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.