Abilene Christian is the United Athletic Conference’s preseason favorite, with Payton Hull repeating as Preseason Player of the Year. Hull, Erin Woodson and Meredith Mayes give ACU a conference-high three players on the 11-member preseason team, strengthening expectations for a squad that returns its top five scorers after a 24-win season.

By the Numbers
  • 24-11: ACU’s record in 2025-26, its most wins since 2019-20.
  • 18.3 points per game: Hull’s scoring average, which led the WAC last season.
  • 10 returners, including 7 seniors; ACU retained its top 5 scorers.
  • 163 points: Hull’s distance from ACU’s career scoring record of 1,666.
Yes, But

Mayes missed 19 games last season, so her availability will matter as ACU builds on its postseason success. When healthy, she shot 68.2% from the field, the nation’s third-best mark.

What's Next

ACU opens its 2026-27 season at home against Howard Payne at 6 p.m. Monday at Moody Coliseum.

Bottom Line

With Hull leading a veteran core and Mayes returning to the lineup, ACU enters the season with the preseason recognition—and returning scoring depth—to contend for the conference title.