Early results from the 2025–26 women’s college basketball season suggest the usual powers are right back where we expect them, firmly on track for the 2026 NCAA Tournament. It is starting to feel a bit like Stranger Things Season 5, familiar faces, same setting, but a more mature and battle-tested cast.

The Familiar Top Tier

As we close out 2025, the Top 5 features no surprises: UConn at No. 1, Texas at No. 2, South Carolina at No. 3, UCLA at No. 4, and LSU at No. 5. Michigan, Kentucky, TCU, Maryland, and Michigan State round out the Top 10.

No. 1 UConn, the defending national champions, has cruised through the opening portion of the season, with No. 6 Michigan providing the lone real scare in a tight 72–69 win. Azzi Fudd (18.5 ppg) and Sarah Strong (18.3 ppg) headline a balanced offense, while freshman forward Blanca Quiñonez (10.3 ppg) has contributed early. The depth is real, the execution is sharp, and Geno Auriemma’s fingerprints are all over this group. Looking ahead, it would not be surprising to see the Huskies arrive in Phoenix undefeated for yet another Final Four appearance.

No. 2 Texas is another unbeaten juggernaut at 14-0, already eclipsing 100 points in six games. Their biggest test came during the Thanksgiving Players Era Tour final, where they edged No. 3 South Carolina 66-64. The Longhorns are built for March, with a balanced attack led by junior forward Madison Booker (18.7 ppg) and sophomore guard Jordan Lee (15.0 ppg). Six different players average at least 9.4 points per game, making Texas difficult to defend on any given night.

No. 3 South Carolina checks in at 12-1, their lone loss coming to Texas. The Gamecocks remain a strong bet to reach at least the Elite Eight, though conference play will test them. They narrowly escaped No. 16 Louisville 79–77 in the ACC/SEC Challenge, showing that cracks can form. A rematch with Texas in Columbia on January 15 should go a long way in shaping the national picture. Joyce Edwards leads the way at 22.0 ppg, with Ta’Niya Latson close behind at 17.4.

Teams That Could Disrupt the Script

Because I always lean toward the underdog, two teams outside the top tier stand out as potential disruptors. Iowa State and Notre Dame both sit in the Top 20 and feature players capable of flipping a tournament game on its head.

Audi Crooks has been electric for Iowa State, averaging 28.9 points per game with three 40-point performances already this season. Her presence warps defenses and forces opponents to adjust immediately. The Cyclones’ win over rival Iowa at home was a statement moment, proof they are more than a one-player story. Conference play will tell us how real this run is, but the ceiling is intriguing.

Hannah Hidalgo is another must-watch star, averaging 25.1 points per game for Notre Dame. She represents the modern era of college basketball, where on-court performance and brand building now go hand in hand. The Irish are 9–2, though losses to Michigan and Ole Miss showed there is still work to be done. They are a long shot, but they are dangerous in the right matchup.

Others Worth Watching

As the calendar flips to 2026, several other teams are worth tracking closely. Michigan’s only loss came against UConn. LSU remains unbeaten at 13-0. Maryland has rolled through the early season but faces a Big Ten reality check beginning January 11 against Ohio State. TCU also enters the new year undefeated at 11-0. Conference play will decide how many of these teams are real contenders and how many fade into the background.

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