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Charlie Creme
Multiple Authors
The inaugural Way-Too-Early Top 25 for women’s college basketball last season featured South Carolina, Texas, UCLA, and UConn at the top. It wasn’t unexpected for these four teams to reach the final weekend once more, even though the NCAA tournament had only seen a Final Four repeat once before (1995-96).
It would similarly not be astonishing if this scenario unfolds once more at the upcoming April Final Four in Columbus, Ohio. The Gamecocks, Longhorns, and Huskies are each slated to see their premier athlete—Joyce Edwards, Madison Booker, and Sarah Strong, respectively—return, complemented by extensive, skillful lineups. Edwards, Booker, and Strong are anticipated to be prominent figures on all All-American selections. With JuJu Watkins’ anticipated return to USC, the Trojans are also expected to vie for top honors.
Conversely, the Bruins are facing the departure of their six leading players, indicating a substantial undertaking during the offseason. Head Coach Cori Close has publicly acknowledged her and her team’s intention to be heavily involved in the transfer portal. However, until the outcomes of those efforts are known, UCLA will not be included in the 2026-27 Way-Too-Early standings.
The transfer portal, commencing formally on Monday, is poised to dramatically alter the prospects for the Top 25 squads, alongside many others not specifically noted. In certain instances, this shift has already begun: Iowa State was initially considered for ranking until Audi Crooks, Addy Brown, and seven additional athletes declared their decision to enter the portal. Georgia, Oklahoma State, and Tennessee have likewise experienced considerable impacts from player declarations to seek new affiliations.
Consequently, these rankings should be viewed as an initial framework; a launching pad for a fresh season whose arrival is eagerly anticipated. An captivating period of preparation lies ahead.
Presented here is the inaugural assessment of the premier teams for the 2026-27 season.
Despite the departure of Paige Bueckers, the Huskies managed an even more notable regular season and advanced to their 25th Final Four. Thus, even with Azzi Fudd’s significant role this year, UConn is poised for continued success. The primary factor is possessing the sport’s top athlete, Sarah Strong. Strong’s offensive capabilities are comprehensive, but it was her defensive contributions that cemented UConn’s status as the nation’s premier defensive squad this season. Blanca Quiñonez shows potential to become a standout player with further growth, a trajectory already hinted at during the 2026 NCAA tournament. With the exception of Serah Williams, the remainder of the roster maintains eligibility, suggesting that KK Arnold, Kayleigh Heckel, and Ashlynn Shade are likely to return, leading a robust and adaptable backcourt.
Vic Schaefer’s continuous recruitment of skilled athletes continues to be remarkable. Following the acquisition of the fifth-ranked class in 2024, he secured the fifth-best player, Aaliyah Crump, in Austin last year. The 2026 class currently holds the second position, featuring five athletes within the SC Next 100. Of greater importance is Madison Booker’s return for her final year. Although Rori Harmon has departed, Schaeffer is likely to have Bryanna Preston or incoming freshman Aaliah Spaight (SC Next 100 No. 20) prepared to assume the point guard duties. Jordan Lee has developed into a reliable offensive contributor backing Booker, and Crump could be poised for significant improvement in a completely healthy sophomore campaign.
During the previous offseason, Dawn Staley skillfully and strategically utilized the portal to acquire Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot. These players now require replacements. A more significant challenge will be the absence of Raven Johnson’s leadership and competitive spirit. However, Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson, Maddy McDaniel, and Agot Makeer—all recruits ranked within the top 15 over the last three years—establish a strong core, with McDaniel anticipated to take on the primary point guard responsibilities. Staley is undoubtedly expected to draw additional talent via the portal, and should Chloe Kitts and Ashlynn Watkins return in good health, the Gamecocks might secure a seventh successive Final Four appearance.
Flau’jae Johnson is no longer with the Tigers, but if Kim Mulkey manages to keep her highly-rated recruiting class from the previous year (ZaKiyah Johnson, Grace Knox, Bella Hines) to complement incoming freshman Lola Lampley (SC Next 100 No. 29), LSU will closely trail South Carolina and Texas within the SEC. The transfer portal is also certain to attract elite prospects. Mulkey’s current roster already features Mikaylah Williams, Jada Richard, and MiLaysia Fulwiley—should she remain, as Mulkey anticipates despite transfer speculations—forming a formidable backcourt.
