Madison Francis Named to Preseason All-SEC Second Team

The Mississippi State forward earns league recognition following a standout freshman season.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player in maroon and white uniform performing a defensive maneuver. — Mississippi State forward Madison Francis was named to the preseason All-SEC second team after a breakout freshman season. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Mississippi State sophomore forward Madison Francis has been selected to the preseason All-SEC second team. Conference coaches voted on the honor after the athlete finished her debut campaign with national statistical leadership.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the rising profile of the Mississippi State program within the Southeastern Conference. Coaches based their selection on a breakout season where Francis dominated defensively and provided consistent scoring.

Francis led the nation with 2.84 blocks per game last season while maintaining averages of 13.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.3 assists.

The players

Madison Francis

She is a sophomore forward for Mississippi State who led the nation in blocks last season.

Mississippi State

This is a public research university located in Starkville that competes in the Southeastern Conference.

Southeastern Conference

The SEC is a premier collegiate athletic conference that sponsors varsity sports across the Southern United States.

The details

Francis secured her spot on the preseason roster after earning SEC All-Freshman and SEC All-Defense honors during her first year. The forward remains a focal point for Mississippi State following her historic defensive performance last season.

Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Francis named to preseason All-SEC second team.
Last season: Francis completed her breakout freshman campaign.
2020: Year of the last freshman to earn All-Defense honors.

Season Trajectory

This accolade positions Francis as a premier defensive anchor in the SEC, mirroring the rare impact of the 2020 season freshman defensive award. Her continued growth will be essential for Mississippi State to improve its conference standing and overall playoff prospects.

Fantasy managers and analysts should note her 2.84 blocks per game average as a significant contribution to defensive category production. Her established role as a starter ensures consistent minutes and usage on the court for the upcoming schedule.

The takeaway

Francis provides a blueprint for incoming players by prioritizing defensive utility alongside offensive growth. Athletes looking to mirror this success should focus on high-impact statistical categories like blocks and rebounds to gain league-wide recognition.