Mississippi State Freshman Madison Francis Lands Two Major SEC Honors

Madison Francis picked up two pieces of hardware Tuesday morning and neither honor feels like a surprise.

If anything, being named to the SEC All‑Defensive Team and SEC All‑Freshman Team feels more like confirmation of what Mississippi State has been watching all season: a freshman who plays like someone destined for greatness.

𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐌⭐️

Madison Francis has been named to the @SEC's All-Defensive AND All-Freshman teams!

📰: https://t.co/C65GKTbgLC #HailState || @Madison28185042 pic.twitter.com/Ywh3JGemF2
— Mississippi State Women's Basketball (@HailStateWBK) March 3, 2026

Francis didn’t just have a good first year. She had the kind of season that makes you rethink what a freshman ceiling even looks like. She averaged 13.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, a league‑leading 2.8 blocks, plus steals and assists that show she’s not just a rim protector or a scorer. She’s a do‑everything forward who affects every possession.

Once SEC play started, she didn’t fade. She got better. Her numbers ticked up almost across the board, which is usually the opposite of what happens to first‑year players once the schedule gets heavier and the scouting reports get thicker.

The defensive recognition is especially telling. Francis wasn’t just the only freshman on the All‑Defensive Team. She was the only underclassman.

Alabama guard Ace Austin (1) drives into the lane for a shot between Mississippi State forward Madison Francis (40) and Mississippi State forward Favour Nwaedozi (25) at Coleman Coliseum. | Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The SEC hasn’t put a freshman on that list since 2020, and Mississippi State hasn’t had one since 2009. That’s rare air, and it says more about her long‑term potential than any single stat line could.

But the stats don’t hurt. Her 84 blocks lead the nation. She’s blocked at least one shot in 28 games, more than anyone else in college basketball. She’s had 16 games with three or more blocks (tops in the SEC, second nationally) and four games with six or more, which no one else in the country can match.

Mississippi State’s Madison Francis is one of the rare frontcourt players in women’s college basketball who can legitimately guard positions 1 through 5, handle the ball in transition, rebound at a high level, and protect the rim.

And she’s doing all of this as a freshman.… pic.twitter.com/HCTWZF7p8S
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) January 30, 2026

Shot‑blocking is usually the last thing young forwards figure out. For Francis, it’s already a signature skill.

What makes her season even more impressive is how complete it was. Among SEC freshmen, she finished second in scoring and rebounding and third in steals.

There wasn’t a category where she didn’t show up. And she did it while still learning the pace, physicality, and decision‑making that come with SEC basketball.

The version of Francis we saw this year is probably the least polished version Mississippi State will ever get and she was still one of the best freshmen in the country.

Mississippi State heads into the SEC Tournament next, opening Wednesday against Florida. Postseason games tend to spotlight your stars, and Francis already plays like someone built for those moments. But the bigger picture is hard to ignore: if this is the foundation, the next few years in Starkville could be very special.

2026 SEC Women's Basketball Postseason Honors

Individual Awards

Scholar-Athlete of the Year – Karly Weathers, Alabama
Player of the Year – Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt
Freshman of the Year – Aubrey Galvan, Vanderbilt
Newcomer of the Year – Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss
Defensive Player of the Year – Raven Johnson, South Carolina
Sixth-Woman of the Year – MiLaysia Fulwiley, LSU
Coach of the Year – Shea Ralph, Vanderbilt

First Team

Liv McGill, Florida
Dani Carnegie, Georgia
Clara Strack, Kentucky
Flau'jae Johnson, LSU
Mikaylah Williams, LSU
Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss
Raegan Beers, Oklahoma
Joyce Edwards, South Carolina
Madison Booker, Texas
Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt

Second Team

Jessica Timmons, Alabama
Tonie Morgan, Kentucky
Grace Slaughter, Missouri
Raven Johnson, South Carolina
Tessa Johnson, South Carolina
Ta'Niya Latson, South Carolina
Madina Okot, South Carolina
Aaliyah Chavez, Oklahoma
Talaysia Cooper, Tennessee
Rori Harmon, Texas
Ny'Ceara Pryor, Texas A&M

All-Defensive

Clara Strack, Kentucky
Madison Francis, Mississippi State
Raven Johnson, South Carolina
Rori Harmon, Texas
Ny'Ceara Pryor, Texas A&M

All-Freshman

ZaKiyah Johnson, LSU
Madison Francis, Mississippi State
Aaliyah Chavez, Oklahoma
Mia Pauldo, Tennessee
Aubrey Galvan, Vanderbilt