UCLA Bruins: A New Era of Dominance?
As the dust settles on an exhilarating college basketball season, the UCLA Bruins find themselves at the top of the Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings for the 2025-26 season. With a roster brimming with talent, the Bruins are poised to make another deep run in the NCAA tournament. The entire rotation, except for Janiah Barker and Angela Dugalic, is expected to return, providing a solid foundation for success.
Leading the charge is 6-foot-7 Lauren Betts, who is sure to be on every preseason player of the year list. Betts will be joined by her sister, Sienna Betts, the No. 2 recruit in the country according to HoopGurlz. The dynamic duo will be a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Kiki Rice, one of the country’s best point guards, will orchestrate the offense, while Charlisse Leger-Walker, who missed this season with a knee injury, will add depth to the backcourt.
With Gabriela Jaquez, Londynn Jones, Elina Aarnisalo, and Timea Gardiner rounding out the roster, head coach Cori Close has the star power and depth to guide UCLA to another Final Four appearance. The Bruins’ blend of experience and youthful exuberance makes them a formidable opponent for any team.
South Carolina Gamecocks: A New Chapter Begins
Despite losing some key players, the South Carolina Gamecocks remain a force to be reckoned with. Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley, the team’s leading scorers off the bench, are expected to step into starting roles. Chloe Kitts emerged as the Gamecocks’ best player late in the season, and her continued development will be crucial to the team’s success.
With Tessa Johnson poised for a breakout season and a healthy Ashlyn Watkins and Maddy McDaniel taking over at the point, the Gamecocks have the potential to reach a sixth consecutive Final Four. Head coach Dawn Staley will rely on her returning players to learn from past experiences and lead the team to new heights.
UConn Huskies: The Quest for a 25th Final Four
The Paige Bueckers era may be over, but the UConn Huskies are far from finished. With Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd leading the charge, the Huskies have the talent to make another deep tournament run. Strong, the highest-scoring freshman for UConn since Maya Moore, will be a key player to watch.
KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade are expected to take on bigger roles, while Jana El Alfy and Ice Brady continue to develop. Although the Huskies have no top-20 recruits on the way, they are likely to find reinforcements in the transfer portal. With a strong core and strategic additions, UConn is well-positioned for success.
Texas Longhorns: Building on Success
The Texas Longhorns are eager to build on their recent success and make another Final Four appearance. Madison Booker returns to anchor the team, and if Rori Harmon stays for a fifth year, the Longhorns could boast the best backcourt in the country. Bryanna Preston offers a solid backup plan at point guard.
With Aaliyah Moore and Laila Phelia expected to return from injuries, head coach Vic Schaefer will have the flexibility to experiment with different lineups. The Longhorns’ depth and versatility make them a formidable contender in the upcoming season.
Duke Blue Devils: Poised for a Breakthrough
Under the leadership of head coach Kara Lawson, the Duke Blue Devils have steadily improved over the past three seasons. 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 poised for a breakthrough.
The team’s blend of experience and young talent makes them a strong contender for a Final Four appearance. With continued growth and development, Duke has the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
LSU Tigers: Reloading for Another Run
Head coach Kim Mulkey has a knack for success in the transfer portal, and the LSU Tigers are expected to make some big moves this offseason. With Flau’Jae Johnson returning to Baton Rouge, she and Mikaylah Williams will form a dynamic combination on the wing.
Despite losing Sa’Myah Smith in the portal, Mulkey is bringing in four players ranked in the top 30 of the HoopGurlz recruiting rankings. With a wealth of talent at her disposal, Mulkey is well-equipped to lead the Tigers to another successful season.
Oklahoma Sooners: Speeding Ahead
The Oklahoma Sooners are set to build on their fast-paced style of play with the addition of the nation’s top recruit, Aaliyah Chavez. Head coach Jennie Baranczyk also expects to return her top three scorers from last season, including Raegan Beers, Payton Verhulst, and Sahara Williams.
With exciting freshman Zya Vann in the mix, the Sooners are poised to play even faster next year. Their high-octane offense will be a challenge for any opponent, and they are well-positioned for success in the upcoming season.
Tennessee Lady Volunteers: A Promising Future
Kim Caldwell’s debut season as head coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers was a massive 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 has also landed a highly regarded recruiting class, including No. 11-ranked Mia Pauldo and her twin sister Mya. With a strong foundation and promising newcomers, the Lady Volunteers are poised for a bright future.
Baylor Bears: Rebuilding for Success
Head coach Nikki Collen faces the challenge of replacing three starters and Big 12 Sixth Player of the Year Yaya Felder. However, she has already made a significant addition in Taliah Scott from Auburn. If Scott is healthy, she will provide the scoring punch Baylor needs alongside Darianna Littlepage-Buggs and Bella Fontleroy.
With strategic additions and continued development, the Bears are well-positioned to compete at a high level in the upcoming season.
NC State Wolfpack: A New Era Begins
The Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers, and Madison Hayes era has ended, but the NC State Wolfpack are ready to usher in a new era. 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 to the Wolfpack’s success. With a strong foundation and promising young talent, NC State is poised for a successful season.
