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It has been 110 days because the UConn Huskies defeated the defending champion South Carolina Gamecocks to chop down the nets in Tampa, Florida, leaving 100 extra days till the 2025-26 ladies’s faculty basketball season ideas off.
Can Geno Auriemma’s Huskies go back-to-back for the primary time since their four-year reign from 2013 to 2016, or will one other contender play spoiler to Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong & Co.?
Three of final season’s AP first-team All-Americans — Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame), Lauren Betts (UCLA) and Madison Booker (Texas) — will return, so there might be no scarcity of star energy main title contenders. (Reigning National Player of the Year JuJu Watkins’ standing stays unclear after she exited USC’s second-round NCAA match sport in March with an ACL damage.)
To make it easier to put together for the upcoming season, we have listed 90 gamers, storylines and groups to know — and made 10 wild predictions. The 2025-26 ladies’s faculty basketball season will tip Nov. 3.
Jump to:
Top storylines | Wild predictions
Contenders | Teams that would make a leap
Best nonconference matchups
Freshmen | Transfers | Breakouts
All-America candidates | New coaches
10 storylines that would form the season
Can UConn repeat as nationwide champion? Absolutely. Although the Huskies misplaced No. 1 draft choose Paige Bueckers to the WNBA, they head into this season with a ton of expertise and confidence. The query stays whether or not the 71-year-old Auriemma is likely to be leaning towards retirement. Considering how properly his program is performing and that Sarah Strong is only a sophomore, he is likely to be having fun with himself an excessive amount of to consider leaving. — Michael Voepel
How income sharing will affect ladies’s faculty basketball: For the primary time, colleges might be permitted to pay athletes straight with a max price range of $20.5 million to allocate to their athletes. It stays to be seen, although, what this may imply for ladies’s faculty basketball. The worry amongst many is that it might widen the hole between the haves and have-nots, as many athletic departments select to prioritize sports activities equivalent to soccer and males’s basketball. — Alexa Philippou
Will USC’s JuJu Watkins play this season? The worst second of final season occurred March 24, when the sophomore guard suffered a torn ACL in her proper knee within the Trojans’ NCAA second-round victory over Mississippi State. It took one of many sport’s brightest stars out of March Madness and left unsure her standing for 2025-26 since it’s unknown when she’s going to return to the courtroom. — Voepel
Ta’Niya Latson brings her offense to the SEC: The 5-foot-8 guard led Division I in scoring final season (25.2 factors per sport), and after three years at Florida State, opted to switch to South Carolina. With Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall and MiLaysia Fulwiley gone from Columbia, Latson ought to slot in completely. The top-ranked switch can fill what final season’s nationwide runner-up workforce wants most. — Voepel
Does the ACC have a nationwide championship contender? In the previous decade, the ACC has had not less than one workforce within the Final Four seven instances, with one nationwide championship winner: Notre Dame in 2018. Duke, NC State and North Carolina undertaking because the league’s prime groups for 2025-26, but it surely’s possible a stretch to say they’re NCAA title contenders. — Voepel
Is the SEC even stronger in 2025-26? Texas and Oklahoma’s additions final season made a robust SEC even stronger. The convention produced 10 NCAA match groups in 2025, together with nationwide runner-up South Carolina and Final Four participant Texas. It might show difficult to be higher than final season, however the SEC needs to be simply nearly as good. — Voepel
How will UCLA and Texas construct on their Final Four runs? It was the primary look within the NCAA period for UCLA and the primary since 2003 for Texas. Neither performed properly in nationwide semifinal losses to UConn and South Carolina, however they hope their returning gamers can construct off that have. — Voepel
MiLaysia Fulwiley provides to LSU’s power at guard: The South Carolina native had good moments in two seasons with the Gamecocks, averaging 11.7 factors. But she began simply three video games and wasn’t all the time on the identical web page as coach Dawn Staley. Fulwiley joins LSU guards Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams, who mixed to common practically 36 factors final season. — Voepel
What ought to we anticipate from TCU after its Elite Eight run? The Horned Frogs gained the Big 12 regular-season and match titles for the primary time, led by Hailey Van Lith and Sedona Prince, who graduated. This season, six transfers — led by star guard Olivia Miles and three freshmen — be a part of the Horned Frogs. That’s numerous new faces, but it surely labored final season. — Voepel
Will Stanford return to the NCAA match? The Cardinal had not missed March Madness since 1987, however their first season with out retired coach Tara VanDerveer ended that streak. Second-year coach Kate Paye will attempt to information the Cardinal again as they start their second marketing campaign within the ACC. — Voepel
10 title contenders
Consensus prime 10 in line with our workers, listed so as of odds to win the championship at ESPN BET.
