Our way-too-early top 10 women's basketball teams entering 2026-27
Here's a breakdown of predictions for which NCAA women's basketball teams will finish in the top 10 rankings for the 2026-27 season.
The 2025-26 women's college basketball season ended spectacularly at the Final Four in Phoenix. The national semifinals brought drama between coaches , appearances from legendary alumni of the teams and high anticipation for next season. Here are The Arizona Republic's way-too-early top 10 team rankings for next season.
(Spoiler: National finalist UCLA didn't make our list because so many players have exhausted their eligibility. ) UConn : Despite losing All-American Azzi Fudd and Serah Williams to graduation, and UConn's 54-game win streak snapped by South Carolina in the Final Four, the Huskies are returning most of their rotation and four starters in National Player of the Year Sarah Strong, Blanca Quinonez, KK Arnold, plus adding top-recruited incoming freshman big Olivia Vukosa. Michigan : After the Wolverines were in the USA TODAY Sports team poll's top 10 most of this season, they're running it back with this year's best sophomore core and perimeter play, including All-American Olivia Olson, Mila Holloway, Syla Swords and Te'Yala Delfosse after losing to Texas in the Elite Eight.
USC : JuJu Watkins' return from her season-long knee injury absence to join Jazzy Davidson, Kennedy Smith, and the nation's No. 1 recruit Saniyah Hall will help the Trojans return to prominence. JuJu Watkins said at Team USA practice Friday she needs “a couple more months” to fully participate (tore her ACL during USC’s 2025 NCAA tourney win vs Mississippi State, missed this season).
Watkins added that USC’s rival UCLA reaching 2 straight Final Fours helps motivate her. pic. twitter.