The journey to the women’s Final Four in Phoenix officially commences on Monday, October 30, 2025, marking the opening of the 2025-26 NCAA women’s college basketball season. Reigning NCAA champion UConn enters the season as the consensus favorite, navigating a landscape reshaped by significant player departures and the emergence of new contenders for national accolades. The Huskies’ former star, Paige Bueckers, has transitioned to the WNBA, while USC’s JuJu Watkins will be sidelined for the season due to a knee injury that prematurely ended her NCAA tournament run in March 2025. In their absence, UConn teammates Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd are poised to contend in a crowded race for National Player of the Year. The season’s narrative will be further shaped by these individual performances and the evolving dynamics across collegiate conferences. ESPN’s panel of experts, Kendra Andrews, Charlie Creme, Alexa Philippou, and Michael Voepel, offer their insights and predictions on the next five months of women’s basketball action.

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Will UConn Repeat?

The question of whether UConn can secure a second consecutive national championship and their 13th overall title looms large over the preseason.

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Charlie Creme suggests that the Huskies might be "even more dominant this season," a notable assertion given the departure of Paige Bueckers. Creme points to the strategic addition of Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams, a move that provides significant frontcourt depth and talent. Williams, who averaged 15.6 points and 10.9 rebounds for Wisconsin in the 2024-25 season, brings a proven presence that complements Sarah Strong, a leading candidate for national player of the year. A healthy Azzi Fudd, who has battled injuries throughout her career, could elevate UConn to having two All-Americans on the roster. The team’s combination of size, perimeter shooting, and extensive big-game experience positions them strongly for another championship run.

Michael Voepel echoes the sentiment, anticipating UConn to be "in great shape to repeat." Voepel highlights the Huskies’ expected dominance within the Big East Conference, where they have historically excelled, suggesting a strong non-conference schedule will be crucial for securing a coveted No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. This top seeding typically provides a more favorable path to the Final Four. Voepel also notes the potential for a more competitive Final Four in Phoenix compared to the previous season. The 2024-25 Final Four saw UCLA and Texas appear overwhelmed by the moment, while South Carolina struggled in the championship game against UConn. Should these four teams return, their accumulated experience could lead to tighter, more thrilling contests.

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Which Conference Race Is Most Anticipated?

The 2025-26 season features several conference battles expected to deliver high-stakes drama and unpredictable outcomes.

Kendra Andrews points to the ACC as an "entertaining and somewhat unpredictable" race. The offseason witnessed substantial roster turnover and a shift in star power, with only eight of 25 all-conference selections returning. This flux creates a wide-open competitive environment. Duke, NC State, and North Carolina were projected as the top three in the ACC’s preseason poll, while Miami is anticipated to make significant strides. Notre Dame, however, may face challenges following key departures. The influx of new coaches, ongoing rebuilding efforts, and numerous fresh faces are expected to contribute to an exceptionally engaging ACC season.

Charlie Creme anticipates the SEC to be "loaded with great teams and storylines." South Carolina, despite being the media’s pick to win the conference, faces a setback with the season-ending injury to Chloe Kitts, the reigning SEC Tournament MVP who averaged 12.8 points and 7.1 rebounds last season. Meanwhile, Texas received the coaches’ nod for the top spot. Both the Longhorns and LSU are considered No. 1 seed contenders nationally, and any of the three teams could realistically claim the conference title. With Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Ole Miss also projected to be strong, the SEC accounts for half of the top three seeds in preseason Bracketology. A marquee matchup between South Carolina and LSU is scheduled for Valentine’s Day on ABC, potentially serving as a conference title decider.

Michael Voepel focuses on the Big 12, questioning whether the conference can place a team in the Final Four. The league has undergone significant realignment, with former Pac-12 members Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, and Utah joining, while Oklahoma and Texas departed for the SEC. This follows the previous year’s additions of BYU, Cincinnati, Houston, and UCF. Despite these changes, the Big 12 sent seven teams to the 2025 NCAA tournament, with TCU reaching the Elite Eight. Iowa State’s long-serving coach, Bill Fennelly, who has been with the conference since its Big Eight days (1995-96), emphasizes the league’s ongoing process of establishing its new identity. He stressed the importance of inter-conference support to elevate the league’s national standing and secure a Final Four participant.

Alexa Philippou highlights the Big Ten, where UCLA is positioned as the "clear front-runner." The key intrigue lies in whether teams like Maryland and Michigan can genuinely challenge the Bruins and make a national impact. Maryland strengthened its roster significantly in the offseason, securing transfers Yarden Garzon (11.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG at Indiana) and Oluchi Okananwa (7.8 PPG, 6.4 RPG at Duke). Michigan, meanwhile, looks to build on the potential of its promising sophomore class. USC faces lowered expectations due to JuJu Watkins’ absence and the WNBA departures of Kiki Iriafen (17.8 PPG, 9.0 RPG) and Rayah Marshall (10.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG). The performance of freshman Jazzy Davidson and sophomore Kennedy Smith will be critical in determining if the Trojans can exceed these adjusted expectations.