The Wolverines’ impressive 2024 recruiting cohort (Olivia Olson, Syla Swords, Mila Holloway, and Te’Yala Delfosse) will enter their junior year, aiming for a Final Four advancement after the program’s initial Elite Eight appearance. Securing a frontcourt scorer from the transfer portal would be beneficial, yet Kim Barnes Arico’s squad is still strong enough to clinch the Big Ten title.
Should JuJu Watkins be in good health, USC’s roster talent will be unquestionable. The addition of 6-0 freshman Saniyah Hall provides coach Lindsay Gottlieb with three of the last four top overall recruits from the SC Next 100. If Gottlieb can effectively integrate Hall and Watkins—who was sidelined for a year after knee surgery—alongside last season’s primary scorer and 2025’s top recruit Jazzy Davidson, in addition to two international five-star prospects (6-4 forwards Sitaya Fagan and Sara Okeke) and Kennedy Smith, USC is capable of contending for another Big Ten championship and a Final Four berth.
Emilee Skinner, who was the fourth-ranked recruit last year, saw her initial season in Durham largely curtailed by injuries. If she recovers fully, Kara Lawson will have found a substitute for Taina Mair. Should Jadyn Donovan also return healthy, and if Riley Nelson and Arianna Roberson advance their game, the Blue Devils might demonstrate even greater proficiency in 2026-27. Furthermore, Toby Fournier is expected to emerge as one of the nation’s most adaptable post players.
It seems that four out of Louisville’s five starting players, in addition to ACC Sixth Player of the Year Imari Berry, are projected to return for the upcoming season. This encompasses the Cardinals’ three highest scorers and three leading rebounders—a rare accomplishment in the contemporary landscape of college basketball. Including Ariyana Cradle (SC Next 100 No. 34), a versatile guard and the premier recruit from Louisville’s strong freshman group, Jeff Walz possesses the components for a squad resembling this season’s: lacking a singular superstar, but exhibiting adaptability across all positions.
McKenna Woliczko (SC Next 100 No. 6), Iowa’s most highly-regarded recruit since Caitlin Clark, joins the team with significant anticipation. Her arrival is also opportune, coinciding with Hannah Stuelke’s scheduled departure. The 6-2 Woliczko presents a suitable and adaptable pairing with Ava Heiden in the frontcourt and Chit Chat Wright at the point guard position.
Mikayla Blakes’ return by itself positions Vanderbilt as a credible contender for the second weekend of the NCAA tournament. She and Aubrey Galvan could form the nation’s premier backcourt pairing in 2026-27. However, numerous contributing players who assisted in making the Commodores an SEC challenger and a No. 2 seed this past season, including Justine Pissott, Sacha Washington, and Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda, have departed.
The incorporation of Kate Harpring (SC Next 100 No. 4), the leading point guard in the forthcoming freshman class, mitigates the impact of Lanie Grant’s transfer portal departure. The backcourt remains robust with Nyla Brooks, Reniya Kelly, and Elina Aarnisalo. The 6-4 Ciera Toomey is also anticipated to return, though it would not be surprising if Courtney Banghart seeks additional height through the transfer portal.
The Buckeyes’ lineup this season was centered on Jaloni Cambridge, a strategy that is expected to persist into the next season. Presently, with the exception of Chance Gray, the entirety of the remaining rotational players are slated for a return. In the absence of an incoming freshman with a high rating, anticipate Kevin McGuff pursuing a prominent individual from the transfer portal.
Injuries impacted Maryland’s 2025-26 season, notably the absence of top scorer Kaylene Smikle. Her comeback, combined with the impact of Oluchi Okananwa, this season’s leading scorer, and the rise of freshman guards Addi Mack and Kyndal Walker, will provide Brenda Frese with her core. The 23-year Maryland head coach was already rebuilding her roster through transfers prior to it becoming essential, thus anticipate one or two significant acquisitions.
Kenny Brooks secured one of the nation’s top recruiting classes for the upcoming season, yet he faces gaps due to the departures of Tonie Morgan, Teonni Key, and Amelia Hassett. Point guard Maddyn Greenway (SC Next 100 No. 13) leads this class, having been likened to Paige Bueckers. Clara Strack continues to be a pivotal player offensively and defensively, and Brooks is expected to actively engage in the transfer portal to secure additional height to complement his 6-5 center.
