A season that was supposed to be defined by parity instead ended with the two most iconic brands in women’s basketball meeting in the national title game and UConn adding a historic record 12th title. Those programs once again top the field in this way-too-early look at 2025-26.
As is tradition in these power rankings, the defending champions get the top spot. However, an early wave of entrants into the transfer portal, combined with the double graduations of the senior class and the super senior class from the pandemic bonus year, has created a lot more flux below the upper tier.
Some teams barely have enough players to field a lineup now. Most rosters will be unrecognizable when comparing today with the start of the regular season as transfers pick their new landing spots, putting a heavier emphasis on recruiting classes because the status of returning players is uncertain.
Final Four teams aren’t going anywhere
Even without Paige Bueckers, UConn is a worthy candidate for the best team in the country thanks to its rising superstar Sarah Strong. She finished the season second nationally in win shares behind only Bueckers and figures to become even more prolific with more of the offense running through her as a sophomore.
With Strong, Jana El Alfy and Azzi Fudd returning from the starting lineup, plus KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade ready to assume bigger roles as juniors (they already took on bigger burdens as freshmen), this is the best five in the country. Ice Brady, Allie Ziebell, Morgan Cheli and the sixth-ranked recruiting class provide solid depth even if the Huskies don’t add any transfers.
South Carolina will lose at least three starters, and potentially four if Raven Johnson decides to go pro. But the Gamecocks machine is ready to backfill, with MiLaysia Fulwiley, Tessa Johnson and Joyce Edwards waiting in the wings. This isn’t a program that rebuilds; it reloads.
Texas also loses two starters but has a trio of rising sophomores (Jordan Lee,
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