As the women’s college basketball season approaches, our excitement builds for what promises to be another year of must-see competition. This offseason has brought significant changes, including head coaching shifts, a flurry of transfers, and an influx of talented freshmen, leaving most rosters looking markedly different than they did at the end of last season. In this article, we delve into these changes and rank the teams we believe will rise to the top. Here’s a look at our Preseason Top 25, along with some of the other schools we considered in our rankings.
1. South Carolina (SEC)
South Carolina was the the best team in the nation last season, finishing with an undefeated record and securing the National Championship. Although replacing Kamilla Cardoso will be challenging, the Gamecocks are reloading with a strong core that includes Te-Hina Paopao, Raven Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Bree Hall, and Chloe Kitts. They’ve bolstered their frontcourt by adding 6’4 transfer Maryam Dauda, who averaged 10.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game at Arkansas last year. Additionally, their Top 3 recruiting class, Joyce Edwards, Maddy McDaniel, and Adhel Tac, only strengthens their depth. South Carolina is poised for another championship run.
2. USC (Big Ten)
USC had an impressive run last season, finishing second in a highly competitive Pac-12, largely due to the stellar play of JuJu Watkins, the frontrunner for National Player of the Year. They made major waves in the transfer portal by landing Kiki Iriafen, who put up 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game at Stanford, and Talia von Oelhoffen, a key contributor to Oregon State’s Elite Eight team. To top it off, USC brought in the nation’s #1 recruiting class, consisting of 6 Top 100 players: Kennedy Smith, Kayleigh Heckel, Avery Howell, Vivian Iwuchukwu, Rian Forestier, and Laura Williams. The Trojans are set for another thrilling season.
3. UConn (Big East)
UConn anticipates having a healthy Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd for most of the upcoming season, a combination they’ve only had for 17 games over the past three years. Despite being plagued by injuries, the Huskies have consistently made deep NCAA Tournament runs. Along with Bueckers and Fudd, they return key players like Caroline Ducharme, Aubrey Griffin, Ashlynn Shade, and KK Arnold. Adding to their strength is the nation’s #2 recruiting class, headlined by Sarah Strong, who has serious National Freshman of the Year potential. The Huskies also picked up a major transfer in Kaitlyn Chen, who averaged 15.8 points and 4.9 assists per game at Princeton last season. Can the Huskies secure a National Championship in Paige’s final run? We think there’s a decent chance.
4. Texas (SEC)
Despite missing Rori Harmon for most of last season, Texas still managed an impressive 33-5 record and an Elite Eight appearance. Now, with Harmon back and three of their top scorers—Madison Booker, Taylor Jones, and Aaliyah Moore—returning, the Longhorns are looking really, really good. They’ve bolstered their lineup with transfer Laila Phelia, who averaged 16.8 points per game at Michigan, and added 6’6 post presence Kyla Oldacre from Miami. With a Top 5 recruiting class also joining the mix, Texas looks set for a dominant season ahead.
5. UCLA (Big Ten)
UCLA returns five of their top six scorers from last season—Kiki Rice, Lauren Betts, Londynn Jones, Gabriela Jaquez, and Angela Dugalic. They’ve also made key additions in the transfer portal, bringing in three double-digit scorers: Janiah Barker from Texas A&M, Timea Gardiner from Oregon State, and Charlisse Leger-Walker from Washington State. On top of that, the Bruins welcome a trio of Top 100 freshmen—Kendall Dudley, Avary Cain, and Zania Socka-Nguemen—who are ready to make an impact when needed. With this roster, UCLA is primed to build on last year’s success and contend for a national title in April
6. Notre Dame (ACC)
Notre Dame was among the nation’s elite last season, even without their star Olivia Miles. This year, Miles returns to lead a stacked roster that includes First Team All-American Hannah Hidalgo, Sonia Citron, and Cassandre Prosper. The Irish added key transfers Liza Karlen, who averaged 17.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game at Marquette, and Liatu King, who averaged double-double at Pitt. With Top 5 recruit Kate Koval also joining the mix, Notre Dame may boast the deepest, most talented roster in the ACC.