South Carolina Gamecocks: There’s nothing fairly like avenging a blowout defeat, and Staley has put collectively a workforce able to doing simply that. She recruited the NCAA’s main scorer (Latson) final season to hitch Joyce Edwards, Raven Johnson, Chloe Kitts, Tessa Johnson and Ashlyn Watkins, the latter of whom will return to the courtroom after a knee damage ended her 2024-25 marketing campaign in January.
UConn Huskies: Auriemma is aware of the right way to win consecutive championships — he did it for 4 straight seasons between 2013 and 2016. As the Huskies transition out of the Bueckers period, they’re going to be seeking to projected preseason All-Americans Fudd and Strong to paved the way. Returners KK Arnold, Ashlynn Shade, Jana El Alfy and Ice Brady will profit from incoming switch Serah Williams in offering depth as Auriemma chases his twenty fifth Final Four look.
UCLA Bruins: The Bruins are one other workforce seeking to erase the ache of a Final Four blowout. Cori Close misplaced six gamers to the switch portal however might nonetheless deal with Lauren and Sienna Betts, Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez and a lastly wholesome Charlisse Leger-Walker. Close’s greatest acquisition of the offseason was maybe Gianna Kneepkens, one of the vital environment friendly gamers within the sport, for depth and taking pictures.
Texas Longhorns: The Booker-Rori Harmon connection was a sight to behold final season, and we’ll get it for another. The duo make up maybe the perfect backcourt within the nation and can maintain Texas within the dialog regardless of a loaded SEC. Vic Schaefer may have a deep roster if Aaliyah Moore returns totally wholesome.
LSU Tigers: Kim Mulkey has constructed a workforce that ought to stand up to the gauntlet of the SEC and get again to the ultimate weekend of the NCAA match. This squad is stacked with veterans (Johnson and Williams), former top-15 highschool recruits (Fulwiley and Kate Koval) and the No. 1 recruiting class (4 top-35 gamers). The SEC very a lot appears to be like like a three-way battle between South Carolina, Texas and LSU.
Duke Blue Devils: In every of the previous three seasons, Duke has improved its NCAA match outcomes: from the second spherical in 2023 to the Sweet 16 in 2024 to the Elite Eight in 2025. Only two gamers from that second weekend roster (Oluchi Okananwa and Vanessa de Jesus) aren’t returning to Durham, so it is possible Kara Lawson & Co. will make one other deep run.
Tennessee Lady Volunteers: Kim Caldwell gained the switch portal with the additions of Janiah Barker, Nya Robertson and Jersey Wolfenbarger. Caldwell additionally bought the nation’s second-best recruiting class (5 top-100 gamers). And she has Talaysia Cooper, Zee Spearman and Ruby Whitehorn returning. The new period of Lady Vols basketball continues robust.
Oklahoma Sooners: The Sooners held their very own of their first SEC season: a fourth-place end with 27 total wins and their first Sweet 16 look in 12 years. With a superb portion of the roster returning and No. 3 recruit Aaliyah Chavez stepping in together with her model of playmaking, they may play even quicker than final season’s nation-leading tempo.
NC State Wolfpack: Wes Moore misplaced Saniya Rivers, Aziaha James and Madison Hayes to commencement, however this isn’t a rebuilding 12 months by any stretch. Zoe Brooks and Zamareya Jones confirmed flashes of management final season, and rising sophomores Tilda Trygger and Lorena Awou ought to assist stability issues within the Wolfpack’s quest to dominate the ACC.
Maryland Terrapins: Brenda Frese has the cheat codes to the switch portal. She is aware of precisely the right way to win with a roster of gamers which has by no means performed collectively. Expect a united group in College Park when November comes with the incoming Yarden Garzon and Oluchi Okananwa complementing veterans Kaylene Smikle, Saylor Poffenbarger and a hopefully wholesome Bri McDaniel. — ESPN workers
10 groups that would make a leap
A leap that means into the nationwide highlight, into the highest tier of their convention or onto the NCAA match bubble. Listed in alphabetical order.
Georgia Lady Bulldogs: After three consecutive NCAA second-round losses from 2021 to 2023, Georgia has missed the match the previous two years with a mixed 25-37 report. Guard Dani Carnegie, the reigning ACC Sixth Player of the Year, transferred from Georgia Tech and will assist the Lady Bulldogs be extra aggressive.
Iowa State Cyclones: Ranked No. 8 in final 12 months’s preseason ballot, Iowa State struggled in its marquee nonconference matchups and completed seventh within the Big 12. The Cyclones nonetheless made it to the second spherical of the NCAA match, but it surely wasn’t the season they needed. Behind junior publish gamers Audi Crooks and Addy Brown, they hope for a greater 2025-26.
