This Scottish Premiership season has been one of the most exhilarating in recent memory, and there’s still no end in sight when it comes to drama at the top end of the table.
Hearts, Rangers and Celtic are all locked in the most fierce title battle for decades, with Derek McInnes’ Jambos currently leading by just a single point heading into the final games of the season.
Just behind them, Motherwell are having one of their best seasons in many moons, Hibs can still secure a European spot, and newly promoted Falkirk have made a mockery of the pre-season predictions that had them scrambling at the bottom half of the table by securing a top-half spot.
The season has also introduced us to a number of new heroes, with several players stepping up to the plate for their respective sides. But who have been the standouts in a season to remember?
Here are the 10 players we think will battle it out to be included among the four nominees for the Scottish Premiership player of the season award for 2025-2026:
9. Elliot Watt - Motherwell
The third Motherwell favourite to be included in this list, Watt's excellent performances in the engine room have resulted in many tipping him for a senior international call-up. Arguably the best-performing midfielder in the league this season, he's got eight goal contributions and, despite taking more touches than any other midfielder in the league, retains a passing accuracy rate of 86.9%. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
10. Lawrence Shankland - Hearts
Winner of the award in 2024 after an outstanding campaign in front of goal, Shankland is a candidate to win the award again after another strong campaign at Tynecastle. Despite missing several weeks with a hamstring issue, the 30-year-old has found the net 12 times (against an xG of 8.79) and assisted three more. A leader for the team that is currently at the top of the table. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
11. Emmanuel Fernandez - Rangers
The Nigerian didn't fully break into the starting XI until November, but his impact as Rangers have dragged themselves back into title contention has been pivotal. A threat at both ends of the pitch, Fernandez has scored five league goals from defence and won 68.8% of his duels this season. A man mountain for a Rangers side on the most unexpected of title charges. There's a reason he is being linked with Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group