7. LSU (SEC)
LSU once again excelled in the transfer portal, landing Kailyn Gilbert (Arizona), Shayeann Day-Wilson (Miami), Jersey Wolfenbarger (Arkansas), and Mjracle Sheppard (Mississippi State). Additionally, Louisiana-native Jada Richard might turn some heads in her freshman campaign. With key returners Flau’jae Johnson, Aneesah Morrow, Mikaylah Williams, Sa’Myah Smith, and Last-Tear Poa, the Tigers are poised to field one of the strongest lineups in the SEC again.
8. NC State (ACC)
NC State returns a strong core in Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers, and Madison Hayes, along with their loaded 2023 recruiting class. Adding Caitlin Weimer, who averaged 18.7 points and 10.6 rebounds per game at Boston University last season, plus two promising freshmen, Zamareya Jones and Devyn Quigley, gives the Wolfpack a roster that’s capable of making another Final Four run.
9. Duke (ACC)
Duke returns six of its top seven scorers from last season, led by Reigan Richardson, Taina Mair, and Ashlon Jackson. Maryland transfer Riley Nelson joins top-30 prospects Jadyn Donovan, Oluchi Okananwa, and Delaney Thomas from the 2023 class. While 2024 recruit Arianna Roberson will miss her freshman year due to a knee injury, Kara Lawson still has two other top-100 players, Toby Fournier and Janessa Cotton, ready to make an impact. With this talented roster, the future is undoubtedly bright, but the present looks equally promising for the Blue Devils.
10. Oklahoma (SEC)
Oklahoma is bringing back nearly the same roster that led them to a first-place finish in the Big 12 last season. With the addition of Raegan Beers, an Oregon State transfer who averaged a double-double, along with two top-100 prospects from the 2024 class, the Sooners are poised for another standout season. Returning key players like Skylar Vann, Payton Verhulst, Sahara Williams, and Lexy Keys should put the SEC—and the entire nation—on notice.
11. Iowa State (Big 12)
Iowa State returns a strong core of their top three scorers from last season: Audi Crooks, Addy Brown, and Emily Ryan. In addition to this returning talent, they made key moves in the transfer portal, adding Mackenzie Hare from Marquette, who averaged 14.0 points and 2.4 assists per game, and Sydney Harris from TCU, who contributed 9.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. They also secured Lily Hansford from Oregon State and Lilly Taulelei from UMass. With Audi Crooks and Addy Brown looking to build on their breakout freshman season, Iowa State might be the favorites for the Big 12 title.
12. Ohio State (Big Ten)
While Ohio State is missing some key players from last year’s roster, they have reloaded with a mix of returning talent and new additions. Alongside the return of Cotie McMahon and Taylor Thierry, the Buckeyes bolstered their squad through the transfer portal, adding Chance Gray from Oregon and Ajae Petty from Kentucky. Jaloni Cambridge, a potential Big Ten Freshman of the Year, joins the roster alongside other top 100 recruits Ava Watson and Ella Hobbs. With this combination of experience and young talent, Ohio State is poised to remain a top contender in the Big Ten.
13. Kansas State (Big 12)
Kansas State is poised for a strong season, returning much of their core from last year, including top scorers Ayoka Lee and Serena Sundell. The team also made key additions, bringing in standout transfers Temira Poindexter from Tulsa, who averaged an impressive 21.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, and Kennedy Taylor from Missouri, who contributed 10.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. The Cats are set to be a top contender in the Big 12.
14. Baylor (Big 12)
Baylor will be without last season’s leading scorer, Dre Edwards, but they retain a strong core with key returners like Sarah Andrews, Jada Walker, Bella Fontleroy, and Yaya Felder. The team made a significant addition through the transfer portal with Aaronette Vonleh from Colorado, who is expected to be a major contributor. Baylor also welcomes two Top 100 freshmen, adding further depth. They will be another team who could find themselves at the top of the Big 12.
