UCLA Bruins: A Promising Future
As we look ahead to the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season, the UCLA Bruins are poised to make a significant impact. The entire rotation, except for Janiah Barker and Angela Dugalic, is expected to return. This includes the towering 6-foot-7 Lauren Betts, who is sure to be on every preseason player of the year list. Kiki Rice, one of the country’s best point guards, will also be back in action. Adding to the excitement, Betts will be joined by her sister, Sienna Betts, the No. 2 recruit in the country according to HoopGurlz. Charlisse Leger-Walker, who missed this season due to a knee injury, will return to strengthen the backcourt alongside Gabriela Jaquez, Londynn Jones, and Elina Aarnisalo. With Timea Gardiner on the wing, Coach Cori Close will have the star power and depth needed to guide UCLA to another Final Four appearance.
South Carolina Gamecocks: A New Era
Despite losing some key leaders, the South Carolina Gamecocks are not short on talent. Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley, the leading scorers off the bench, are expected to step up as starters. Chloe Kitts emerged as the team’s best player late in the season, and she, along with Tessa Johnson, could be ready for breakout seasons. A healthy Ashlyn Watkins and Maddy McDaniel taking over at the point will be crucial for the Gamecocks as they aim for a sixth consecutive Final Four appearance.
UConn Huskies: Building on Success
The Paige Bueckers era may be over, but the UConn Huskies are still in a strong position. With Sarah Strong, the highest-scoring freshman for UConn since Maya Moore, and Azzi Fudd, the team is well-equipped for another successful season. KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade are expected to take on bigger roles, while Jana El Alfy and Ice Brady continue to develop. Although there are no top-20 recruits on the way, the Huskies are likely to find reinforcements in the transfer portal.
Texas Longhorns: Aiming for the Top
With Madison Booker returning, the Texas Longhorns are in a strong position to make another Final Four run. If Rori Harmon stays for a fifth year, the Longhorns could boast the best backcourt in the country. Even if Harmon departs, Bryanna Preston is a solid backup plan at point guard. The return of Aaliyah Moore and Laila Phelia from injuries will provide Coach Vic Schaefer with lineup flexibility.
Duke Blue Devils: On the Rise
Under Coach Kara Lawson, the Duke Blue Devils have made steady progress, reaching the Elite Eight this year. With four starters expected to return, along with ACC freshman of the year Toby Fournier and ACC tournament MVP Oluchi Okananwa, the Blue Devils are well-positioned to make a Final Four appearance next season.
LSU Tigers: Ready for Action
Coach Kim Mulkey has a knack for utilizing the transfer portal, and this offseason is expected to be no different. With Flau’Jae Johnson returning to Baton Rouge, she and Mikaylah Williams will form a dynamic wing duo. Despite losing Sa’Myah Smith to the portal, Mulkey is bringing in four players ranked in the top 30 of the HoopGurlz recruiting rankings, ensuring that talent won’t be an issue for LSU next season.
Oklahoma Sooners: Fast and Furious
Landing the nation’s top recruit, Aaliyah Chavez, was a significant win for the Oklahoma Sooners. Coach Jennie Baranczyk is also expected to return her top three scorers from last season: Raegan Beers, Payton Verhulst, and Sahara Williams, along with exciting freshman Zya Vann. The Sooners led the country in pace this season and might play even faster next year.
Tennessee Lady Volunteers: Building on Success
Despite a .500 SEC record, Coach Kim Caldwell’s debut season was a success, with a win over UConn and a Sweet 16 appearance. Much of her core is expected to return, led by Talaysia Cooper, Zee Spearman, and Ruby Whitehorn. Caldwell also landed a highly regarded recruiting class, including No. 11-ranked Mia Pauldo from New Jersey, who will be joined by her twin sister Mya.
Baylor Bears: Rebuilding with Talent
Coach Nikki Collen has some work to do to replace three starters and Big 12 Sixth Player of the Year Yaya Felder. However, she has already made a significant portal addition in Taliah Scott from Auburn. If Scott is healthy, she will provide the scoring needed to complement Darianna Littlepage-Buggs and Bella Fontleroy.
NC State Wolfpack: A New Chapter
With the Aziaha James/Saniya Rivers/Madison Hayes era over, the NCAA tournament provided a glimpse of what a backcourt of Zoe Brooks and Zamareya Jones can achieve. The further development of Tilda Trygger and Lorena Awou inside will be key for the Wolfpack’s success next season.
