Women’s College Basketball Top 25: UConn Leads, LSU Climbs

With most transfers having found new homes, now feels like a good time to revisit the early top-25 rankings from the end of the women’s college basketball season. This year, the transfer portal saw about 1,500 players enter, and that’s caused some wild roster shakeups.

Powerhouses like UConn and South Carolina strengthened their lineups. Maryland moved into the top 25 after landing a few key transfers.

Let’s take a look at the biggest moves and how they might shape the 2025-26 season. There’s a lot to unpack here.

Top Transfer Winners: UConn and South Carolina

UConn made headlines by picking up Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams, who was probably the most wanted player in the portal. Williams brings rare skills and size, making her a great fit for the Huskies.

She’ll help anchor the interior, which should ease the foul trouble that’s plagued Jana El Alfy and Ice Brady. This move also gives Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong more freedom to create plays.

South Carolina’s Strategic Additions

South Carolina grabbed attention with Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot joining the roster. Latson, who led the nation in scoring last season, joins a team that loves to share the ball.

Her shot attempts might drop, but she’s got a real chance at a national title now. Okot, a 6-foot-6 rim protector, plugs a big hole in South Carolina’s defense and could end up as one of the season’s most important transfers.

LSU’s Meteoric Rise

LSU turned heads by landing South Carolina’s MiLaysia Fulwiley and Notre Dame’s Kate Koval. These additions pushed LSU into the top 10.

The Tigers’ backcourt—Fulwiley, Flau’jae Johnson, and Mikaylah Williams—might be the most electric in the SEC, maybe even in the country. Coach Kim Mulkey has a knack for building strong teams, and LSU’s outlook is pretty exciting.

Questions in Baton Rouge

There’s still a question of whether there’s enough basketball to go around with all this talent. Still, with Mulkey calling the shots, it’s tough to doubt the Tigers’ chances.

Tennessee’s Strategic Moves

Last year, Tennessee nearly missed the NCAA Tournament. But new coach Kim Caldwell’s system worked, and the team made it to the Sweet 16.

Most of the core returns, and with ESPN’s No. 2 high school recruiting class coming in, Tennessee didn’t need much. Still, the arrivals of Janiah Barker (UCLA), Jersey Wolfenbarger (LSU), and Nya Robertson (SMU) have added more athleticism and versatility.

Barker’s Potential Impact

Barker, especially, could really shine in Caldwell’s fast-paced approach. Robertson’s 3-point shooting fell off last season, but if she finds her rhythm again, Tennessee could surprise a lot of people.

UCLA’s Resilience

UCLA lost last season’s No. 4 high school recruiting class to transfers, but the Bruins are still in a solid spot. The addition of 3-point shooter Gianna Kneepkens brings a fresh look to the offense.

Coach Cori Close has managed to keep most of the core together. Could UCLA make another Final Four run? Don’t count them out.

Challenges Ahead

The future after this season feels a bit murky, but for now, UCLA holds steady in the top five.

Maryland’s Offensive Boost

Maryland dropped out of the top 25 after losing important players to the WNBA and graduation. But with Kaylene Smikle and Bri McDaniel returning, plus the arrivals of Oluchi Okananwa (Duke) and Yarden Garzon (Indiana), the team looks recharged.

Maryland’s offense, which ranked 10th nationally in points per game, could be even more dangerous this year.

Coach Brenda Frese’s Experience

Coach Brenda Frese knows how to blend transfers into her system. The Big Ten might look different at the top, but Maryland has a shot at a strong season.

TCU and Ole Miss: Embracing the Portal

TCU and Ole Miss both leaned into the transfer portal to build their squads. TCU, fresh off a historic Elite Eight run, picked up players like Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles and Cal’s Marta Suarez.

This group might not have the same star power as last year’s, but Miles’ playmaking could raise the team’s ceiling. Let’s see how it plays out.

Ole Miss’ Key Additions

Ohio State transfer Cotie McMahon stands out as Ole Miss’ crown jewel. She’s a relentless rebounder and should make a real impact right away.

The Rebels didn’t stop there. They brought in seven more transfers, including Mississippi State starters Denim DeShields and Debreasha Powe.

Honestly, with all these new faces, Ole Miss looks like a team to keep an eye on. For a deeper dive into these transfers and what they might mean for the season, check out the full article on The Athletic.