On3’s preliminary Top 25 ranking for women’s basketball is taking shape as rosters are solidified through the ongoing transfer portal. With most high-profile transfers already settled, this list may change depending on where the remaining key players end up.
1. South Carolina
Departures: Sakima Walker (1.4 PPG), MiLaysia Fulwiley (11.7 PPG), Te-Hina Paopao (9.4 PPG), Sania Feagin (8.1 PPG), Bree Hall (6.3 PPG)
Returning players: Joyce Edwards (12.7 PPG), Chloe Kitts (10.2 PPG), Ashlyn Watkins (7.2 PPG), Raven Johnson (4.9 PPG), Maddy McDaniel (3.1 PPG), Maryam Dauda (2 PPG), Adhel Tac (1.6 PPG), Tessa Johnson (8.4 PPG)
New transfers: Ta’Niya Latson (25.2 PPG at Florida State), Madina Okot (11.3 PPG at Mississippi State)
Incoming freshmen: Agot Makeer (5-star), Ayla McDowell (5-star)
2. UConn
Departures: Qadence Samuels (1.3 PPG), Kaitlyn Chen (6.9 PPG), Paige Bueckers (19.9 PPG), Aubrey Griffin (4.4 PPG)
Returning players: Azzi Fudd (13.6 PPG), Caroline Ducharme (1.2 PPG), KK Arnold (5.5 PPG), Ashlynn Shade (7.7 PPG), Ice Brady (3.6 PPG), Ayanna Patterson, Jana El Alfy (5 PPG), Morgan Cheli (2.5 PPG), Allie Ziebell (2.8 PPG), Sarah Strong (16.4 PPG)
New transfers: Serah Williams (19.2 PPG)
Incoming freshmen: Kelis Fisher (5-star), Blanca Quinonez, Gandy Malou-Mamel (4-star)
3. Texas
Departures: Abbie Boutilier (DNP), Jordana Codio (1.4 PPG), Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda (5.6 PPG), Laila Phelia (16.8 PPG – to Michigan), Taylor Jones (11.9 PPG), Shay Holle (6.2 PPG)
Returning players: Madison Booker (16.3 PPG), Rori Harmon (9.3 PPG), Kyla Oldacre (8.8 PPG), Jordan Lee (5.8 PPG), Justice Carlton (5 PPG), Bryanna Preston (4.4 PPG), Sarah Graves (0.2 PPG – 9 games), Aaliyah Moore (7.9 PPG)
New transfers: Teya Sidberry (12.5 PPG at Boston College), Breya Cunningham (11 PPG at Arizona), Ashton Judd (11.6 PPG at Missouri), Lovisa Asbrink Hose (3.4 PPG at FAU)
Incoming freshmen: Aaliyah Crump (5-star)
4. UCLA
Departures: Avary Cain (1.5 PPG), Zania Socka-Nguemen (1.5 PPG), Kendall Dudley (1.9 PPG), Elina Aarnisalo (5.1 PPG), Janiah Barker (7.4 PPG), Londynn Jones (8.5 PPG)
Returning players: Lauren Betts (20.2 PPG), Kiki Rice (12.8 PPG), Gabriela Jaquez (9.6 PPG), Timea Gardiner (7.6 PPG), Angela Dugalic (7.4 PPG), Charlisse Leger-Walker (16.6 PPG)
New transfers: Gianna Kneepkens (19.3 PPG at Utah)
Incoming freshmen: Lena Bilic, Sienna Betts (5-star)
5. LSU
Departures: Amani Bartlett (0.6 PPG), Last-Tear Poa (2 PPG), Aalyah Del Rosario (2 PPG), Mjracle Sheppard (3.9 PPG), Jersey Wolfenbarger (4.6 PPG), Sa’Myah Smith (6.6 PPG), Aneesah Morrow (18.7 PPG), Shayeann Day-Wilson (3.5 PPG)
Returning players: Flau’jae Johnson (18.6 PPG), Mikaylah Williams (17.3 PPG), Kailyn Gilbert (9.1 PPG), Jada Richard (2.8 PPG), Izzy Besselman (0.3 PPG)
New transfers: Kate Koval (5.3 PPG at Notre Dame), MiLaysia Fulwiley (11.7 PPG at South Carolina), Amiya Joyner (15 PPG at East Carolina)
Incoming freshmen: Grace Knox (5-star), ZaKiyah Johnson (5-star), Divine Bourrage (5-star), Bella Hines (4-star)
6. Duke
Departures: Jenessa Cotton (1 PPG – 8 games), Louann Battiston (1.3 PPG), Vanessa de Jesus (3.1 PPG), Oluchi Okananwa (10.1 PPG), Reigan Richardson (8.8 PPG)
Returning players: Taina Mair (6.7 PPG), Emma Koabel (1.5 PPG), Ashlon Jackson (12.4 PPG), Jadyn Donovan (5.1 PPG), Jordan Wood (4.1 PPG), Delaney Thomas (7.1 PPG), Riley Nelson (5.1 PPG), Toby Fournier (13.2 PPG)
New transfers: N/A
Incoming freshmen: Emilee Skinner (5-star)
7. Tennessee
Departures: Favor Ayodele (1 PPG), Destinee Wells (1.3 PPG – 9 games), Avery Strickland (1.9 PPG), Jewel Spear (12.5 PPG), Samara Spencer (10.6 PPG), Tess Darby (6.4 PPG)
Returning players: Talaysia Cooper (16.6 PPG), Zee Spearman (11.7 PPG), Ruby Whitehorn (11.6 PPG)
New transfers: Nya Robertson (18.5 PPG at SMU), Janiah Barker (7.4 PPG at UCLA)
Incoming freshmen: Mia Pauldo (5-star), Mya Pauldo (4-star), Jaida Civil (5-star)
Honorable Mentions
Nebraska, Illinois, Richmond, Mississippi State, Baylor, USC, Oklahoma State