A significant portion of the nation first encountered point guard Katie Fiso during the NCAA tournament, where she delivered notable performances with 22 points versus Virginia Tech and 16 against Texas. Should she and the Ducks capitalize on the late-season momentum, a top-four seeding in the forthcoming NCAA tournament is a distinct possibility.
The youngest squad participating in the 2026 NCAA tournament anticipates the return of much of its youthful talent for an additional season. Sophomore Berry Wallace and freshman Cearah Parchment were the team’s primary offensive contributors and are projected to constitute one of the Big Ten’s leading pairings in 2026-27.
Following the program’s most successful season since the era of Kelsey Plum, the Huskies are expected to see three of their top four offensive players return. Sayvia Sellers recorded an average of 18.0 points in the recent campaign and continues to be regarded as one of the nation’s most undervalued athletes. Avery Howell proved to be a crucial acquisition after transferring from USC. Brynn McGaughy established herself as a significant presence in the post during her freshman year.
The departures of Raegan Beers and Payton Verhulst suggest this might be a period of adjustment for the Sooners. However, when such a transition involves Aaliyah Chavez becoming the central figure of the program, the undertaking appears considerably less formidable. Chavez, who was a second-team All-SEC selection and Oklahoma’s primary scorer this season, is also expected to retain Sahara Williams as a key partner. Jennie Baranczyk is anticipated to be busy in the transfer portal, though incoming 6-3 freshman Alliyah “LeeLee” Bell (SC Next 100 No. 36) could offer immediate contributions.
Should Dawn Plutzuweit manage to acquire substantial height via the transfer portal to compensate for the exits of Sophie Hart and Finau Tonga, the Gophers might achieve a repeat of their fourth-place standing in the Big Ten and a Sweet 16 berth. The leading three scorers, Tori McKinney, Grace Grocholski, and Mara Braun, are expected to be back.
Similar to Michigan and Illinois, the Wildcats possess a promising youthful core. Jasmine Bascoe, as a sophomore, topped the Big East in scoring and stands out as one of college basketball’s most captivating players. Junior Brynn McCurry aligns effectively with Denise Dillon’s strategic approach and, upon returning from injury, consistently achieved double-digit scoring figures this season.
A considerable portion of this assessment relies on Hannah Hidalgo’s abilities. She demonstrated in the NCAA tournament the extent to which she can elevate a team. Nevertheless, a significant number of those teammates will also be departing. Niele Ivey faces the challenge of surrounding her versatile star with comparable talent. Her forthcoming recruiting class is encouraging, however, and should Cassandre Prosper choose to stay, the Irish roster would be in a more favorable position than in the previous offseason.
The transfer portal departure of Zamareya Jones represented a setback, yet if Khamil Pierre, Tilda Trygger, and Zoe Brooks come back, Wes Moore will possess a foundational group around which to construct the remainder of his squad. Destiny Lunan, a top-100 recruit from the previous year, will also receive an expanded role with Jones’s absence.
The healthy return of Natalie Potts will amply compensate for Jessica Petrie’s transfer—Potts was sidelined for the majority of the past two seasons due to a knee injury but earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2024. Britt Prince continues to be pivotal for the Huskers as their point guard and leading scorer. Should she elevate her performance, this contingent is capable of contending within the upper half of the Big Ten. Amiah Hargrove’s ongoing progression, marked by a substantial increase in her scoring output this season, will also be a critical factor.
Carleigh Wenzel and Carys Baker were instrumental in propelling the Hokies back to the NCAA tournament, and both are anticipated to be back for another season in Blacksburg. Megan Duffy has already secured a transfer pledge from former Tennessee forward Alyssa Latham, who previously competed in the ACC with Syracuse during the 2023-24 season, where she achieved her most successful campaign.
Fairfield briefly entered the Top-25 rankings this past season and might not maintain that position once the transfer portal activity concludes. However, the Stags are expected to possess a degree of roster continuity and seasoned players that could culminate in another remarkable season. Kaety L’Amoreaux, the current MAAC Player of the Year, Meghan Andersen, and Jillian Huerter are upcoming seniors who will be commencing their third season together, while Cyanne Coe, as a sophomore, exhibited indications of becoming another standout talent for the Stags.
Other teams mentioned: Colorado Buffaloes, Princeton Tigers, Clemson Tigers