Michigan Wolverines: The Wolverines have made the previous seven NCAA tournaments and bought so far as the Elite Eight in 2022. Could they return to being a top-10 workforce this season? They have the expertise with rising sophomores Olivia Olson, Syla Swords and Mila Holloway again as starters, whereas additionally bringing in transfers Kendall Dudley (UCLA) and Ashley Sofilkanich (Bucknell, Patriot League Player of the Year).
Missouri Tigers: Mizzou hasn’t been to the NCAA match since Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham led the Tigers to 4 consecutive appearances from 2016 to 2019. Under new coach Kellie Harper, Missouri has a clear slate and its main scorer, junior guard Grace Slaughter, is again.
Ole Miss Rebels: This program is not searching for a breakthrough; the Rebels have made the NCAA match the previous 4 years with two Sweet 16 appearances. This is about making it to that subsequent degree: the Elite Eight or Final Four. Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, who has capitalized on transfers, has added two key ones this season in forwards Cotie McMahon (Ohio State) and Latasha Lattimore (Virginia).
Penn State Lady Lions: After ending within the cellar of the Big Ten at 1-17 final season, Penn State has nowhere to go however up. Transfers Kiyomi McMiller and Maggie Mendelson might assist: McMiller averaged 18.7 factors as a freshman at Rutgers and is searching for a contemporary begin after navigating a rocky relationship with Scarlet Knights coach Coquese Washington. And Mendelson is a two-sport athlete who transferred from Nebraska final 12 months and performed for Penn State’s nationwide championship volleyball workforce in 2024. She will add basketball to the combo this season.
Richmond Spiders: The Spiders have gone a mixed 57-13 total and 33-3 within the Atlantic-10 through the previous two seasons, incomes this system’s first NCAA match victory final season within the second of back-to-back appearances. With its prime two scorers Maggie Doogan and Rachel Ullstrom again, Richmond’s first Sweet 16 look could possibly be within the playing cards.
Stanford Cardinal: The program contended with two important adjustments final season: longtime coach VanDerveer’s retirement and becoming a member of the ACC. Under Paye, the previous assistant turned head coach, the Cardinal went 16-15 and missed the NCAA match for the primary time since 1987. But junior ahead Nunu Agara, who led the workforce in scoring and rebounding final season, is again and will assist Stanford look extra like Stanford once more.
Virginia Cavaliers: The Cavs have made it to only one of many previous 14 NCAA tournaments: in 2018, which can also be the final time they’d a successful ACC report. But coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton has improved her report in every of her first three seasons at Virginia: from 15-15 in 2022-23 to 16-16 in 2023-24 to 17-15 final season. The Cavs are additionally coming off their finest ACC report (8-10) since 2019-20. A return to the NCAA match is inside attain this season.
Washington Huskies: Last season’s First Four loss to Columbia was the Huskies’ first NCAA match look since 2017, when Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum was a senior. It got here in Tina Langley’s fourth season as Washington’s coach with the Huskies making the transition to the Big Ten at 9-9. That’s numerous positives to construct on. — Voepel
10 wild predictions
UConn goes undefeated for the seventh time in program historical past. UConn was already slotted as an early championship favourite. But to go undefeated? Only one workforce, South Carolina, has carried out that since 2016. The Huskies might face a studying curve since Bueckers has graduated, however with Strong, Fudd and a stacked switch class, the Huskies are able to working the desk. — Philippou
The SEC makes up all the Final Four. It sounds fairly wild to counsel that UConn won’t be again to defend its nationwide championship. But what if some mixture of South Carolina, LSU, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Ole Miss by some means are unfold out within the bracket and find yourself taking part in in Phoenix for the title? It’s potential. — Voepel
Tennessee returns to the Final Four for the primary time since 2008. Year 1 underneath new coach Caldwell resulted in a Sweet 16 berth for the Lady Vols. But Year 2 could possibly be the true breakthrough season in Knoxville if Caldwell is ready to efficiently mix Talaysia Cooper, Zee Spearman, Ruby Whitehorn with transfers Janiah Barker, Jersey Wolfenbarger and Nya Robertson, plus ESPN’s second-ranked freshman class. — Philippou
TCU makes the Elite Eight once more. Mark Campbell has been a magician along with his TCU rosters these previous few years, culminating with the Horned Frogs’ historic run to the Elite Eight in March. He may need a number of extra tips up his sleeve after shedding key contributors Van Lith, Prince and Madison Conner to commencement. Reloading with the likes of Miles, Clara Silva and Marta Suarez ought to assist. — Philippou
