The 2025-26 women’s college basketball season kicks off today, setting the stage for the journey to the Final Four in Phoenix. As the reigning NCAA champion, UConn is positioned as the frontrunner once again, though several emerging talents will vie for national player of the year honors this season.
With Paige Bueckers having transitioned to the WNBA, UConn has experienced a major player shift. Notably, JuJu Watkins from USC will miss the season due to a knee injury sustained during the NCAA tournament last March. Stepping up for the Huskies are Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, both primed to feature prominently in the race for player of the year.
ESPN’s analysts—Kendra Andrews, Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou, and Michael Voepel—share their insights on what the upcoming months of women’s basketball might unfold.
Can UConn Achieve Back-to-Back Championships?
Charlie Creme: “Yes, the Huskies may be even more formidable this season.” Despite the loss of Bueckers, UConn could surpass its previous year’s success, adding talented players like Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams. With Strong in contention for the best player in the country and a healthy Fudd, the Huskies possess a strong mix of experience and skill, making them a solid candidate for their 13th overall national title.
Michael Voepel: “Indeed, UConn is well-placed for a repeat.” The team is expected to dominate the Big East once again, and a robust nonconference performance should secure them a No. 1 seed for the NCAA tournament, streamlining their path to the Final Four. However, if the same teams reach the Final Four again, that experience could lead to closer and more thrilling matchups than last year.
Exciting Conference Races to Watch
ACC’s Competitive Landscape
Kendra Andrews: “The ACC promises to be both engaging and unpredictable.” A wave of roster changes means only eight of the last season’s 25 all-conference selections are returning. Preseason picks feature Duke, NC State, and North Carolina as frontrunners, while Miami looks poised to improve significantly.
SEC: A Powerhouse Division
Charlie Creme: “The SEC is overflowing with talent.” South Carolina appears favored by the media, whereas Texas is the coaches’ choice. With standout player Chloe Kitts sidelined, the competition among top teams like the Gamecocks, Longhorns, and LSU is fierce, making the stretch of the season thrilling to watch.
The Big 12’s Identity Crisis
Michael Voepel: “The Big 12 is adapting after recent acquisitions.” The newly diversified conference welcomed former Pac-12 teams like Arizona and Colorado, significantly changing its dynamics. With TCU reaching the Elite Eight last season, the need for the conference to establish a cohesive identity remains crucial.
Big Ten Dynamics
Alexa Philippou: “UCLA stands as the frontrunner in the Big Ten.” With transfers enriching their roster, the challenge comes from teams like Maryland and Michigan. Meanwhile, USC’s expectations are tempered due to Watkins’ absence.
Teams Expected to Make Strides
Kendra Andrews selects Miami: After two seasons that saw the Hurricanes fail to reach the NCAA tournament, new coach Tricia Cullop is stirring hope. A recruiting class loaded with potential could see Miami reclaim its spot in March Madness.
Charlie Creme highlights Washington: The Huskies are poised for a breakthrough season. After participating in the First Four last year, a solid all-around effort could position them well within the top tiers of the conference.
Michael Voepel emphasizes Kansas: With a returning core of starters and promising recruits, the Jayhawks are primed for a more fruitful season that might lead them back to the NCAA tournament.
Alexa Philippou mentions Stanford: Following a disappointing season, the Cardinal are set to rebound, fueled by a strong freshman class that could rejuvenate the program.
Potential Upsets and Surprises
First Top-25 Team to Exit?
Charlie Creme predicts Louisville: Despite historical success, the Cardinals seem vulnerable this year and could falter earlier than anticipated in the tournament.
Michael Voepel mentions USC: The unpredictable trajectory of the Trojans after losing Watkins makes their first-round prospects uncertain.
Emerging Mid-Majors to Watch
Kendra Andrews points to Gonzaga: The Bulldogs have a strong foundation but will navigate some new dynamics after losing key players.
Charlie Creme suggests Princeton: With all five starters returning from a team that qualified for the NCAA tournament last year, they’re a compelling mid-major contender.
Michael Voepel highlights Richmond: Following a strong couple of seasons, the Spiders aim for further success aided by experienced athletes.
Key Players: Dark Horse Candidates for Player of the Year
Kendra Andrews cites Ta’Niya Latson from South Carolina: With an impressive scoring record at Florida State, Latson has a chance to excel further at South Carolina this season.
Charlie Creme names Mikayla Blakes from Vanderbilt: Following a stellar freshman year, she has the opportunity to take center stage as the team’s main scorer this season.
Michael Voepel identifies Madison Booker from Texas: After winning Big 12 Player of the Year honors consecutively, Booker looks to solidify her status with another strong season.
Coaching Stakes in the 2025-26 Season
Kendra Andrews highlights Cori Close from UCLA: Following a historic run last season, expectations are high for Close to capitalize on her experienced roster.
Charlie Creme points out Niele Ivey from Notre Dame: Ivey faces significant pressure with a roster overhaul. She needs to navigate these changes effectively to maintain Notre Dame’s competitive edge.
Michael Voepel mentions Nicki Collen of Baylor: With a seasoned squad, Collen is looking for her team to advance further in the NCAA tournament this season.
Alexa Philippou discusses Kim Caldwell from Tennessee: Having impressed in her inaugural season, Caldwell is under scrutiny as she aims to push her team to new heights.
Predictions and Projections
Final Four Outlook
- Andrews: UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, LSU
- Creme: UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, Duke
- Philippou: UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, LSU
- Voepel: UConn, UCLA, Texas, South Carolina
National Champion Forecast
- Andrews: UConn
- Creme: UConn
- Philippou: UConn
- Voepel: UConn
Conference Champions
The upcoming season promises fierce competition across conferences, with several schools poised to take the stage as champions.
Awards Predictions
Player of the Year
- Andrews: Sarah Strong, UConn
- Creme: Sarah Strong, UConn
- Philippou: Sarah Strong, UConn
- Voepel: Sarah Strong, UConn
Freshman of the Year
- Andrews: Jazzy Davidson, USC
- Creme: Jazzy Davidson, USC
- Philippou: Jazzy Davidson, USC
- Voepel: Aaliyah Chavez, Oklahoma
Transfer of the Year
- Andrews: Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina
- Creme: Olivia Miles, TCU
- Philippou: Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina
- Voepel: Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina
Coach of the Year
- Andrews: Geno Auriemma, UConn
- Creme: Kara Lawson, Duke
- Philippou: Geno Auriemma, UConn
- Voepel: Geno Auriemma, UConn
All-America Teams
- Andrews: Sarah Strong, UConn; Lauren Betts, UCLA; Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame; Madison Booker, Texas; Flau’jae Johnson, LSU
- Creme: Sarah Strong, UConn; Lauren Betts, UCLA; Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame; Madison Booker, Texas; Flau’jae Johnson
- Philippou: Sarah Strong, UConn; Lauren Betts, UCLA; Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame; Madison Booker, Texas; Flau’jae Johnson
- Voepel: Sarah Strong, UConn; Lauren Betts, UCLA; Madison Booker, Texas; Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame; Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina
