Mar 29, 2026; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Hannah Hidalgo (3) reacts after a play against the UConn Huskies during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Hannah Hidalgo Makes History, Wins Naismith Defensive Player of the Year After Historic Season

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Levi Omeke | Last updated Apr 3, 2026 11:49 AM ET

Hannah Hidalgo won the 2026 Naismith’s National Defensive Player of the Year after a historic season leading the Notre Dame Fighting Irish the with record breaking steals and elite two way play. She joins Didi Richards as the only guards to win the award.

“I wouldn’t say surprised but I will definitely say I’m blessed to be here, Hidalgo stated.”

How Hannah Hidalgo Compares To The Nation’s Top Stars

Hidalgo is a generational talent. She has the heart of a lion and plays as if she is seven feet tall. Hannah does everything right on the basketball court.

Hidalgo is the best guard defender in women’s college basketball since Maya Moore. She is one of the greatest two-way players in college basketball history (arguably top 5).

Hannah is the best ball hawk and disruptor in the sport. The Women’s Basketball Committee can go back to giving it to the bigs next year.

Hidalgo has a strong case as the best player in women’s college basketball this season. UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts and UConn Huskies teammates Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd were not consistently doing what Hannah is doing. Nor was Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes.

End Of My Hannah Hidalgo Rant

Mar 27, 2026; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Hannah Hidalgo (3) steals the ball from Vanderbilt Commodores forward Sacha Washington (35) during the first half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Hannah led the nation with 5.7 steals per game and was the first player to ever have 200-plus steals in a single season. Hidalgo averaged 25 PPG, 6.8 RPG, and 5.3 APG.

Hidalgo was ACC Player of the Year and First Team All-ACC. Hannah was on the AP Second Team All-American Team and led Notre Dame to their first Elite Eight appearance since 2019. Hidalgo had one of the best seasons in college basketball history.

The last Naismith Defensive Players of the Year were Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston twice, in 2022 and 2023, and Los Angeles Sparks center Cameron Brink in 2024. Betts won in 2025, and now Hidalgo is part of that group. Hannah is a rare breed.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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