As the summer fades, anticipation builds for the start of the 2025-26 NCAA women’s golf season. This year, the competition sharpens as teams vie for championship glory, with the NCAA Women’s Golf Championship set to again unfold at the picturesque Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, as part of a five-year agreement.

Last spring marked a historic milestone for Northwestern, which secured its inaugural national title by defeating top-seeded Stanford in the match-play finals. While Northwestern welcomes a promising freshman, Stanford is poised to reclaim its dominance, returning its entire starting lineup from last year’s undefeated stroke play season.

Preseason Rankings Overview

Below is a summary of Golfweek’s preseason rankings, highlighting the leading teams to watch as they embark on this year’s tournament journey.

1. 1. Stanford

   The Cardinal are poised to shine this season, bringing back all five starters from a remarkable squad that finished last year without a loss in stroke play. Standout players include senior Megha Ganne, the U.S. Women’s Amateur champion, and junior Paula Martin Sampedro, who excelled in various championships. The team’s depth, featuring four players ranked in the world’s top 10, positions them as strong favorites.

2. 2. Oregon

   Oregon retains all its starters from last year’s semifinalist team, led by world No. 1 amateur Kiara Romero. With solid performances expected from Suvichaya Vinijchaitham and Karen Tsuru, along with an incoming freshman talent, Sophie Han, the Ducks are ready to compete fiercely.

3. 3. Texas

   In her second season as head coach, Laura Ianello prepares the Longhorns for a promising run, returning four key starters from last year’s match play team. Expectations are high for juniors Farah O’Keefe and Lauren Kim, who are both strong contenders for Player of the Year honors.

4. 4. USC

   The Trojans, historically significant in women’s golf, faced a less-than-stellar spring last year but are returning stars like sophomore Jasmine Koo and senior Catherine Park. Their addition of transfer Elise Lee from Northwestern could significantly enhance their performance this season.

5. 5. Arizona State

   With an experienced lineup including redshirt sophomore Patience Rhodes and juniors Paula Schulz-Hanssen and Beth Coulter, Arizona State is aiming to make a mark again. Freshman Pimpisa “Fai” Rubrong is anticipated to add valuable depth to the team.

6. 6. Duke

   Duke’s roster features graduate student Andie Smith as a lone veteran, but newcomers Rianne Malixi and Avery McCrery are expected to make impactful contributions, potentially revitalizing Duke’s championship aspirations.

7. 7. Texas A&M

   Texas A&M boasts significant depth this season, with six players competing in the 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateur. Sophomore Vanessa Borovilos and junior Cayetana Fernandez Garcia-Poggio are among those carrying expectations, supported by a talented freshmen class that could elevate the Aggies further.

8. 8. LSU

   LSU eyes a strong season led by breakout sophomore Rocio Tejedo. The addition of Francesca Fiorellini, a UCLA transfer, could provide the boost needed to bring the Tigers back into competitive form.

9. 9. Northwestern

   Northwestern, the defending champions, returns key players Dianna Lee, Hsin Tai Lin, and Ashley Yun. Incoming freshman Arianna Lau is generating excitement due to her stellar summer performance.

10. 10. Arkansas

    Junior Maria Jose Marin returns to defend her national title, joined by senior Reagan Zibilski. The Razorbacks need others to step up for a successful season ahead.