Vanderbilt Commodores: A Trio of Talent
Assuming there are no changes in the transfer portal, head coach Shea Ralph will return one of the most productive trios in the country. Mikayla Blakes led all freshman scorers, and she and Khamil Pierre were the highest-scoring duo in the country.
Iyana Moore also averaged double figures and was at her best in the Commodores’ biggest games. With a strong core and continued development, Vanderbilt is well-positioned for success in the upcoming season.
USC Trojans: Uncertainty Looms
The status of JuJu Watkins for next season will significantly impact the USC Trojans’ 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 tournament run.
If Watkins sits out for the entire season, USC will need big performances from sophomore-to-be Kennedy Smith and incoming freshman Jasmine Davidson. Despite the losses of Avery Howell and Kayleigh Heckel, the Trojans have the potential to make a significant impact.
Iowa State Cyclones: Building on a Strong Foundation
In two years, Audi Crooks has scored nearly 1,500 points, making her the cornerstone of the Iowa State Cyclones program. Alongside Addy Brown, Crooks provides a strong foundation for success.
Head coach Bill Fennelly acted quickly to replace veteran point guard Emily Ryan by landing Arizona transfer Jada Williams. Her agility could add another dimension to the Cyclones’ offense, making them a formidable opponent in the upcoming season.
North Carolina Tar Heels: A New Chapter Begins
The personnel losses for head coach Courtney Banghart are significant, with Alyssa Ustby, Maria Gakdeng, and Lexi Donarski all departing. However, Reniya Kelly remains in Chapel Hill to lead a group of young players who gained valuable experience in ACC play this year.
Lanie Grant, Ciera Toomey, and Blanca Thomas will be asked to do much more next season, and their development will be key to the Tar Heels’ success.
Louisville Cardinals: Rebuilding for Success
Head coach Jeff Walz faces the challenge of replacing 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 for the Cardinals.
Walz’s ability to make a splash via the transfer portal will also play a significant role in the team’s success. With strategic additions and continued development, Louisville is poised for a successful season.
Michigan Wolverines: A Promising Future
Head 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.
With a strong foundation and promising young talent, the Wolverines are poised for a bright future.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Rebuilding for Success
With graduations and unexpected portal departures, head coach Niele Ivey has significant roster spots to fill. However, she still has Hannah Hidalgo, a key player for the Fighting Irish.
Adding a couple of reinforcements to play alongside Hidalgo would help Ivey get her team back near the top 10. With strategic additions and continued development, Notre Dame is poised for a successful season.
Iowa Hawkeyes: A New Era Begins
The graduation of Lucy Olsen and the portal defection of Aaliyah Guyton leaves a big hole at point guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes. However, if head coach Jan Jensen can find replacements, they will enjoy passing to Hannah Stuelke and Ava Heiden.
Heiden blossomed at the end of the season and could be ready for a big leap as a sophomore. With a strong foundation and promising young talent, the Hawkeyes are poised for success.
Michigan State Spartans: Building on Success
Grace VanSlooten fit right in with the Michigan State Spartans after her transfer from Oregon. She will be joined by Theryn Hallock and Jocelyn Tate, giving head coach Robyn Fralick three of her top four scorers back to build around.
With a strong core and continued development, the Spartans are well-positioned for success in the upcoming season.
Richmond Spiders: Continuing the Momentum
The excitement of the Richmond Spiders’ 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, is expected back.
All-Atlantic 10 first-teamer Rachel Ullstrom is also expected to return for one more run with head coach Aaron Roussell. With a strong foundation and continued development, the Spiders are poised for success.
Maryland Terrapins: Rebuilding for Success
The key for the Maryland Terrapins 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 head coach Brenda Frese’s successful history in the portal, expect more transfer talent in College Park next season. With strategic additions and continued development, the Terrapins are poised for success.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls: Building on Success
Head 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.
With strategic additions and continued development, the Cowgirls are well-positioned for success in the upcoming season.
Princeton Tigers: A Return to Dominance
The return of Madison St. Rose from the knee injury that cost her most of this season will be a significant boost for the Princeton Tigers. She will join Skye Belker and Ashley Chea in the backcourt, putting the Tigers back in the familiar place of favorites to win the Ivy League.
With a strong foundation and continued development, the Tigers are poised for success in the upcoming season.
Washington Huskies: Building on Success
With program foundations Elle Ladine, Sayvia Sellers, and Hannah Stines expected to return, head coach Tina Langley should have the Washington Huskies in the NCAA tournament for a second consecutive year.
With a strong foundation and continued development, the Huskies are well-positioned for success in the upcoming season.
Ohio State Buckeyes: Rebuilding for Success
The departure of Cotie McMahon to the transfer portal is a significant loss for the Ohio State Buckeyes. However, head coach Kevin McGuff has Jaloni Cambridge, Kennedy Cambridge, and Chance Gray to build upon.
With a history of adding talent in the portal, McGuff is well-equipped to lead the Buckeyes to success in the upcoming season.
Also considered: Ole Miss Rebels, Kentucky Wildcats, Minnesota Golden Gophers
Originally Written by: Charlie Creme
