Top 6 storylines for the 2025-26 women's basketball season

A new season of women’s college basketball brings fresh faces, renewed powerhouse programs and plenty of storylines across the country. From UConn’s next chapter to the loaded SEC and a reshaped ACC, the road to Phoenix already looks wide open.

Here are the top six storylines for women's basketball this season:

1. The Huskies are turning the Paige...

With Paige Bueckers gone, a new core steps up: Azzi Fudd, Serah Williams, Sarah Strong and KK Arnold. UConn is in a great position to run it back.

2. JuJu Watkins will sit out this season...

So who challenges UCLA in the Big Ten? With Lauren Betts dominating inside, plus Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens adding a scoring punch, the Bruins remain elite.

3. The SEC is overflowing with storylines...

• At South Carolina, it’s a reunion, Raven Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the country.
• At LSU, the Big Three, Flau’jae Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley and Mikaylah Williams, headline one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.
• Tennessee reloaded with Janiah Barker, Nya Robertson and Jersey Wolfenbarger, plus a top-five freshman class.
• And Ole Miss landed Cotie McMahon and a stacked supporting cast.

4. Everything’s bigger in Texas...

Especially at TCU, where Olivia Miles returns for a fifth year surrounded by five players 6-foot-4 and taller.

5. And in the ACC, it’s a new landscape across the board...

• Notre Dame loses four starters
• Duke emerges as the favorite behind Toby Fournier and Ashlon Jackson
• NC State retools with Khamil Pierre joining Zoe Brooks to keep the Pack in the fight.

6. Mid-major to look out for...

Keep an eye on Richmond. Maggie Doogan and Rachel Ullstrom return as an electric scoring duo. I expect the Spiders to make a deeper run in the NCAA tournament.