Washington makes the Sweet 16 for the primary time since 2017. The Huskies, who return their prime two scorers in Elle Ladine and Sayvia Sellers, have the trail to construct on final season’s First Four look and make a shock run within the match, bolstered by the switch portal additions of Avery Howell from USC and Yulia Grabovskaia from Michigan. — Philippou
Arizona, Arizona State and Grand Canyon all make the NCAA match. The 32-3 Lopes made it into the NCAA area for the primary time final season, whereas the 19-14 Wildcats and 10-22 Sun Devils missed it. All three packages have new coaches. — Voepel
Minnesota will get one other NCAA match bid. The Gophers have made simply two NCAA match appearances since 2009: in 2015 and 2018 underneath former coach Marlene Stollings. They had been 25-11 total and 8-10 within the Big Ten final season, successful the WBIT title. Dawn Plitzuweit will look to construct on the WBIT success in her third season at Minnesota. — Voepel
USC plummets out of the highest 25. With a lot roster turnover — Kiki Iriafen and Rayah Marshall are within the WNBA, whereas Avery Howell and Kayleigh Heckel transferred — and uncertainty round JuJu Watkins’ return, the Trojans have an extended solution to go find a brand new id and may stumble. They will not be in need of expertise with the arrival of Jazzy Davidson, but it surely’s definitely not the marketing campaign anybody anticipated earlier than that fateful day in March. — Philippou
South Carolina produces three All-Americans. Florida State switch Latson might be not like any guard Staley has had in a very long time, and Edwards and Kitts could possibly be able to take large steps. Don’t overlook the potential impacts of gamers equivalent to Tessa Johnson, who’s poised to have a stable season, and Ashlyn Watkins, who returns from damage. South Carolina will maintain successful, and three of these gamers could possibly be tabbed to All-America groups. — Philippou
Hannah Hidalgo will get a quadruple-double. The Notre Dame guard has averaged 23.1 factors, 5.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 4.2 steals over her first two seasons. She might attain double digits in all 4 classes in a sport this season. She has the expertise and performs numerous minutes, averaging 35.6 for her Irish profession. — Voepel
10 nonconference matchups to observe
California vs. Vanderbilt in Paris on Nov. 3: Vandy’s rising sophomore guard Mikayla Blakes will take middle stage at Oui Play in France. She averaged 23.3 factors final season, with 55- and 53-point performances. Cal’s 25-9 report final season marked the Bears’ most victories since their Final Four marketing campaign in 2012-13, once they went 32-4.
Baylor vs. Duke in Paris on Nov. 3: Another Oui Play matchup. The Blue Devils had been an Elite Eight workforce final season, whereas the Bears fell within the second spherical. This would be the packages’ second assembly, with the primary occurring throughout Brittney Griner’s freshman season at Baylor, when the Bears beat Duke within the 2010 Elite Eight.
UConn vs. Louisville in Germany on Nov. 5: Former convention rivals within the previous Big East, the Huskies and Cardinals — who’ve met twice for the NCAA title (2009, 2013) — face off on ESPN within the Armed Forces Classic at Ramstein Air Base. It would be the first time a ladies’s sport has been included within the Armed Forces Classic, which might be held for the tenth time.
Duke vs. South Carolina in Las Vegas on Nov. 26: The No. 2 seed Blue Devils gave the No. 1 seed Gamecocks a scare within the Elite Eight final season earlier than shedding 54-50. Both groups might be within the prime 10 to start out this marketing campaign and can meet on this Players Era Women’s Championship matchup.
Texas vs. UCLA in Las Vegas on Nov. 26: National semifinalists final season, the Longhorns and Bruins may even compete within the Players Era Women’s Championship — the match provides gamers and groups the prospect to earn not less than $1 million in NIL alternatives.
Tennessee at UCLA on Nov. 30: The groups not too long ago agreed to a home-and-home collection, beginning at Pauley Pavilion this season. The Lady Vols have an 18-3 collection edge over the Bruins, however UCLA has gained the previous two conferences in 2022 and 2019.
NC State at Oklahoma on Dec. 3: These packages have by no means met earlier than however will play for the primary time within the ACC/SEC Challenge. Both are anticipated to start out the season as top-10 groups.
LSU at Duke in Germany on Dec. 4: This is a part of the ACC/SEC Challenge and would be the sixth assembly between the packages, which each made the Elite Eight final season. Duke gained the final matchup within the second spherical of the 2010 NCAA match.
Notre Dame at Ole Miss on Dec. 4: Another ACC/SEC Challenge sport. The packages’ solely earlier assembly was a victory by the Fighting Irish within the second spherical of the 2024 NCAA match.
