Women's College Basketball: Season Outlook 2025–26

The wait is over- college basketball is finally back! The 2025–26 season feels wide open, and the season begins with a familiar question:  which program will rise through the noise and chaos to cut down the nets in April? Before the madness starts, here’s how I see the season shaping up:

Can UCONN repeat? For years, UCONN has dominated college basketball in both the men’s and women’s programs. Since 1995, the women’s program has won 12 titles, including their most recent one last season. Head Coach Geno Auriemma is one of the best that the game has ever seen and knows how to build dynasties. Currently, the Huskies are ranked #1 in the nation and a favorite to win the whole thing again. Despite the absence of Paige Bueckers, UCONN will once again have a dominant team. Forward Sarah Strong is returning for her sophomore year after an excellent freshman year, averaging 16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 66 blocks. Beside her is senior guard and projected top 5 pick in the WNBA draft, Azzi Fudd, who averaged 13.6 points last year. With the absence of Bueckers, Fudd is expected to be the new leader of the team.

Player of the year:  UCLA’s Lauren Betts averaged 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds last season. The 6’7 senior forward is hungry to compete with her team in for a national championship after losing by 34 to UCONN in the final four. However, as good as Betts is the race for POTY with be very tight.

Impact Transfer:  After spending 3 years with Florida State, Ta’Niya Latson transferred to South Carolina for her final year of college basketball. Last season, Latson averaged 25.2 points. Latson earned some pretty impressive stats including 3× First‑Team All‑ACC, ACC Rookie of the Year (2023), NCAA Division I season scoring leader (2024‑25). Latson transfer should make an immediate impact on Dawn Staley’s squad.