It sounds almost impossible to believe, but Caitlin Clark is entering the 2026 WNBA season as something of an underdog. Let that sink in for a moment.

Now, don't get us wrong—this isn't "underdog" in the typical sense. The Indiana Fever superstar guard remains one of the most electrifying players in the league and the undeniable engine behind the massive wave of attention the WNBA has enjoyed since her arrival. But a challenging, injury-plagued 2025 season has quietly chipped away at her public perception, at least in the eyes of some recent rankings and league-wide surveys.

ESPN recently ranked Clark as just the 10th-best player in the WNBA heading into 2026, while The Athletic placed her on their All-WNBA preseason second team. Meanwhile, the league's general managers gave her MVP consideration in their preseason poll—but Dallas Wings rookie sensation Paige Bueckers emerged as the clear favorite to build a franchise around. Clark found herself tied with Las Vegas Aces superstar A'ja Wilson in that category, and was named the league's second-best point guard and passer behind veteran Chelsea Gray.

Here's where things get really interesting: Clark didn't receive a single vote as the player GMs would most want taking a game-winning shot. For a generational shot-maker like Clark, that's objectively hard to wrap your head around.

The recency bias is certainly working in Bueckers' favor after her stellar rookie campaign. But let's not forget what Clark accomplished in her own debut season—and what she's still more than capable of when fully healthy. Just a year ago, no one was sleeping on Clark or the Fever. Gainbridge Fieldhouse was the epicenter of the WNBA universe. But injuries stole the spotlight long enough for some to forget just how dominant she can be.

If there's one thing we've learned about Caitlin Clark, it's that counting her out is a dangerous game. The 2026 season might just be her biggest reminder yet.