UCLA Bruins and Texas Longhorns Fall in NCAA Semifinals: A Look Ahead to Next Season
As the NCAA tournament narrows down to its final two teams, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. The UCLA Bruins and Texas Longhorns, both top-seeded teams, faced heartbreaking losses in their semifinal matchups on Friday. With the tournament nearing its conclusion, it’s time to shift our focus to the future and explore what lies ahead for these teams as they prepare for the next season.
ESPN’s analysts are already diving into the details of how the 1- and 2-seeds saw their championship dreams dashed and what the future holds for each team. From player departures to incoming recruits and potential transfers, there’s plenty to discuss as we look ahead to the 2025-26 season.
No. 1 UCLA Bruins
Record: 34-3 (15-2 in the Big Ten)
How they were eliminated: 85-51 loss to UConn in the national semifinals
The UCLA Bruins faced a tough challenge against UConn in the national semifinals, and unfortunately, they couldn’t rise to the occasion. From the outset, UCLA struggled to keep up with UConn’s firepower, turning the ball over 14 times in the first half and allowing 42 points to the Huskies in the first 20 minutes. Despite Lauren Betts’ impressive 26-point performance, her teammates struggled, making just nine of their 34 field goal attempts. UCLA was never truly competitive after the first quarter.
Expected departures: F Janiah Barker, F Angela Dugalic
Key contributors expected back next year: Assuming no unexpected transfer portal decisions, the Bruins will have a wealth of returning experience and depth. Lauren Betts is set to return, aiming for another run at national player of the year. Both point guards, Kiki Rice and Elina Aarnisalo, will be back, along with a former All-American combo guard, Charlisse Leger-Walker, who is returning from injury. Multiple wings, including Londynn Jones, Gabriela Jaquez, and Timea Gardiner, along with high school All-American Sienna Betts, will be part of Cori Close’s rotation.
Top incoming recruit: Sienna Betts (No. 3 per espnW)
Portal priorities: While the backcourt is loaded, UCLA will need to address the loss of size and physicality with Dugalic and Barker’s departures. Finding a player to fill this void will be crucial for assembling a complete roster.
How can this experience in the Final Four help UCLA next year? The Bruins’ performance in the Final Four highlighted their struggle to handle the pressure of the moment. Committing 14 first-half turnovers and scoring just 28 points in the first 25 minutes was uncharacteristic of their season. However, with much of the core expected to return next season, a return trip to the Final Four is a real possibility. UCLA can learn from their mistakes and come back stronger. — Charlie Creme
No. 1 Texas Longhorns
Record: 35-4 (15-1, T-first in SEC)
How they were eliminated: 74-57 loss to South Carolina in the national semifinals
The Texas Longhorns faced a familiar foe in South Carolina, and once again, they struggled to find offensive answers. Jordan Lee provided a boost with 16 points, but Madison Booker’s performance was hampered by foul trouble. Without Booker at her best, Texas couldn’t match South Carolina’s depth, as nine different players scored for the Gamecocks. Consistent offense was a challenge for Texas this season, especially in their losses to South Carolina, and it was evident in the national semifinals.
Expected departures: C Taylor Jones, G Shay Holle
Key contributors expected back next year: With Madison Booker leading the charge, the Longhorns are poised for another strong season in 2026. If Rori Harmon returns, it will further bolster Texas’ prospects. Laila Phelia and Aaliyah Moore, who missed most of this season due to injuries, could also make a comeback. The young core of Bryanna Preston, Lee, and Justice Carlton will continue to develop as sophomores in Austin. Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, a six-foot-two junior, was playing her best basketball at the end of the season. Texas, which averaged 27 points per game off its bench this season, could be even deeper next year.
Top incoming recruit: G Aaliyah Crump (No. 5 per espnW)
Portal priorities: Texas needs to address its lack of perimeter shooting. Schaefer has led the Longhorns to the Elite Eight four times in five years and now to a Final Four, but the absence of reliable shooters has been a significant hurdle. Freshman Lee showed promise with her 3-point shooting in the Sweet 16 against Tennessee, but Texas could benefit from a veteran shooter who can consistently knock down deep shots.
How does Texas take the next step? The Longhorns have made significant strides under Schaefer’s leadership, but to win a championship, they need more support for Booker. The semifinal loss to South Carolina highlighted the need for additional shooters and a reliable scorer. Booker’s talent, combined with strong defense and offensive rebounding, forms a winning formula, but it may not be enough to secure a championship. — Charlie Creme
No. 1 USC Trojans
Record: 31-4 (17-1 Big Ten, first)
How they were eliminated: 78-64 loss to UConn in the Elite Eight
The USC Trojans put up a valiant effort against UConn, starting strong and mounting a third-quarter comeback. However, without JuJu Watkins and facing the nation’s most efficient offense, they faced an uphill battle. Rayah Marshall scored a season-high 23 points in her final college game, but Kiki Iriafen’s tough shooting night and UConn’s dynamic duo of Paige Bueckers and Sarah Strong proved too much to overcome. USC fell one game short of the Final Four, losing to UConn for the second consecutive year.
Expected departures: F Kiki Iriafen, F Rayah Marshall, G Talia von Oelhoffen
Key contributors expected back next season: The Trojans’ future hinges on JuJu Watkins’ health and return. If she can return by January, USC remains a strong contender for the Final Four. Regardless of Watkins’ status, last year’s top-ranked recruiting class will need to step up. Kennedy Smith will lead the charge, with guards Avery Howell and Kayleigh Heckel likely to start. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb relied heavily on this trio during the NCAA tournament, and their experience should pay off. Malia Samuels’ role could also expand as a junior.