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Which Team Will Make the Biggest Leap from 2024-25?

Several teams are primed for substantial improvements in the upcoming season.

Kendra Andrews identifies the Miami Hurricanes as a prime candidate for a significant leap. The Hurricanes, just two seasons removed from their first Elite Eight appearance, experienced a period of transition following coach Katie Meier’s retirement in 2024 and Tricia Cullop’s inaugural season. After missing the NCAA tournament for two consecutive years, Miami (14-15 overall, 4-14 ACC in 2024-25) is projected to finish eighth in the ACC this season. Cullop’s strong recruiting class, featuring four players ranked in the SC Next 100, is expected to be a catalyst for their return to March Madness contention.

Charlie Creme points to the Washington Huskies, predicting a breakthrough season. The Huskies, a First Four participant in 2025, last won an NCAA tournament game without Kelsey Plum on their roster in 2006. Creme suggests this trend will change, with Washington expected to contend within or near the top 25 rankings. With favorable circumstances, the Huskies could secure a top-four seed and advance to the Sweet 16.

Michael Voepel highlights the Kansas Jayhawks for a potential major leap. Kansas’s most recent Sweet 16 appearance was in 2013, with their last two NCAA tournament runs ending in the second round (2022, 2024). After a 16-14 overall record (6-12 Big 12) last season, the Jayhawks return all five starters, including junior guard S’Mya Nichols, a two-time All-Big 12 first-team selection who averaged 15.6 points per game last season. The addition of four freshmen, including five-star prospects Jaliya Davis and Keeley Parks, alongside transfer Lilly Meister from Indiana, provides significant talent infusion. Picked to finish sixth in the Big 12, Kansas is positioned for a deeper run in the NCAA tournament.

Alexa Philippou selects the Stanford Cardinal for a substantial improvement. In Kate Paye’s first season as head coach, the Cardinal missed the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1987. However, a highly-touted freshman class, featuring top-15 recruits Hailee Swain and Lara Somfai, is expected to re-energize the program. This new young core is anticipated to lead Stanford back to March Madness, providing a clearer direction for the program’s future.

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First Top-25 Team to Exit the NCAA Tournament

Predicting early exits for highly-ranked teams is a perennial challenge in college basketball.

Charlie Creme projects the Louisville Cardinals as a potential early exit. After an impressive streak of five consecutive trips to at least the Elite Eight, the Cardinals have experienced early NCAA tournament exits in recent seasons, including a first-round loss in 2024 and a second-round exit in March 2025. Creme suggests that while the current talent level is sufficient to compete for an ACC championship and earn a top-four NCAA seed, it may not yet be equipped for a deep tournament run.

Michael Voepel indicates the USC Trojans could be the first top-25 team to depart the tournament. The Trojans’ performance without JuJu Watkins, who led them to the Elite Eight as a freshman in 2024, remains a significant question mark. Despite Watkins’ injury in the second round of the 2025 tournament, USC still reached the Elite Eight. However, the current season sees Watkins sidelined, coupled with the WNBA departures of key players Kiki Iriafen and Rayah Marshall. The team possesses considerable talent, but its collective chemistry and effectiveness in November, let alone March, are yet to be determined.

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Most Intriguing Mid-Major

Mid-major programs often provide compelling narratives and unexpected upsets in March.

Kendra Andrews highlights the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Despite being picked second behind Oregon State in the West Coast Conference, the Bulldogs have consistently been a WCC power, tying for first last season before losing in the quarterfinals of the WBIT. The departure of Yvonne Ejim, a five-year collegiate veteran who averaged 19.3 points and 8.9 rebounds last season, introduces an element of newness that the Bulldogs will need to navigate.

Charlie Creme identifies the Princeton Tigers as an intriguing mid-major. While Richmond is considered the top mid-major, Princeton’s returning roster is formidable. All five starters from a team that earned an at-large NCAA bid return. Additionally, coach Carla Berube welcomes back Madison St. Rose, who missed all but four games last season due to a knee injury. St. Rose was Princeton’s second-leading scorer in 2023-24 (13.5 PPG) and the Ivy League’s 2022-23 Rookie of the Year. A healthy St. Rose could emerge as the Ivy League’s premier player. Early season road games against Georgia Tech, Villanova, and Maryland will provide an immediate test of the Tigers’ capabilities.

