2025 Women’s College Basketball: Maryland, Tennessee, Kansas Season Outlooks
The 2025-26 women’s college basketball season is just two months out, and fans already have questions. Whether it’s powerhouse programs like Maryland and Tennessee or those sneaky under-the-radar teams, there’s plenty to wonder about.
This article takes a close look at expectations, potential, and key players for several big-name teams. We’ll also zoom out a bit to get a sense of where women’s college basketball stands right now.
Maryland Terrapins: Aiming for the Big Ten Title
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Brenda Frese has kept Maryland at the top for years. Sure, losing Shyanne Sellers to the pros stings, but the Terps still look strong.
Last season, Maryland went 25-8 and came up just short against South Carolina in the Sweet 16. Not bad, honestly.
Key Players to Watch
Kaylene Smikle returns as the leading scorer, and Saylor Poffenbarger is back to rack up double-doubles. Mir McLean brings her defensive energy, and Bri McDaniel is expected to be healthy enough to run the point.
The team also picked up some serious talent through the transfer portal and recruiting.
- Oluchi Okananwa: ACC Tournament MVP from Duke
- Yarden Garzon: Three-time All-Big Ten selection from Indiana
- Rainey Welson: ESPN Top 100 recruit
Even with Gracie Merkle gone, Maryland’s got the depth for another postseason push.
Kansas Jayhawks: Aiming for a Comeback
Kansas had a tough year, but they’re looking to bounce back. Coach Brandon Schneider brought in a strong recruiting class, with three of ESPN’s top 45 recruits.
The Jayhawks finished 16-14 last season, but there’s a sense that better days are ahead.
Key Players to Watch
They return their top two scorers: guard S’Mya Nichols and wing Elle Evans. Regan Williams, the team’s leading rebounder, is back for her sophomore year.
Indiana transfer Lilly Meister, with her solid shooting, adds more firepower.
- Jaliya Davis: 6-foot-2 forward and Kansas native
- S’Mya Nichols: Leading scorer
- Elle Evans: Wing player and second-leading scorer
- Regan Williams: Top rebounder
Kansas doesn’t get a lot of buzz, but they’re a real threat to crack the top half of the Big 12 and maybe snag an NCAA Tournament spot.
Underrated Teams to Watch
Some teams just aren’t getting the offseason attention they deserve. A few could really surprise people:
Michigan Wolverines
Michigan brings back a trio of rising sophomores—Olivia Olson, Syla Swords, and Mila Holloway. They’re also adding transfers like UCLA’s Kendall Dudley and Ashley Sofilkanich, who was Patriot League Player of the Year.
Washington Huskies
Tina Langley helped Washington snap its NCAA Tournament drought last year. With three of four top scorers returning and USC transfer Avery Howell joining, the Huskies could keep trending up.
Miami Hurricanes
Tricia Cullop’s first season at Miami was rocky, but they’ve loaded up in the transfer portal. Gal Raviv, a standout at Quinnipiac, comes in, along with several ESPN Top 100 recruits.
Wisconsin Badgers: A Season of Transition
Wisconsin’s got a new head coach, Robin Pingeton, who’s hoping to lift the program. The roster’s been boosted by transfers like Destiny Howell from Howard and Laci Steele from N.C. State.
The challenge? Getting all these new pieces to click and improve on last year’s results. That’s easier said than done.
The State of the ACC
The ACC’s having a rough go. Key players are leaving for other conferences, and investment in women’s basketball just isn’t there.
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Notre Dame lost a lot of talent, and North Carolina’s funding issues are no secret. The ACC hasn’t won a national title since 2018, and honestly, it’s hard to see that changing this season.
Tennessee Lady Vols: Poised for Improvement
There’s some uncertainty around Ruby Whitehorn, but Tennessee looks ready to take a step forward under Kellie Harper. The team added top transfers Janiah Barker from UCLA and Nya Robertson from SMU.
The recruiting class is one of the best in the country, led by ninth-ranked Mia Pauldo. That’s a big deal for the program.
Key Players to Watch
- Janiah Barker: Transfer from UCLA
- Nya Robertson: Transfer from SMU
- Mia Pauldo: Ninth-ranked recruit
The Lady Vols should finish in the SEC’s top third and have a real shot at a top 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Not a guarantee, but that’s where the arrow’s pointing right now.
Potential Player of the Year Candidates
Several players are in the running for Player of the Year honors. UCLA center Lauren Betts, TCU’s Olivia Miles, and South Carolina’s Hannah Hidalgo are all strong contenders.
Ta’Niya Latson, last year’s leading scorer, is another name folks are buzzing about. LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson could shake things up too.
The season’s almost here, and there’s a lot to get excited about. Some teams are already favorites, but you never know who might surprise us.
If you want to dig deeper, the full breakdown is over at SBNation.