Top incoming recruit: G Jasmine Davidson (No. 3 per espnW)
Portal priorities: Gottlieb will be on the lookout for a veteran scorer and interior defense to fill the void left by Iriafen and Marshall. Another shooter to complement Howell is also a priority, especially if Watkins doesn’t return.
What if Watkins does not return next season? It’s a possibility, as everyone heals differently. USC’s success without Watkins will depend on Gottlieb’s ability to recruit from the portal. Without Iriafen or Watkins, the young Trojans will need scoring help, but their competitiveness against UConn and win over Kansas State demonstrate that Smith, Howell, and Heckel form a solid foundation to keep USC in the Big Ten mix. — Charlie Creme
No. 2 TCU Horned Frogs
Record: 34-4 (16-2 in Big 12, first)
How they were eliminated: 58-47 loss to Texas in the Elite Eight
The TCU Horned Frogs encountered a formidable Texas defense that disrupted their usually fluid offense. Scoring 30 points below their average, TCU shot just 26.7% from the field and turned the ball over 21 times. Despite struggles from veterans like Sedona Prince, who fouled out, and Hailey Van Lith, who had a tough shooting night, TCU remained within striking distance until the final minutes. However, Texas’ defense ultimately sealed the victory, ending the best season in Horned Frogs history.
Expected departures: G Hailey Van Lith, C Sedona Prince, G Agnes Emma-Nnopu, G Madison Conner
Key contributors expected back next year: Donovyn Hunter and Taylor Bigby, both transfers with eligibility remaining, will play crucial roles. Hunter is expected to take over as the full-time point guard, while Bigby, a former top-30 recruit, will have a larger role. Together, they averaged 12.1 points per game, slightly less than Conner’s 14.1 PPG.
Top incoming recruit: F Clara Bielefeld (Germany)
Portal priorities: TCU’s success this season was built on veteran transfers, most of whom have now exhausted their eligibility. With no top-100 recruits heading to Fort Worth, expect Coach Campbell to rely heavily on the transfer portal once again. He’ll need to fill various positions, including bigs, playmakers, and shooters, to maintain the program’s momentum.
What are the next steps in the growth of the program? The coming weeks will be critical for TCU’s future. Campbell faces the challenge of assembling a roster capable of replicating their Big 12 regular season title, conference tournament crown, and Sweet 16 appearance. The unique collaboration between Van Lith and Prince was a key factor in their success, but the transfer portal offers opportunities to find new talent. Campbell’s track record of attracting players from other programs will be crucial in shaping the Horned Frogs’ immediate future. — Charlie Creme
No. 2 Duke Blue Devils
Record: 29-8, 14-4 ACC (third, won ACC tournament title)
How they were eliminated: 54-50 loss to South Carolina in the Elite Eight
Expected departures: G Reigan Richardson
Key contributors expected back next year: F Toby Fournier, G Ashlon Jackson, G Oluchi Okananwa, F Delaney Thomas, G Jadyn Donovan, G Vanessa de Jesus.
Top incoming recruit: PG Emilee Skinner (No. 7 per espnW top 100)
Portal priorities: With most key players expected to return, Duke doesn’t have significant holes to fill. However, if a veteran point guard becomes available, Coach Kara Lawson might consider adding her. Any transfer addition must excel in defense and transition play.
Can the Blue Devils break through to the Final Four next year? Duke is likely to enter next season as a preseason top-five team and the ACC favorite. Their strong defensive style nearly secured a Final Four berth this year, and with their deep sophomore class moving to junior status and ACC Freshman of the Year Toby Fournier returning, they should be even better. While Duke’s style may not appeal to fans of high-scoring games, it has proven effective, and Lawson is eager to lead her team to a Final Four. — Michael Voepel
No. 2 NC State Wolfpack
Record: 28-7 overall, 16-2 ACC (tied for first)
How they were eliminated: 80-73 loss to No. 3 seed LSU in the Sweet 16
Despite being the lower seed, LSU felt like the favorite in their matchup against NC State. With guard Flau’Jae Johnson back from injury and a previous victory over the Wolfpack, LSU had the upper hand. Senior forward Aneesah Morrow was a dominant force, scoring 30 points and grabbing 19 rebounds. NC State, a guard-led team, struggled to contain Morrow, who led Division I in rebounding and double-doubles this season.
Expected departures: G Aziaha James, G Saniya Rivers, G Madison Hayes
Key contributors expected back next year: Despite losing key guards, NC State can rely on Zoe Brooks and Zamareya Jones to maintain strong perimeter play. Post players Tilda Trygger and Lorena Awou, both freshmen this season, bring size and experience. Forward Maddie Cox, who will be a junior, had a standout performance in the Sweet 16, boosting her confidence for next season.
Top incoming recruit: G Destiny “Ky’She” Lunan (No. 60 per espnW)
Portal priorities: NC State needs to add experience at guard and bolster their post play. James, Hayes, and Rivers have been instrumental in the team’s success, and their departure leaves a void. Improving post play is crucial, as it was a weakness in their Sweet 16 loss.
Can NC State keep up its Sweet 16 momentum? Under Coach Wes Moore, NC State has consistently performed well in the postseason, reaching the NCAA regional semifinals in six of the past seven seasons. Next season, they’ll face the challenge of continuing this success without their standout guards. — Voepel
Originally Written by: ESPN
