Way-too-early women’s NCAA top 25 for 2026-27

The early outlook for the 2026-27 women’s college basketball season already feels clear in some ways. The same top programs continue to reload instead of rebuild. Teams like UConn, Texas and South Carolina remain strong because they recruit well and develop talent year after year. That trend showed last NCAA season again, and it could repeat.

At the same time, change is coming across the country. The transfer portal is open, and many teams are dealing with major roster shifts. Some programs lost key players. Others are waiting to add new pieces. That makes this ranking a starting point, not a final list.

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Several young stars are also set to take over the spotlight. Players like Sarah Strong, Madison Booker and Joyce Edwards will shape the season. Injuries, development and roster moves will decide how far each team can go.

With that in mind, here is a deeper look at the early Top 25.

25. Fairfield Stags

Fairfield enters this list with strong team chemistry. Most of the core players have already spent multiple seasons together. That experience matters a lot in college basketball. Kaety L’Amoreaux leads the group after winning MAAC Player of the Year. Her scoring and leadership will be crucial again. Alongside her, Meghan Andersen and Jillian Huerter bring balance on both ends. Cyanne Coe also showed promise last season and could take a big step forward. Overall, this team may not have star power, but it plays well together.

24. Virginia Tech Hokies

Virginia Tech looks steady heading into the new season. Carleigh Wenzel and Carys Baker were key to last year’s success. Since both are expected to return, the team has a strong base. In addition, Alyssa Latham joins from the transfer portal and adds frontcourt depth. Because of this, the Hokies should remain competitive in the ACC. Their main goal will be to secure another NCAA Tournament spot.

23. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Nebraska’s success will depend heavily on health. Natalie Potts has missed time in recent seasons, but she has shown her talent when fit. Her return gives the team a big lift. Meanwhile, Britt Prince continues to lead the backcourt and scoring. She will need to take her game to another level. Amiah Hargrove also improved last season and adds another scoring option. If the squad stays healthy, Nebraska can climb higher in the Big Ten.

22. NC State Wolfpack

NC State faces a few challenges this season. Zamareya Jones leaving through the transfer portal creates a gap. That loss affects both scoring and leadership. Even so, the team still has a solid core. Khamil Pierre, Tilda Trygger, and Zoe Brooks will carry the load. Destiny Lunan could also see a bigger role. In addition, the Wolfpack may use the portal to strengthen the roster.

21. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame’s hopes start with Hannah Hidalgo. She proved last season that she can take over games. Her all-around ability makes her one of the best players in the country. However, the roster has some concerns. Several key players are gone, leaving gaps in the lineup. On the bright side, the incoming class looks promising. If Cassandre Prosper returns, it would add much-needed depth and experience.

20. Villanova Wildcats

Villanova continues to grow with a young and talented group. Jasmine Bascoe stands out after leading the Big East in scoring as a sophomore. She has already become a key player for the team. At the same time, Brynn McCurry adds value and fits well into the system. The Wildcats rely on discipline and structure. Because of that, they stay competitive even without a deep roster.

19. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Minnesota has a challenge in replacing its frontcourt players. Sophie Hart and Finau Tonga leave a big gap inside. Despite that, the team remains strong on the perimeter. Tori McKinney, Grace Grocholski, and Mara Braun all return as top scorers. This trio gives the team a solid offensive base. Now, the focus shifts to adding size and rebounding through the transfer portal.

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18. Oklahoma Sooners

Oklahoma enters a transition phase this season. The team lost key players like Raegan Beers and Payton Verhulst. Still, there is a clear leader in Aaliyah Chavez. She steps into a bigger role after leading the team in scoring. Alongside her, Sahara Williams remains an important piece. Going forward, the Sooners will rely on development and new additions.

17. Washington Huskies

Washington is coming off a strong season. Sayvia Sellers leads the team after averaging 18 points per game. She remains one of the most underrated players. In addition, Avery Howell continues to contribute after transferring in. Brynn McGaughy brings strength in the paint. Altogether, this team has a good mix of balance and experience.

16. Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois gained valuable experience last season. The team was one of the youngest in the NCAA Tournament. That exposure should help moving forward. Berry Wallace and Cearah Parchment led the scoring and continue to improve. With another year of growth, they could become one of the top duos in the Big Ten. The team’s progress depends on how quickly the young players develop.