Vanderbilt Commodores: A Promising Trio
Assuming no changes in the transfer portal, Coach Shea Ralph will return one of the most productive trios in the country. Mikayla Blakes led all freshman scorers, and she, along with Khamil Pierre, formed the highest-scoring duo in the country. Iyana Moore also averaged double figures and excelled in the Commodores’ biggest games.
USC Trojans: Uncertainty Ahead
The status of JuJu Watkins for next season will significantly impact USC’s ranking. If she is healthy to start the season or returns by January, the Trojans can compete near the top of the Big Ten and make a deep March run. If she sits out the entire season, USC will need big performances from sophomore Kennedy Smith and incoming freshman Jasmine Davidson, the No. 3 recruit in the HoopGurlz rankings.
Iowa State Cyclones: Scoring Power
In two years, Audi Crooks has scored nearly 1,500 points, making her a cornerstone of the program alongside Addy Brown. Coach Bill Fennelly acted quickly to replace veteran point guard Emily Ryan by landing Arizona transfer Jada Williams, whose agility could add another dimension to the Cyclones’ offense.
North Carolina Tar Heels: A New Beginning
Despite significant personnel losses, Coach Courtney Banghart still has Reniya Kelly to lead a group of young players. Lanie Grant, Ciera Toomey, and Blanca Thomas, who gained ACC experience this year, will be asked to do much more next season.
Louisville Cardinals: Rebuilding with Potential
Coach Jeff Walz will need to replace three of his top four scorers, but freshman Tajianna Roberts, who has star potential, is returning. The growth of Roberts’ teammates Imari Berry and Mackenly Randolph will be crucial, as will Walz’s ability to make a splash in the transfer portal.
Michigan Wolverines: Youthful Promise
Coach Kim Barnes Arico won’t be able to replace the experience of Jordan Hobbs, but she has built her Wolverines around freshmen. Olivia Olson, Syla Swords, and Mila Holloway grew up fast and helped Michigan to 23 wins and a No. 6 NCAA tournament seed.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Filling the Gaps
With graduations and unexpected portal departures, Coach Niele Ivey has significant roster spots to fill. However, she still has Hannah Hidalgo, and adding a couple of reinforcements to play with her star would help Ivey get her Irish back near the top 10.
Iowa Hawkeyes: Rebuilding the Backcourt
The graduation of Lucy Olsen and the portal defection of Aaliyah Guyton leave a big hole at point guard. However, if Coach Jan Jensen can find replacements, they will enjoy passing to Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden, who blossomed at the end of the season and could be ready for a big leap as a sophomore.
Michigan State Spartans: A Strong Core
Grace VanSlooten fit right in with the Spartans after her transfer from Oregon, and she will be joined by Theryn Hallock and Jocelyn Tate. This gives Coach Robyn Fralick three of her top four scorers back to build around.
Richmond Spiders: Continuing the Momentum
The excitement of the program’s first NCAA tournament win doesn’t have to stop. Atlantic 10 player of the year Maggie Doogan, who torched Georgia Tech and UCLA for a total of 57 points in two NCAA tournament games, and All-Atlantic 10 first-teamer Rachel Ullstrom are both expected back for one more run with Coach Aaron Roussell.
Maryland Terrapins: Aiming for a Comeback
The key for the Terps will be the healthy return of Bri McDaniel, who went down with a knee injury 17 games into this season. McDaniel and Kaylene Smikle would form an experienced backcourt, supplemented by veterans Saylor Poffenbarger and Christina Dalce. With Coach Brenda Frese’s successful history in the portal, expect more transfer talent in College Park next season.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls: Building on Success
Coach Jacie Hoyt should be able to build on this year’s surprising success with leading scorers Stailee Heard and Micah Gray expected back. The Cowgirls have already added guard Amari Whiting from BYU and Haleigh Timmer from South Dakota State via the portal.
Princeton Tigers: Back in the Game
The return of Madison St. Rose from the knee injury that cost her most of this season to join Skye Belker and Ashley Chea in the backcourt will put the Tigers back in the familiar place of favorites to win the Ivy League.
Washington Huskies: Aiming for Consistency
With program foundations Elle Ladine, Sayvia Sellers, and Hannah Stines expected to return, Coach Tina Langley should have the Huskies in the NCAA tournament for a second consecutive year and more safely in than a First Four game.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Rebuilding with Talent
Cotie McMahon jumping into the transfer portal hurts, but Jaloni Cambridge, Kennedy Cambridge, and Chance Gray give Coach Kevin McGuff something to build upon. He also has a history of adding talent in the portal.
- Also considered: Ole Miss Rebels, Kentucky Wildcats, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Originally Written by: Charlie Creme
