Top Women’s College Basketball Transfers 2026: Audi Crooks Leads Rankings
The women’s college basketball transfer portal just opened, and honestly, it’s a pretty big deal. This year, players have only 15 days, starting April 6, 2026, to make their moves.
Some top players are already in the portal. Teams are scrambling to strengthen their rosters before the window slams shut.
Here’s a closer look at who’s available and how they might shake things up for new teams.
Understanding the Transfer Portal
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The transfer portal has changed college basketball, letting players switch programs with a lot more freedom. This season, the portal stays open for just 15 days, compared to last year’s 30-day window after the NCAA Tournament’s second round.
Even with less time, players and agents are hustling to connect with teams and find the right fit. The pressure’s on—everyone knows the clock is ticking.
Key Changes This Season
The NCAA shortened the transfer window, but players aren’t hesitating to announce transfers. Coaches like UCLA’s Cori Close are getting ready to dive into the portal and fill roster gaps.
Close says she’s planning to sign five transfers to make up for losing six seniors. It’s a busy time for coaching staffs everywhere.
Top Players in the Transfer Portal
Some standout players have hit the transfer portal and are drawing plenty of attention. Here’s a rundown of a few big names:
- Crooks: Crooks is a two-time All-American and a three-time All-Big 12 pick. She led the nation in scoring with 25.8 points per game, but never made it past the second weekend of March Madness with Iowa State.
- Johnson: Johnson’s a three-time All-ACC selection who helped Virginia reach the Sweet 16. She averaged 19.5 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds this season.
- McGill: The 5-foot-9 Minnesota native put up 22.5 points per game for the Gators, ranking 11th in the country. McGill also added 6.3 assists, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.6 steals a night.
- Cooper: Cooper, heading into her last year, led Tennessee with 16.1 points per game and shot a career-best 34.3% from deep.
- Williams: Williams spent time at Arizona and Iowa State, ranking third nationally in assists with 7.7 per game. She also scored 15.3 points on average.
Other Notable Transfers
There are more names worth watching in the portal, too:
- Lee: Lee made the All-Region team in this year’s NCAA Tournament, averaging 13.2 points and playing tough defense.
- Brown: Brown, a junior forward, averages 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. She’s already a two-time All-Big 12 pick.
- Carnegie: Last season’s ACC Sixth Player of the Year, Carnegie put up 17.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists for the Bulldogs.
- McMiller: McMiller, a Jordan Brand and McDonald’s All-American, ranked 12th nationally with 21.6 points per game.
- Grant: Grant stepped up as a Tar Heels starter, averaging 10.8 points and 2.3 assists. She shot an impressive 41.9% from three.
The Impact on Women’s College Basketball
All this talent moving around is bound to shake up women’s college hoops. Teams are working fast to replace graduating seniors and boost their shot at a deep tournament run.
The shorter window really cranks up the urgency. Everyone’s trying to make moves before time runs out.
Strategic Moves by Coaches
Coaches aren’t waiting around—they know the portal is crucial for staying competitive. UCLA’s Cori Close, for example, plans to bring in five transfers to replace six seniors.
It’s a bold strategy, but that’s what it takes these days.
Future Prospects
Honestly, it’ll be fascinating to watch how the transfer portal keeps changing things. Players have more freedom than ever, making the whole scene more unpredictable and, frankly, more fun for fans.
Conclusion
The women’s college basketball transfer portal just opened, and honestly, it’s a pretty thrilling time for fans. With stars like Crooks, Johnson, and McGill jumping in, teams suddenly have a chance to shake things up and get stronger.
This year, the transfer window is shorter than usual. That means coaches and players have to move fast—there’s not much time to waste.
Women’s college basketball keeps changing, and the portal really does play a huge role in where things go next. Who knows what the landscape will look like after this?
Want more details on the top players in the portal? Check out USA TODAY Sports.