15. North Carolina (ACC)
North Carolina has several player transfer out after last season, including their leading scorer, Deja Kelly. However, they remain in good shape with the return of standout players Alyssa Ustby and Lexi Donarski. Coach Banghart and her staff have retooled the roster by bringing in impactful transfers, Trayanna Crisp from Arizona State and Grace Townsend from Richmond, along with three Top 100 freshmen—Blanca Thomas, Lanie Grant, and Jordan Zubich. Additionally, Cierra Toomey, a Top 5 recruit from the 2023 class, will make her much-anticipated debut this season. This is a different North Carolina team, but we think they might be even better.
16. Louisville (ACC)
Louisville returns key players Olivia Cochran, Nyla Harris, and Jayda Curry for the upcoming season. They also bring in a Top 10 recruiting class, featuring three Top 25 prospects—Imari Berry, Mackenly Randolph, and Taj Avant-Roberts. Ja’Leah Williams, who averaged 7.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game at Miami last season, will be a great addition to this roster. Louisville is set to compete in the highly competitive ACC.
17. Maryland (Big Ten)
Brenda Freese has made significant additions through the transfer portal, bringing in six new players poised to make an impact this season: Christina Dalce from Villanova, Amari DeBerry from UConn, Mir McLean from Virginia, Saylor Poffenbarger, Kaylene Smikle from Rutgers, and Sarah Te-Biasu from VCU. Star player Shyanne Sellers returns, joined by Bri McDaniel and Allie Kubek. Additionally, the Terps are set to welcome two Top 100 recruits, Kyndal Walker and Breanna Williams. With a talented and deep roster, if they can successfully integrate all the pieces, they’ll find themselves towards the top of the Big Ten.
18. West Virginia (Big 12)
West Virginia is building off a strong 2023-24 season, returning three of their top four scorers: JJ Quinerly, Jordan Harrison, and Kyah Watson. This core will be joined by transfers Sydney Shaw, who contributed 7.1 points per game at Auburn, and Sydney Wooley, who averaged an impressive 10.8 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. The young talent is equally promising, with two Top 100 recruits—Destiny Agubata and Jordan Thomas—set to make an impact. Expect West Virginia to be a serious contender in the Big 12 throughout the season.
19. Utah (Big 12)
There’s no doubt that Utah will feel the absence of Alissa Pili this season, but they still have the pieces to be one of the top teams in the country. Gianna Kneepkens returns after an injury-shortened season in which she was putting up 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game over just eight contests. Alongside her are key returners Kennedy McQueen, Jenna Johnson, Maty Wilke. The Utes also added key newcomers in transfers Chyra Evans from Michigan, Maye Toure from Rhode Island, and Top 100 recruit Brooke Walker. Lynne Roberts’ team is well-positioned to make another strong run this season.
20. TCU (Big 12)
TCU made a major splash in the transfer portal, landing several standout players. Key additions include Taylor Bigby from USC, Donovyn Hunter from Oregon State, Natalie Mazurek from South Dakota, Deasia Merrill from Georgia State, Maddie Scherr from Kentucky, and Hailey Van Lith from LSU. On top of that, TCU returns its top three scorers from last season: Sedona Prince, Madison Conner, and Agnes Emma Nnopu. While it’s still uncertain how all these pieces will come together, TCU could emerge as one of the top teams in the country.
21. Ole Miss (SEC)
Coach Yo guided her team to an impressive Top 3 finish in the SEC last season, and they’re primed for another strong campaign with much of their core returning. Leading the charge will be Kennedy Todd-Williams, KK Deans, and Madison Scott—who not only was the team’s second-highest scorer but also led in rebounds and assists. The Rebels have also bolstered their roster through the transfer portal, adding Christeen Iwuaka from UCLA, Tameiya Sadler from Colorado, and Starr Jacobs, who averaged 18.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. With this combination of returning talent and new additions, the Rebels will undoubtedly be a team to watch this season.