UConn vs. Tennessee, TBD: The Lady Vols beat the Huskies in February final season for the primary time since 2007, successful 80-76 in Knoxville. The collection was on hiatus between 2008 and 2019, but it surely was nonetheless a giant win for Tennessee, which trails UConn 17-10 within the collection. — Voepel
10 freshmen to observe
Jasmine Davidson, G, USC: The lanky 6-2 guard steps into a bigger function than anticipated following JuJu Watkins’ ACL damage within the NCAA match. A starter for the gold medal-winning USA U19 workforce, Davidson earned all-tournament second-team honors and set a program report for single-game effectivity as she averaged 14.6 factors, 4.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.0 steals and 1.4 blocks. Expect her to contribute on the perimeter on each ends of the courtroom.
Sienna Betts, F, UCLA: UCLA is aware of the final identify Betts; Sienna’s sister, Lauren, is the 6-7 All-America cornerstone in Westwood. The youthful Betts brings her personal spectacular measurement, at 6-foot-4, and her distinctive model of play. She’s extra dominant on the block with a greater deal with and face-up components at this stage of her profession. She was additionally a part of the gold medal-winning U19 USA World Cup workforce and was named to the occasion’s All-Star Five after averaging 14.6 factors, 10 rebounds and a pair of.1 blocks and taking pictures 59.7% from the sector.
Aaliyah Chavez, PG, Oklahoma: Chavez makes a speciality of early offense, transition scoring and long-range taking pictures — all traits Oklahoma not solely values however encourages. Her deep vary extends properly past the arc, and she will create her personal shot, as her highschool scoring data and embellished senior season attest. With Oklahoma shedding perimeter threats Nevaeh Tot and Lexy Keys to commencement, the No. 3 recruit within the class of 2025 is poised to assist fill that void.
Emilee Skinner, PG, Duke: Skinner is the perfect guard Duke coach Kara Lawson has gotten to Durham. Another gold medalist on that stacked USA U19 workforce, Skinner’s worldwide expertise spans a number of competitions. She’s a giant guard who can lead the present or slide over in seamless trend to be extra aggressive in a scoring function.
Aaliyah Crump, G, Texas: A 3-and-D participant, Crump has the flexibility to play the wing or stretch ahead and shoot from deep — one thing the Longhorns desperately want. Texas ranked 325th nationally in made 3s (122) and 224th in 3-point proportion (30.1%) final season, a obvious weak spot throughout its Final Four run. Crump could possibly be key to addressing that.
Agot Makeer, W, South Carolina: Staley has South Carolina buzzing. The Gamecocks are coming off their seventh Final Four and landed a pair of McDonald’s All-Americans in Makeer and fellow signee Ayla McDowell. The 6-1 Makeer helped Canada to a fourth-place end on the U19 Women’s World Cup, the place she averaged 10.3 factors, 4.9 rebounds and a pair of assists. She’ll be one other versatile perimeter risk, passer, ball handler and slasher for Staley to deploy.
Grace Knox, W, LSU: Knox has massive sneakers to fill since Aneesah Morrow graduated and Sa’Myah Smith transferred to Virginia. But Knox is the prototypical energy ahead Mulkey has developed efficiently all through her profession. Knox is extraordinarily energetic on the glass. She’s a robust, cellular defender who can guard a number of positions. Offensively, she has the talent to stretch the protection past the arc.
Hailee Swain, PG, Stanford: Swain stands out amongst a big, embellished Cardinal recruiting class that options 5 signees and three McDonald’s All-Americans. She brings a degree of expertise to the purpose guard place that Stanford hasn’t had in years, and he or she’ll make a right away affect defensively. As she learns to orchestrate the expertise round her on offense, search for the Cardinal to get higher all through the season.
Mia Pauldo, PG, Tennessee: Pauldo is the catalyst of Tennessee’s second-ranked recruiting class that consists of 5 top-60 gamers and three McDonald’s All-Americans. Pauldo is a relentless level guard who brings fixed ball strain, assaults off the bounce and stretches protection together with her deep vary. Don’t let her 5-5 body idiot you — she’ll affect the ground and make her Lady Vols teammates higher.
Brynn McGaughy, F, Washington: McGaughy could possibly be the participant who propels Washington past a First Four bid and into the NCAA match’s first spherical. McGaughy will want time to develop into the function vacated by Dalayah Daniels, however the 6-2 ahead could possibly be able to deal with the duty by convention play. A coveted recruit, McGaughy was essentially the most environment friendly participant within the McDonald’s All-American sport with 17 factors on 8-of-10 taking pictures. — Shane Laflin
10 transfers to observe
Ta’Niya Latson, G, South Carolina: Latson led the nation in scoring final season at 25.2 factors per sport at Florida State — practically twice the typical of South Carolina’s finest scorer (12.7 factors). She is the best guard Staley has ever recruited to Columbia; her offensive pop will maintain the Gamecocks on the prime of the SEC and nationwide championship conversations.
