2025-26 NCAA Women's Basketball Way-Too-Early Power Rankings: Top 25 Teams to Watch

2025-26 NCAA Women's Basketball Way-Too-Early Power Rankings

As the confetti settles on this season's championship, we turn our attention to the exciting prospects of the 2025-26 NCAA women's basketball season. The landscape continues to shift with transfer portal movement and incoming recruiting classes, making this one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory.

Key Storylines to Watch

• Impact Transfers: With stars like Olivia Miles and Ta'Niya Latson potentially changing teams, the transfer portal could dramatically reshape the competitive balance
• Injury Comebacks: How will JuJu Watkins' ACL recovery affect USC's championship aspirations?
• Recruiting Power: Which programs will benefit most from elite freshman classes?

Preseason Power Rankings Breakdown

1. UCLA Bruins
The Bruins return nearly their entire rotation, including dominant center Lauren Betts (6'7") and playmaker Kiki Rice. The addition of Sienna Betts (No. 2 recruit) creates perhaps the nation's most formidable frontcourt.

2. South Carolina Gamecocks
Despite losing veteran leadership, talent remains abundant with Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley ready to step into starring roles. Their defensive intensity should keep them in Final Four contention.

3. UConn Huskies
The post-Paie Bueckers era begins, but Sarah Strong gives the Huskies a foundation to build around after her phenomenal freshman campaign.

4. Texas Longhorns
Madison Booker's return gives Texas a legitimate national player of the year candidate. If Rori Harmon stays for a fifth season, they'll boast the nation's top backcourt.

5. Duke Blue Devils
Kara Lawson's squad has steadily improved each season, and their depth should propel them to new heights this year.

6-10 Contenders

• LSU: Flau'jae Johnson's return keeps them dangerous
• Baylor: Taliah Scott adds scoring punch
• USC: JuJu Watkins' health is the x-factor
• Oklahoma: Top recruit Aaliyah Chavez arrives
• Tennessee: Kim Caldwell's system continues to impress

Sleepers to Watch

• Iowa State (Audi Crooks is a walking double-double)
• Vanderbilt (Mikayla Blakes leads exciting young core)
• Louisville (Freshman star Tajianna Roberts poised for breakout)

Analysis's Perspective

The 2025-26 season projects as one of the most competitive in recent memory, with no clear preseason favorite. The transfer portal will continue to shake up these rankings throughout the offseason, making this early evaluation just the starting point for what promises to be thrilling season.

Note: All rankings subject to change based on roster moves and player development over the summer months.