A new season of NCAA Women’s Basketball begins on November 3 and we offer a look at the top five teams to keep an eye on throughout the season.
The Women’s Final Four will be held in Phoenix for the first time in 2026. It will take place April 3-5 at the Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the Phoenix Mercury.
The UConn Huskies look to defend their title as National Champions after claiming the program’s first since 2016. UConn will have to do without Paige Bueckers, who now plays in the WNBA for the Dallas Wings.
The big question is how the USC Trojans will adjust without star guard JuJu Watkins, who will miss the season after tearing her ACL in March.
1. UConn Huskies
2024-25 Record: (37-3, 18-0 Big East)
After winning a the NCAA title over South Carolina last April, UConn looks to repeat as champions and have a terrific shot to win the program’s 13th NCAA crown.
Graduate guard Azzi Fudd will assume the leadership role following Bueckers’ departure, who was with the program for five seasons. Fudd has been impressive for the Huskies and looks stronger than ever after recovering from injuries she faced earlier in her college career.
UConn will have one of the best frontcourts in the country with sophomore Sarah Strong and senior forward Serah Williams, who they acquired through the transfer portal, as part of a new-look starting lineup.
Strong has emerged as one of the rising young stars and has been compared to Hall of Famer and UConn alum Maya Moore. She is on the watchlist for the Katrina McClain award after leading the Huskies in rebounds, steals and blocks.
Geno Auriemma is heading into his 41st season as head coach for the program and has been the coach of all 12 national championships, a NCAA record for all-time titles by one program.
2. South Carolina Gamecocks
2024-25 Record: (35-4, 15-1 SEC)
South Carolina is coming off a loss in the National Championship game this past season, and it lost senior guard Chloe Kitts to a season-ending knee injury in the off-season.
However, the Gamecocks acquired South Florida guard Ta’Niya Latson through the transfer portal and have the emergence of sophomore forward Joyce Edwards to help fill in the void caused by Kitts’ absence.
Never overlook Dawn Staley as a head coach, either. This team is talented and motivated.
3. UCLA Bruins
2024-25 Record: (34-3, 16-2 Big 10)
The Bruins are coming off their first appearance in the Final Four last season, where they lost to the eventual champion, the UConn Huskies, in the semifinals. They also won the Big 10 Championship and were the first overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
With the return of Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Gabriela Jasquez, the Bruins also have a stacked roster, capable of competing for a NCAA title and with experience to boot.
UCLA added transfer Gianna Kneepkens, who is highly efficient offensively and a reliable 3-point shooter, along with Lauren Betts’ sister, Sienna Betts, a physically dominant freshman.
The this the season coach Cori Close seals the deal and brings home the program’s first NCAA title? Bruins fans believe so.
4. Texas Longhorns
2024-25 Record: (35-4, 15-1 SEC)
The race in the SEC Conference will be a fascinating one between the Longhorns and South Carolina. These two teams faced off in the Final Four, with the Gamecocks advancing with a 74-57 victory.
The Longhorns will be tough to beat with a fully healthy Rori Harmon and Madison Booker, the latter the SEC’s reigning Player of the Year. The Longhorns added forwards Breya Cunningham and Teya Sidberry through the transfer portal and that gives them much needed strength and talent in the front court.
Vic Schaefer was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2024-25, the fourth time he’s earned that honor and his first with Texas. Could this be the season Schaefer becomes a title-winning coach?
5. LSU Tigers
2024-25 Record: (31-6, 12-4 SEC)
The Tigers went all in on acquiring players through the transfer portal to join the high-octane backcourt duo of senior guard Flau’jae Johnson and junior guard Mikaylah Williams.
The Tigers brought in junior guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, a South Carolina transfer who is a big addition. LSU also added sophomore Kate Koval and senior Amiya Joyner to improve their front court and create a balanced lineup.
The backcourt trio of Johnson, Williams, and Fulwiley will be difficult for Tigers’ foes to stop since the front court has added firepower.
Could this be the unit that gets coach Kim Mulkey back to the winner’s circle? It’s definitely a solid possibility.
Top 5 Bubble
Keep an eye on the Oklahoma Sooners, who brought in freshman point guard Aaliyah Chavez to pair with senior forward Raegan Beers, who led the team in scoring this past season.
The TCU Horned Frogs added Olivia Miles via the transfer portal as they aim to strengthen their program.
Also, don’t sleep on the Tennessee Lady Vols, who have the second best incoming freshmen class and Janiah Barker, who is on the Katrina McClain Award watchlist.