Olivia Miles, G, TCU: An ACL damage derailed her 2023-24 season, however Miles returned with a vengeance in 2024-25, averaging a career-high 15.4 factors and Fifteenth-best 5.8 assists on the way in which to a 3rd Sweet 16 look with Notre Dame. She strikes to a brand new system in Fort Worth that ought to permit her to maintain enhancing her already wonderful ballhandling, scoring and transition expertise.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, G, LSU: A top-15 highschool recruit in 2023, Fulwiley was South Carolina’s second-leading scorer final season regardless of coming off the bench all season. She strikes to a potential beginning spot with the rival Tigers in Baton Rouge. Mulkey is getting a dynamic playmaker and scorer in Fulwiley.
Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss: McMahon headlines an overhauled Rebels roster, arriving in Oxford after three seasons at Ohio State. She has the facility and physicality to tackle the SEC gauntlet. She has additionally improved her shot from deep (from 23% in 2023-24 to 38.6% final season), so anticipate her to contribute at each ends of the ground for McPhee-McCuin.
Serah Williams, F, UConn: One of the perfect gamers in Wisconsin’s program historical past and a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten choice, Williams averaged 19.2 factors, 9.8 rebounds and a pair of.4 blocks for the Badgers final season. She ought to present key veteran expertise and depth for the Huskies to make a back-to-back title run.
Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA: Known for her effectivity, the 6-foot senior guard was a powerful 50.4% from the sector, 44.8% from deep and 89.0% from the free throw line final season. She additionally hasn’t shot beneath 38.4% from 3 in her faculty profession and will match properly with the Betts sisters and Kiki Rice as UCLA tries to return to the Final Four.
Yarden Garzon, G, Maryland: The former Indiana Hoosier will step into the void left by Shyanne Sellers at Maryland. Garzon is one among two veteran newcomers for coach Frese and needs to be a vital participant within the Terps’ offense together with her ballhandling and 3-point taking pictures — she leaves Indiana because the Hoosiers’ all-time 3-point makes chief. She might make the second-highest scoring workforce within the Big Ten even higher this season.
Janiah Barker, F, Tennessee: After one season at UCLA following two at Texas A&M, Barker returns to the SEC able to tackle Caldwell’s up-and-down model. Barker will contribute key energy and physicality to the Lady Vols’ frontcourt — and loads of 3-pointers, too.
Dani Carnegie, G, Georgia: The ACC’s Sixth Player of the Year, Carnegie is relocating about 70 miles east to Athens after a stellar freshman season at Georgia Tech (12.9 PPG, 33.8% 3FG). The Lady Bulldogs are in rebuilding mode, and Carnegie could possibly be key to them making some noise within the deep SEC.
Oluchi Okananwa, G, Maryland: Despite her by no means beginning a sport for the Blue Devils final season, Duke bought so far as it did due to Okananwa and her stifling defensive model. After incomes ACC Tournament MVP honors and making an Elite Eight run, Okananwa helps place Frese’s workforce as a top-15 squad getting into 2025-26. — ESPN workers
10 gamers with breakout potential
Hannah Stuelke, F, Iowa: The senior has been a giant a part of the Hawkeyes since her freshman season, making two journeys to the Final Four. She has averaged 10.9 factors and 6.0 rebounds over her first three seasons, however this season could possibly be her most profitable but individually. She is coming off successful a gold medal with Team USA within the AmeriCup competitors in Chile.
Jordan Lee, G, Texas: Part of the SEC’s all-freshman workforce final season averaging 6.2 factors, she had 16 within the nationwide semifinal loss to South Carolina. This summer season, she was a part of the gold-winning U.S. workforce at FIBA Women’s U19 World Cup within the Czech Republic.
Kate Koval, F, Notre Dame: A 6-5 native of Ukraine who went to highschool on Long Island, New York, she spent her first season at Notre Dame averaging 5.3 factors and 4.7 rebounds whereas being named to the ACC All-Freshman workforce. Even as a sophomore at LSU, she might be one of many extra skilled publish gamers as a lot of the Tigers’ veterans are guards.
Nunu Agara, F, Stanford: In a season of change, Agara was the brightest spot for the Cardinal. A former highschool teammate of Paige Bueckers in Hopkins, Minnesota, Agara averaged 15.8 factors and seven.6 rebounds for Stanford and was named to the second-team All-ACC. Expect much more from her as a junior.
Sahara Williams, F, Oklahoma: She averaged 10.5 factors, 5.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists in her first two seasons with the Sooners. This summer season, she performed for Team USA within the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Mongolia. Look for Williams to say herself much more this season.
