The women’s college basketball season has concluded, with UConn winning its 12th national championship by defeating South Carolina 82-59, thanks to the incredible performances from the Huskies’ standout trio—Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, and Sarah Strong. As we shift our focus from the thrilling conclusion of this season, basketball fans are already eager to look ahead to the next season.
As the NCAA Tournament wraps up, the coaching carousel has begun to spin, and players are entering the transfer portal, reshaping the landscape of college basketball. In this article, we provide an early preview of the 25 teams that are poised to be contenders for the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season.
25. Iowa
Under Jan Jensen’s guidance, the team is expected to show significant improvement in Year Two.
24. TCU
TCU may deserve a higher ranking, but they need to compensate for the loss of Hailey Van Lith, Madison Conner, and Sedona Prince, and currently lack top 100 recruits.
23. West Virginia
Mark Kellogg’s aggressive defense will keep West Virginia competitive, but replacing JJ Quinerly poses a challenge.
22. Kansas State
While the Wildcats are bringing in three top 100 recruits, they face the tough task of replacing Serena Sundell and Ayoka Lee.
21. Ohio State
Despite Cotie McMahon entering the transfer portal, the Buckeyes retain key players including the Cambridge sisters.
20. Oklahoma State
The Cowgirls will rely on their leading scorers Micah Gray and Stailee Heard returning under Jacie Hoyt’s leadership.
19. Richmond
With Maggie Doogan and Rachel Ullstrom back, the Spiders, who defeated Georgia Tech in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, are set to be a top mid-major team again.
18. Baylor
The Lady Bears are tasked with building around Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, a strong foundation, with Auburn transfer Taliah Scott expected to boost the team.
17. Michigan
The Wolverines’ future looks bright thanks to the return of dynamic freshmen Olivia Olson and Syla Swords.
16. Iowa State
With standout players Audi Crooks and Addy Brown, the Cyclones will be a team to watch.
15. Kentucky
Head coach Kenny Brooks must find a new point guard, but the return of Clara Strack and Teonni Key promises a formidable front court.
14. Vanderbilt
Boasting one of the best returning duos in Tamika Catchings Freshman of the Year Mikayla Blakes and Khamil Pierre, both averaging over 20 points per game, the Commodores are a team to watch.
13. Maryland
Brenda Frese is adept at building competitive teams in the portal era, and with Bri McDaniel and Saylor Poffenbarger returning, the Terps are likely to make another Sweet 16 appearance.
12. NC State
While Zoe Brooks and Tilda Trygger return, NC State faces significant challenges following the departures of key players Madison Hayes, Saniya Rivers, and Aziaha James.
11. Tennessee
The Lady Vols demonstrated promise in Kim Caldwell’s first year, and with returning key players and strong recruits, they are expected to continue their success.
10. Notre Dame
Despite having reigning ACC Player of the Year Hannah Hidalgo, the Irish face uncertainty following several player departures.
9. North Carolina
While Alyssa Ustby’s departure leaves a gap, UNC retains Reniya Kelly and Indya Nivar, has landed Louisville transfer Nyla Harris, and is welcoming two top 25 recruits.
8. USC
Lindsay Gottlieb has proven her coaching prowess, but the uncertainty regarding superstar JuJu Watkins’ availability and Kiki Iriafen’s departure poses challenges.
7. Texas
With SEC Player of the Year Madison Booker returning, the Longhorns must enhance their offensive strategy to increase their chances of a Final Four return.
6. Oklahoma
Raegan Beers is back, and the Sooners are also welcoming the nation’s top recruit, Aaliyah Chavez.
5. LSU
With Flau’Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams returning, we can expect LSU to leverage the transfer portal effectively while adding three top 15 recruits.
4. Duke
The Blue Devils, who pushed South Carolina to the brink in the Elite Eight, are only missing Reigan Richardson, who is out of eligibility. With Toby Fournier entering her sophomore season, Duke looks like the ACC favorites.
3. UCLA
The team will still have the towering Lauren Betts, ensuring UCLA remains a formidable contender next year.
2. South Carolina
Despite the departures of Bree Hall and Sania Feagin, the Gamecocks retain a strong core, including Joyce Edwards, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Chloe Kitts, and Tessa Johnson, ensuring they remain competitive.
1. UConn
Although Paige Bueckers has departed, Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd are back. Their exceptional performances at the Final Four indicate that the Huskies will continue to contend at the highest level.
