Louisville women's basketball roster 2025-26: An early look at Jeff Walz's team

The future is bright for Louisville wome n 's basketball.

The Cardinals were one of the youngest teams Jeff Walz has had in more than a decade with eight rostered freshmen. Half of them played in 30 or more games, led by star guard Taj Roberts, who started and played in every game this season.

Despite the youth, Louisville (22-11) still reached 20 wins for the 15th straight year and made the second round of the NCAA Tournament, falling to TCU, 85-70. Louisville is expected to return all eight of its freshmen. It bodes well for the program if Walz can, indeed, keep the group together.

"Some will stay; some will go," Walz said. "We do what we can as coaches and as staff. We give the best environment for them to be successful academically, socially, personally and basketball. ... I think as a coach, you're extremely naïve if you don't think somebody is going to leave."

Here's a look at who's leaving this season and a glimpse of what's to come in 2025-26.

Who’s leaving

Louisville will lose four seniors: forward Olivia Cochran and guards Jayda Curry, Ja’Leah Williams and Merissah Russell.

Curry came into her own during her second season at Louisville after a year of transition coming from California. With increased confidence, she finished as the team’s leading scorer and also was an efficient passer.

Cochran, who reached 1,500 career points and 1,000 career rebounds, and Russell have been with the team the longest. They opted to return to Louisville this season after an uncharacteristic first-round exit a year ago. They righted the perceived wrong by helping the Cardinals make the Round of 32.

"We get to instill what we learned over the years in these girls and leaving our legacy," Russell said. "That's the reason why I stayed as well. I knew I wanted to leave a legacy on this school. I think we did and are doing a good job finishing off our career here."

Russell and Cochran end their college careers with two Elite Eight and one Final Four appearances under their belt. Cochran was also a five-year starter and an anchor under the basket for the Cardinals. She leaves as the team’s leading rebounder.

Despite Williams, a Miami transfer, only having a year with the Cardinals, she was one of the team’s defensive leaders, often taking on some of the tougher 1-on-1 matchups. Having started every game, she also improved her offense and shared point guard responsibilities with Curry. Williams led the team in assists.

"Coach JP (Jonneshia Pineda) and coach (Amanda) Butler have been working with me with my jumper, telling me, like, that's your money. That's your ability. That's where you put on your cape and just fly," Williams said, "and I really appreciate them for letting it be known to me that your offensive game is here, too. You're not just a defender."

Who’s expected to return

Like this season, Louisville will return two starters in 2025-26: forward Nyla Harris, who will be a senior, and Roberts. Harris worked alongside Cochran as a leader in the low post but will now take that role even more to help with the further development of Elif Istanbulluoglu, who will be a junior, and sophomores-to-be Isla Juffermans and Anaya Hardy.

All eight freshmen are expected to return, giving Louisville much to be excited about. The backcourt will have depth with Izela Arenas and Imari Berry, in addition to Roberts, and Mackenly Randolph as a wing player. Given her development at the end of the season, Randolph has a good chance of returning to the starting lineup. The California native started the first nine games this season but then came off the bench to give her a chance to get a feel for the game before getting in, Walz said. Now having a year of college under her belt, 2025-26 could give her another chance at going into the game first.

The Cardinals have a small incoming 2025 freshman class: center Grace Mbugua and shooting guard Peyton Bradley. The 6-foot-5 Mbugua will be key with Louisville needing size in its frontcourt. Her early acclimation will help U of L against some of the ACC's taller teams.

The transfer portal will also give Louisville a chance to add experience. Williams was the only transfer last year, though Walz could opt for two more players to total 15 scholarship players. The transfer portal for women’s basketball opens Tuesday and closes April 23.

This story will be updated.

Reach Louisville football, women's basketball and baseball beat writer Alexis Cubit at acubit@gannett.com and follow her on X at @Alexis_Cubit.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville basketball roster 2025-26: Jeff Walz's team for next season

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Louisville women's basketball roster 2025-26: An early look at Jeff Walz's team

Who’s leaving

Who’s expected to return

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