Sira Thienou, G, Ole Miss Rebels: Born in Mali, Thienou performed two highschool seasons in Virginia. At Ole Miss, she averaged 10.5 factors and 4.7 rebounds and was prime 5 within the SEC in steals (2.4 SPG). She began 22 video games for the 22-11 Rebels and was on the convention’s all-freshman workforce. She’s fast and lengthy at 6-1, which helps her protection.
S’Mya Nichols, G, Kansas: An All-Big 12 choice final season, Nichols was fifth within the league in scoring (18.6 factors) and averaged 4.7 assists. The Jayhawks made the second spherical of the NCAA match her freshman season, however had been 16-14 final season and did not make the sector. If KU fares higher, Nichols will get extra discover nationally.
Syla Swords, G, Michigan: A key a part of the Wolverines’ robust freshman class final season, Swords is from Canada and performed highschool basketball at Long Island Lutheran with LSU’s Kate Koval. This summer season, Swords has been busy with Team Canada: She made the successful layup in double time beyond regulation of the AmeriCup bronze medal sport towards Australia and helped Canada to a fourth-place end on the FIBA U19 World Cup.
Tajianna Roberts, G, Louisville: She began each sport for the 22-11 Cardinals, averaging 12.8 factors, 3.4 rebounds and a pair of.3 assists. Roberts was named to the second workforce All-ACC and the convention’s all-freshman workforce.
Tilda Trygger, F, NC State Wolfpack: The 6-6 native of Sweden was on the ACC’s all-freshman workforce final 12 months, averaging 6.9 factors and 5.0 rebounds. She began within the Wolfpack’s final 23 video games. She had highs of 19 factors and 14 rebounds as a freshman, and her potential is huge. — Voepel
10 All-America candidates
Lauren Betts, C, UCLA: Betts returns to Westwood for her senior season to play alongside her sister, Sienna, and construct on a breakthrough marketing campaign that led to a Big Ten match title and a Final Four look. She is coming off Naismith DPOY, WBCA DPOY, Big Ten DPOY and Big Ten Tournament MOP performances. Betts was additionally named to first groups for the AP All-America and All-Big Ten and gained the Lisa Leslie Award after averaging 20.2 factors, 9.5 rebounds and a pair of.9 blocks on 64.8% taking pictures from the sector.
Sarah Strong, F, UConn: Strong, the No. 1 recruit within the 2024 class, enters this season because the face of the reigning champions. Earning nationwide and Big East Freshman of the Year honors, Strong scored in double figures in all however three video games final season, recording a double-double towards South Carolina within the nationwide title sport. Anyone who attracts comparisons to Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart is a compulsory inclusion on this record.
Azzi Fudd, G, UConn: Auriemma’s marketing campaign for a repeat championship begins with Fudd, who made fairly the assertion in her first totally wholesome season in Storrs. She averaged 13.6 factors and shot a whopping 43.6% from 3 in 34 video games en path to successful the title and nabbing the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player honors. As lengthy as she stays wholesome, it is onerous to low cost her within the participant of the 12 months and All-America conversations.
Hannah Hidalgo, G, Notre Dame: The reigning ACC Player of the Year is simply the second faculty participant over the previous 25 years to attain 1,500 factors and dish out greater than 300 assists by means of her first two seasons. The first? Caitlin Clark. Hidalgo’s numbers dipped as a sophomore due to the return of Olivia Miles, however with Miles gone, anticipate Hidalgo’s output to rise. She was named to the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup All-Star Five after serving to Team USA win a gold medal with 12.4 PPG and a team-best 22 steals this offseason.
Flau’jae Johnson, G, LSU: Johnson has been a constant, stable presence for Mulkey’s Tigers and took an enormous step ahead final season with profession highs in scoring (18.4 factors per sport, second highest on the workforce), 3-point taking pictures proportion (38.3%), made 3-pointers (49) and free throw proportion (81.0%). She might have gone to the WNBA however returns able to chase a second nationwide championship.
Ta’Niya Latson, G, South Carolina: The NCAA’s main scorer final season will play for one of many sport’s finest coaches. A 3-time first-time All-ACC and second-team AP All-American, Latson ought to solely add extra honors within the SEC.
Joyce Edwards, F, South Carolina: Edwards carried numerous duty as a freshman final season in Columbia, and stepped up admirably, regardless of the title sport loss to UConn. She was the Gamecocks’ main scorer off the bench regardless of by no means making a 3-pointer. Named to the All-SEC first workforce, she’s bought a full 12 months of expertise underneath her belt and an opportunity to additional show herself as a starter for Staley.
Olivia Miles, G, TCU: Miles might have grow to be the No. 2 choose within the WNBA draft three months in the past; as an alternative, she has returned for one more season and can play for a distinct coach in a distinct convention. Can she continue to grow? The two-time second-team AP All-American ought to make the subsequent degree.
