Autumn Johnson | October 28, 2025

The top 22 returning players for the 2025-26 women's college basketball season

The top returners in women's college basketball for the 2025-26 season

As we approach the start of the 2025-26 women's college basketball season on Monday, Nov. 3, here are Autumn Johnson's top 22 returning players to watch out for in the new year. 

*Names are not ranked and listed in no specific order

RANKINGS: UConn, South Carolina lead preseason AP Top 25 women's basketball rankings

  • Lauren Betts, UCLA | Center
  • Azzi Fudd, UConn | Guard
  • Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt | Guard
  • Madison Booker, Texas | Forward
  • Mikaylah Williams, LSU | Guard
  • Raegan Beers, Oklahoma | Center
  • Joyce Edwards, South Carolina | Forward

OFFSEASON ADDITIONS: Women's basketball teams that won the transfer portal

  • Kaylene Smikle, Maryland | Guard
  • Ashlon Jackson, Duke | Guard
  • Syla Swords, Michigan | Guard
  • Ta'Niya Latson, South Carolina | Guard

2025 RECAP: UConn defeats South Carolina for its 12th title 

  • Flau’jae Johnson, LSU | Guard
  • Olivia Miles, TCU | Guard
  • Sarah Strong, UConn | Guard
  • Cotie McMahon, Ole Miss | Forward

🏆 CHAMP HISTORY: Every DI women's basketball champion since 1982

  • Audi Crooks, Iowa State | Center
  • Zoe Brooks, NC State | Guard
  • Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame | Guard
  • Kiki Rice, UCLA | Guard
  • Yarden Garzon, Maryland | Guard
  • Olivia Olson, Michigan | Guard
  • Toby Fournier, Duke | Guard