22. Kentucky (SEC)
Kentucky is entering a new era with a fresh roster and a new head coach at the helm. Leading the charge is Georgia Amoore, one of the nation’s top players, who followed Kenny Brooks from Virginia Tech. She’ll be joined by several notable transfers, including Clara Strack and Gabby Brooks from Virginia Tech, Teonni Key from North Carolina, Dazia Lawrence from Charlotte, Jordan Obi from Penn, and Dominika Paurova from Oregon State. Another newcomer to note is freshman Lexi Blue, one of the most college-ready players from the 2024 class. We look forward to seeing what this team looks like when they hit the court this season.
23. Nebraska (Big Ten)
Nebraska enters the season with one of the top forwards in the country, Alexis Markowski, who averaged an impressive 15.7 points and 10.5 rebounds per game last year. Alongside her, the Huskers will benefit from key returners like Natalie Potts, Logan Nissley, and Callin Hake. They’ve also strengthened their roster by adding Alberte Rimdal from Florida and highly-touted freshman Britt Prince, who is expected to make an immediate impact. While the Big Ten has become even more competitive with the addition of new programs, Nebraska has the talent and depth to contend for another Top 5 finish this season.
24. Florida State (ACC)
Florida State is coming off a strong 2023-24 season and looks poised to build on that success with their top three scorers returning: Ta’Niya Latson, Makayla Timpson, and O’Mariah Gordon. This returning core is bolstered by key additions from the transfer portal, including Sydney Bowles from Texas A&M and Malea Williams from Cincinnati. The ACC is stacked with talent once again, but the Seminoles have all the pieces to remain one of the top contenders in the conference.
25. Alabama (SEC)
Alabama is coming off a Top 4 finish in the SEC and is set to build on that success with most of their roster returning, including key players Sarah Ashlee Barker, Aaliyah Nye, Jessica Timmons, and Essence Cody. They’ve added some strong pieces from the transfer portal, including Zaay Green, who averaged an impressive 16.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, as well as Christabel Ezumah from Campbell and Diana Collins from Ohio State. With these reinforcements, Alabama looks to be an even stronger team than last season.
Other Teams Considered:
Creighton (Big East)
Creighton retains much of the core from last season’s team, which advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. While the loss of Emma Ronsiek, who averaged 16.8 points and 5.3 rebounds, is significant, the Bluejays still boast a strong lineup with Lauren Jensen, Morgan Maly, and Molly Mogensen, who are more than capable of leading the team to another successful year. They’ve also added two Division 2 standout players: Sydney Golladay from Fort Hays State and Brooke Littrell from Central Missouri. Creighton has the potential to once again break into the Top 25 this season.
Fairfield (MAAC)
Fairfield made a name for themselves last season, and they’re well-positioned to build on that momentum with all five of their top scorers returning: Meghan Andersen, Janelle Brown, Kaety L’Amoreaux, Emina Selimovic, and assist leader Izabela Nicoletti Leite. They’ve strengthened their roster further by adding key transfers like Raiana Brown from Division 2 Texas A&M International, Jillian Huerter from Rutgers, and Sydni Scott from Marshall. With this blend of returning talent and new additions, Fairfield has a strong chance to break into the Top 25 by season’s end, and a deep NCAA Tournament run is certainly within reach.
Illinois (Big Ten)
Illinois was just a few pieces away from breaking into the top tier of the Big Ten last season, but they’re ready to take the next step. The team is returning its top four scorers and has made key additions through the transfer portal, including Jasmine Brown-Hagger from Mississippi State and Lety Vasconcelos from Baylor. Freshman Berry Wallace, a Top 25 recruit from the 2024 class, will also make an immediate impact. With this combination of returning talent and fresh faces, Illinois is set to be highly competitive in the Big Ten and has the potential to climb the rankings as the season progresses.
Indiana (Big Ten)
Indiana will feel the absence of Mackenzie Holmes and Sara Scalia this season, but they still have a strong core returning, including Chloe Moore-McNeil, Yarden Garzon, and Sydney Parrish. The team also made some big additions through the transfer portal, adding Shay Ciezki from Penn State and Karoline Striplin from Tennessee. With several players ready to step into bigger roles, and Top 100 recruit Faith Wiseman joining the squad, Indiana has all the necessary pieces to remain a top contender in the Big Ten this season.