Madison Booker, F, Texas: Booker has been a constant presence on contender lists for years. She was co-Big 12 Player of the Year and a second-team AP All-American as a freshman. As a sophomore, she was the SEC Player of the Year in Texas’ first season within the convention and earned AP All-America honors. She additionally co-powered the Longhorns to their first Final Four since 2003.
Mikayla Blakes, G, Vanderbilt: Blakes broke the NCAA report for many factors scored in a sport by a freshman in Division I historical past, beforehand held by Elena Delle Donne, in January — after which surpassed herself in February. She was named the Tamika Catchings Freshman of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year. This summer season, she powered Team USA to the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup gold medal and was named the match’s MVP. — ESPN workers
10 coaches at new packages
Kellie Harper, Missouri: Harper performed for Pat Summitt earlier than teaching Tennessee to 2 Sweet 16s — and was nonetheless fired. That’s how excessive the expectations are in Knoxville. Missouri will not anticipate as a lot instantly from Harper: The Tigers have not been to the NCAA match since 2019 nor reached the Sweet 16 since 2001. Simply contending for a bid might be progress for a program that completed thirteenth within the SEC final season.
Adia Barnes, SMU: After a middling first season with Arizona within the Big 12, Barnes strikes on to guide the workforce that completed on the backside of the ACC standings in its first season in a brand new convention. She is accustomed to successful: She completed with a 169-114 report in 9 years at Arizona with 4 straight NCAA match appearances, advancing to the 2021 title sport. Anything she accomplishes might be a step up for the Mustangs in Year 2 of their ACC period.
Becky Burke, Arizona: Burke arrives in Tucson after three seasons at Buffalo, the place she gained a program-record 30 video games and led the Bulls to the 2025 WNIT title. She additionally performed on Louisville’s 2009 workforce that reached the nationwide championship sport. Arizona is seeking to Burke to enhance on the 19-14 report (10-8 in league play) from its first season within the Big 12 and advance past the second weekend for the primary time since reaching the title sport in 2021.
Karen Blair, Georgia Tech: The former Maryland affiliate head coach has big sneakers to fill after Nell Fortner retired with 272 victories in 15 seasons as a university head coach. Georgia Tech misplaced one among its extra impactful gamers from final season with Dani Carnegie transferring to Georgia, however Blair is aware of the right way to win: She was a part of three Big Ten championship campaigns underneath Terps head coach Brenda Frese.
Raina Harmon, Florida Gulf Coast: The former Iowa assistant is bringing her eight years of expertise with the Hawkeyes — serving to them to a 208-63 report, a mixed 5 Big Ten titles, eight straight NCAA match appearances and back-to-back title video games — to the Nest. And expectations are excessive: Her predecessor, Chelsea Lyles, coached the Eagles to a 30-3 report (18-0 within the Atlantic Sun), a convention title and NCAA match bid in her solely season on the helm.
Matthew Mitchell, Houston: Part of the Pat Summitt teaching tree, Mitchell is popping out of retirement after 5 seasons to take over at Houston. He final served as head coach at Kentucky from 2007 to 2020, main the Wildcats to 303 wins, 9 NCAA match appearances, three Elite Eights and 5 Sweet 16s earlier than a head damage prompted him to retire initially of the 2020-21 season. The Cougars wish to construct on his earlier success to return to the NCAA match for the primary time since 2011.
Molly Miller, Arizona State: Miller was a shoo-in when this job opened, having led Grand Canyon to its first NCAA match look final season due to a 30-game successful streak. With her success at GCU and Division II Drury earlier than that, she’s going to attempt to revitalize Arizona State, which completed second to final in its first season within the Big 12 at 10-22 (3-15 in convention) and is searching for its first NCAA match invitation since 2019.
Larry Vickers, Auburn: Vickers led Norfolk State to consecutive MEAC championships and NCAA match appearances over the previous three seasons. Meanwhile, Auburn final noticed the primary weekend of the Big Dance in 2019 (it did not make it out of the First Four in 2024) and desires to do higher than its 3-13 SEC report (12-18 total) to start out.
Winston Gandy, Grand Canyon: The Lopes had been searching for somebody who might come near matching the success of former coach Molly Miller. And who higher than somebody from South Carolina — a program used to successful quite a bit? Gandy was an assistant underneath Dawn Staley, together with through the 2024 championship season, and has loads of different high-major teaching experiences to carry to this program.
Kelsi Musick, Arkansas: Musick arrives at Arkansas after main Oral Roberts to back-to-back postseason appearances, making historical past final 12 months with this system’s first 20-win season since 2011-12. She needs to be a lift for the Razorbacks, who wish to be extra aggressive in a loaded SEC and return to the Big Dance for the primary time since 2022. — ESPN workers
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