15. Oregon Ducks

Oregon finished last season on a strong note. Katie Fiso stood out in the NCAA Tournament with confident performances. She looks ready to lead the offense. Because of that momentum, the Ducks have something to build on. If they continue improving, they could earn a high tournament seed.

14. Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky brings in an exciting recruiting class. Maddyn Greenway leads the group and has drawn comparisons to top guards. Meanwhile, Clara Strack anchors the frontcourt with her two-way impact. Even so, the team still needs more size and depth. That could be addressed through the transfer portal.

13. Maryland Terrapins

Maryland dealt with injuries last season, which disrupted its flow. Kaylene Smikle’s return will help stabilize the offense. At the same time, Oluchi Okananwa emerged as a key scorer. Young guards Addi Mack and Kyndal Walker also gained experience. Moving forward, the Terrapins may look to the portal for extra depth.

12. Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State continues to build around Jaloni Cambridge. She remains the centerpiece of the team. Since most of the rotation could return, the team has strong continuity. Chance Gray adds both scoring and playmaking. Still, the Buckeyes may look for more depth to stay competitive at the top level.

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11. North Carolina Tar Heels

North Carolina adds a major boost with Kate Harpring. She is considered one of the top point guards in her class. This addition helps offset the loss of Lanie Grant. Meanwhile, the backcourt stays deep with Nyla Brooks and others. Ciera Toomey provides size inside. However, the team may still look for more help in the frontcourt.

10. Vanderbilt Commodores

Vanderbilt’s strength starts with Mikayla Blakes. She has the ability to take over games with her scoring. Aubrey Galvan forms a strong backcourt duo with her. However, the team lost several key role players. Because of that, others must step up. The Commodores still have talent but need to rebuild depth.

9. Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa enters a new phase with fresh faces. McKenna Woliczko arrives as a top recruit and brings versatility. Ava Heiden supports her in the frontcourt. Meanwhile, Chit Chat Wright handles the point guard role. Since the team lost key players, it may take time to adjust.

8. Louisville Cardinals

Louisville looks like one of the most balanced teams. The return of four starters gives them a strong foundation. Imari Berry adds depth as a key bench player. In addition, Ariyana Cradle joins as a promising freshman. Even without a single superstar, the team has strength across all positions.

7. Duke Blue Devils

Duke’s season depends on player health. Emilee Skinner missed most of last year but is expected to return. Jadyn Donovan’s recovery also plays a big role. Toby Fournier adds versatility in the post. Overall, the roster is talented. If everyone stays healthy, Duke can take a big step forward.

6. USC Trojans

USC becomes a serious contender again. JuJu Watkins leads the team and remains one of the most exciting players. Jazzy Davidson adds scoring support. Freshman Saniyah Hall brings elite talent. On top of that, the roster includes strong international players. As a result, this team is deep and dangerous.

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5. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan’s young core continues to improve. Olivia Olson and Syla Swords are now more experienced. The team already reached the Elite Eight, which shows its potential. Adding a strong frontcourt scorer could take them to the next level. The Wolverines are close to a breakthrough.

4. LSU Tigers

LSU stays competitive despite losing Flau’jae Johnson. The team still has a strong backcourt led by Mikaylah Williams and Jada Richard. In addition, the recruiting class brings more depth. The transfer portal could also provide help. Even in a tough conference, LSU remains a contender.

3. South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina continues to reload despite roster changes. Joyce Edwards leads the team with strong support from Tessa Johnson and others. The program has a history of building through the transfer portal. If Chloe Kitts and Ashlynn Watkins return healthy, the team becomes even stronger. A Final Four run is still very possible.

2. Texas Longhorns

Texas remains one of the top teams. Madison Booker returning for her senior year is a huge boost. She is one of the best players in the country. Along with that, the team adds strong recruiting classes. The main concern is replacing the point guard. Even so, Texas is still a title contender.

1. UConn Huskies

UConn stays at the top once again. Sarah Strong leads the team and impacts every part of the game. Her defense sets the tone early. Players like KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade add depth. Even after losing key stars, the program continues to perform at a high level. UConn looks ready for another championship run.

Conclusion

This early ranking shows a clear pattern. The top programs remain strong, while others try to catch up. The transfer portal and player development will shape the final outcome. For now, UConn, Texas and South Carolina lead the race.

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