Get ready for a wild ride, folks! The NCAA women's basketball season is about to explode with drama, powerhouse clashes, and future WNBA stars ready to make their mark. But the biggest question on everyone's mind? Can UConn do it again? After Paige Bueckers led them to the promised land last year, the Huskies are facing immense pressure to repeat. Let's dive into the key storylines that will define this season.
First, let's address the elephant in the room: the unfortunate absence of JuJu Watkins. It's a huge blow to the NCAA, as Watkins tore her ACL in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament and won't be suiting up for USC this season. That's right, the reigning National Player of the Year is out for the season! However, even without her, there's a ton of excitement brewing.
The UConn Dynasty: Will It Continue?
UConn's victory over South Carolina (82-59) last season was a defining moment for Paige Bueckers, securing a title that had previously eluded her. While Bueckers is now shining in the WNBA with the Dallas Wings, the Huskies remain a force to be reckoned with. The AP preseason poll has them sitting pretty at No. 1, and for good reason. Azzi Fudd, who averaged 13.6 points last year, is expected to elevate her game even further. Plus, with Sarah Strong dominating the paint, UConn has a formidable inside-outside game. They're the team everyone will be gunning for, and they'll be tested early with tough matchups against No. 20 Louisville and No. 13 Michigan in November.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some analysts argue that UConn's reliance on Fudd and Strong might make them predictable. Can they adapt their game plan when faced with unexpected defensive strategies? Only time will tell.
Of course, South Carolina, ranked No. 2, is hungry for revenge after last year's championship loss. And don't count out powerhouses like No. 3 UCLA! Head coach Geno Auriemma will undoubtedly push his UConn squad to their absolute limits. The last time UConn won a title, it was part of an incredible four-peat. Can they recapture that magic and go back-to-back? Or will the pressure be too much, resulting in a one-and-done situation? This is the million-dollar question!
SEC: A Battleground for Basketball Supremacy
Regardless of who ultimately hoists the national trophy, the SEC is poised to make a serious statement. A staggering eight SEC teams are currently ranked in the top 25, with five residing in the top 10. With powerhouses like LSU, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas leading the charge, the South is gearing up to dominate the college basketball landscape once again.
The Gamecocks are currently favored to win the SEC, but Texas and LSU are breathing down their necks. And this is the part most people miss... the depth of talent in the SEC means that even lower-ranked teams can pull off major upsets. Conference play is going to be an absolute bloodbath, resulting in some of the most intense and high-caliber basketball we'll see all season.
Future WNBA Stars on Display
Beyond the team rivalries, the 2026 WNBA Draft class is brimming with talent ready to showcase their skills one last time at the collegiate level. Lauren Betts of UCLA is currently projected as the potential top pick. Last year, she averaged an impressive 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds, leading the Bruins to their first Final Four appearance on the women's side. Now, she's aiming to replicate Bueckers' success by winning a national championship and then going No. 1 in the draft. The pressure's on!
Olivia Miles, who will be playing for TCU after four years at Notre Dame, is arguably the best guard in the NCAA. Watching her unleash her full potential and attempt to elevate the Horned Frogs to new heights will be a captivating storyline. And let's not forget UConn's Azzi Fudd, who is also expected to be a lottery pick. With Bueckers now in the WNBA, Fudd will have ample opportunities to shine and prove her worth. Expect a career year from her, as WNBA teams eagerly anticipate the chance to snag her with a top-five pick.
From the suspense of UConn's title defense to the fierce conference battles and the emergence of future WNBA stars, the 2025-26 NCAA season promises to be an unforgettable spectacle. Who do you think will be the breakout star of the season? Which team is being overlooked? And most importantly, do you believe UConn has what it takes to repeat? Let your voice be heard in the comments below!