Iowa (Big Ten)
Iowa faces the challenge of replacing 60% of their scoring production from last season, but they still have key players returning. Hannah Stuelke made significant strides last year, and while Sydney Affolter will be sidelined temporarily due to injury, she is expected to make an immediate impact upon her return to the court. Iowa has also added Villanova transfer Lucy Olsen, who had an impressive season with averages of 23.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. Additionally, the Hawkeyes boast a strong recruiting class featuring four Top 100 recruits: Ava Heiden, Aaliyah Guyton, Teagan Mallegni, and Taylor Stremlow. While Iowa may experience some growing pains, their roster has the potential to finish toward the top of the Big Ten.
Miami (ACC)
Miami is set for a significant transformation this season, with only Jasmyne Roberts, who averaged 11 points and 4.9 rebounds, and Lemyah Hylton, who averaged 6.6 points, returning alongside a new head coach. However, the team will welcome back familiar faces in Haley and Hanna Cavinder, who sat out last season. They’ll be complemented by impactful transfers, including Daniela Abies from Wichita State, Natalija Marshall from Notre Dame, Darrione Rogers, and Cameron Williams. Additionally, Miami has two Top 50 recruits coming in, Leah Harmon and Ahnay Adams, who are poised to contribute. With this revamped roster, Miami has the potential to position themselves among the top teams in the ACC.
Michigan State (Big Ten)
After a strong showing last season, Michigan State returns two of their top four scorers: Julia Ayrault, their leading scorer and rebounder, and Theryn Hallock. The Spartans have made significant improvements through the transfer portal, bringing in Nyla Hampton from Ball State, Emma Shumate from Ohio State, Jaddan Simmons from Arizona State, and Grace VanSlooten from Oregon, who averaged an impressive 15.0 points and 7.1 rebounds last season. Additionally, they added two Top 100 2024 recruits, Juliann Woodard and Sinai Douglas. With this talented mix of returners and newcomers, Michigan State looks poised to climb the rankings this season.
SDSU (Summit League)
South Dakota State is primed for another deep tournament run this season, returning the majority of its core roster, including standout players Brooklyn Meyer, Paige Meyer, and Madison Mathiowetz. Adding to their strength, Kallie Theisen is set to return after missing last season due to injury, giving the team a significant boost in depth and experience. The Jackrabbits also secured an impressive 2024 recruiting class, headlined by Top 100 prospect Katie Vasecka. South Dakota State’s challenging non-conference schedule could help propel them into the national spotlight and earn a spot in the Top 25 rankings.
Tennessee (SEC)
Tennessee will be navigating a significant transition this season, as they will be without their leading scorer, rebounder, and leader in assists, steals, and blocks from last year, along with a new head coach. However, the Lady Vols return key contributors Jewel Spear, Sara Puckett, and Destinee Wells. Talaysia Cooper, a transfer from South Carolina, is also set to make her Tennessee debut after sitting out last year. Additionally, Tennessee has added a strong group of transfers, including Rapuluchi Ayodel from Pitt, Alyssa Latham from Syracuse, Lazaria Spearman from Miami, Samara Spencer from Arkansas, and Ruby Whitehorn from Clemson. With this wealth of talent, the Lady Vols have the potential to compete near the top of the SEC if they can successfully integrate all their pieces.
Vanderbilt (SEC)
Vanderbilt finished in the top half of the SEC last season and is set to return nearly all of their core, with the exception of their assist and steals leader, Jordyn Cambridge. The Commodores have bolstered their lineup by adding Leilani Kapinus from Penn State, who averaged 11.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, along with Jane Nwaba, who contributed 10.7 points and 7.6 rebounds at Pepperdine. Under the guidance of Shea Ralph, who has done an excellent job of building this program, Vanderbilt is well-positioned to aim for a Top 5 finish in the SEC this season.