Michael Voepel selects the Richmond Spiders, questioning how far they might advance in the NCAA tournament. The Spiders have made five NCAA appearances, including the past two seasons, during which they compiled an impressive 57-13 overall record and a 33-3 mark in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Last season, they secured their first-ever NCAA tournament victory by defeating Georgia Tech in the first round before falling to eventual Final Four participant UCLA. With standouts Maggie Doogan (15.5 PPG, 6.2 RPG) and Rachel Ullstrom (14.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG) returning, a Sweet 16 berth could be within reach. Crucial early non-conference matchups against Texas and TCU in November will be key indicators of their potential.

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Athlete with Outside Shot to Win National Player of the Year

The race for National Player of the Year is expected to be competitive, with several athletes poised to make a significant impact.

Kendra Andrews names Ta’Niya Latson of the South Carolina Gamecocks. Latson, who led all Division I players in scoring last season with an average of 25.2 points per game for Florida State, transferred to South Carolina. Her role has become even more critical following Chloe Kitts’ season-ending injury and Ashlyn Watkins’ decision to take a season off. Coach Dawn Staley has publicly stated her intention to expand Latson’s offensive repertoire. If Latson quickly adapts to Staley’s system and new responsibilities, she could firmly establish herself in the Player of the Year conversation.

Charlie Creme points to Mikayla Blakes of the Vanderbilt Commodores. After averaging 23.3 points per game as a freshman, Blakes is expected to feature on some initial All-America lists, though she remains an underdog against established contenders like Strong, Betts, or Hidalgo. With Khamil Pierre (10.4 PPG) and Iyana Moore (10.0 PPG), Vanderbilt’s other double-digit scorers, no longer in Nashville, Blakes’ offensive opportunities are likely to increase. Given her track record of two 50-point games, if Vanderbilt surpasses expectations, Blakes’ performance will be the primary driver, positioning her firmly in the Player of the Year discussion.

Michael Voepel highlights Madison Booker of the Texas Longhorns. Booker earned Big 12 Player of the Year honors as a freshman in 2024 and then secured the same award in the SEC last season following Texas’s conference realignment. The 6-foot-1 forward has demonstrated remarkable versatility for Texas, averaging a combined 16.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists over her two years in Austin. Her continued growth and expanded influence on the court are anticipated to elevate her into the national Player of the Year conversation.

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Coach with the Most at Stake in 2025-26

The coaching landscape features several figures under varying degrees of pressure or high expectation.

Kendra Andrews identifies Cori Close of the UCLA Bruins. While the Bruins have experienced some roster turnover, Close enters the season with a veteran-laden squad featuring seven seniors, two juniors, and a promising freshman class. Following UCLA’s historic first Final Four appearance in the NCAA era (since 1982) last season, Close has a legitimate opportunity to contend for a national championship with this experienced group. The team faces a significant rebuilding phase after this season, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the potential of the current roster.

Charlie Creme points to Niele Ivey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Under legendary coach Muffet McGraw, the Irish reached the national championship game twice in her final two seasons, winning one title. In the five seasons since Ivey took the helm, Notre Dame has yet to advance beyond the Sweet 16. The previous season showed considerable promise but concluded in disappointment. Ivey now faces the challenge of replacing four starters, compounded by the offseason transfer of four players. While six players arrived via the portal, Creme suggests they do not collectively match the talent level of the departing group. Entering her sixth season, this presents Ivey’s most significant coaching test to date.

Michael Voepel selects Nicki Collen of the Baylor Bears. In her first four years at Baylor, Collen’s NCAA tournament record includes three second-round losses and one Sweet 16 appearance. Last season, the No. 4 seed Bears, despite having six seniors, suffered a second-round home upset against No. 5 Ole Miss. This season, Baylor again boasts six seniors, led by guard/forward Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, who averaged 13.8 points and 10.0 rebounds last season. While Collen’s job security is not in question, a failure to advance beyond the Sweet 16 with another highly experienced team would likely be considered a disappointment.

Alexa Philippou highlights Kim Caldwell of the Tennessee Lady Vols. Caldwell, who had a successful debut season in Knoxville, faces immensely high internal and external expectations as the program aims for its first Final Four appearance since 2008. The key questions revolve around whether a full year under Caldwell’s unorthodox system will yield a meaningful difference for returning players, especially as opponents in the competitive SEC will have had more time to scout against it. Additionally, the impact of newcomer Janiah Barker (transfer from UCLA) and Tennessee’s second-ranked recruiting class will be crucial in elevating the team’s ceiling.

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CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTIONS

Final Four

• 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

• Andrews: UConn
• Creme: UConn
• Philippou: UConn
• Voepel: UConn

Conference Winners
(Details on specific conference winners were not provided in the original text for this section, only the intent to include them.)

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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, LSU

Philippou:

• Sarah Strong, UConn
• Lauren Betts, UCLA
• Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
• Madison Booker, Texas
• Flau’jae Johnson, LSU

Voepel:

• Sarah Strong, UConn
• Lauren Betts, UCLA
• Madison Booker, Texas
• Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
• Ta’Niya Latson, South Carolina

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