aliyah Boston, with passionate supporters on both sides for great reasons. As a point guard and a post, they couldn't be more different in their skill sets. Both have excelled all season at what they do the best. But there can be only one at the No. 1 spot.

ESPN's Alexa Philippou, Charlie Creme and M.A. Voepel rank the players as we get ready for March Madness to materialize.

Brackets are open! Head to Women's Tournament Challenge and fill out your bracket now! And click here for a printable bracket.

Guard | 6-foot | junior 2022-23 stats: 27.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 8.3 APG

Clark won Big Ten Player of the Year and league tournament MVP, both for the second