UConn Faces Fierce Competition in 2025–26 Title Hunt, Says Analyst
As Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies eye their record-extending 13th women’s basketball national championship, they won’t have an easy path. According to college basketball analyst Tee Baker, at least four powerhouse programs are primed to challenge UConn’s dominance in the 2025–26 season.
Speaking on the Big East Energy podcast with Mark Zanetto, Baker spotlighted LSU, UCLA, Tennessee, and Notre Dame as legitimate threats to derail the Huskies’ title ambitions.
LSU: Reloaded and Ready
Baker was quick to highlight Kim Mulkey’s squad as a top contender. Since winning the 2023 national title, the Lady Tigers have remained Elite Eight mainstays and just added key reinforcements:
- MiLaysia Fulwiley, a dynamic transfer from South Carolina
- Kate Koval, a talented forward from Notre Dame
- Four elite recruits from the high school ranks
“They didn’t get that big in Sarah Williams, but they just always find a way to reload,” Baker said (Timestamp 19:38). “And you know, Kim Mulkey is a great coach. She gets the best out of her players.”
UCLA: Twin Towers and Star Power
UCLA also made Baker’s list, powered by the interior dominance of sisters Lauren and Sienna Betts, along with top-tier coaching from Cori Close.
Despite offseason losses to the transfer portal, the Bruins bring back a stacked core including:
- Kiki Rice
- Charlisse Leger-Walker
- Gabriela Jaquez
- Timea Gardiner
- Angela Dugalic
They also added Gianna Kneepkens, another key portal pickup.
Tennessee: A Rising Force
Tennessee made waves last season — including a win over UConn — and Kim Caldwell has brought a spark to the program with her coaching energy and aggressive style.
“If I’m a young person, and I’m looking at colleges, like I’m calling Kim Caldwell and saying, ‘Hey, I would love to play for your program,’” Baker said. “That is a program that I think is really on the rise.” (Timestamp 20:21)
Notre Dame: Still Dangerous
Despite losing stars Olivia Miles and Kate Koval, Notre Dame remains in the mix, thanks to elite coaching from Niele Ivey and the continued presence of Hannah Hidalgo, one of the most electrifying guards in the country.
To reload, the Fighting Irish added:
- Vanessa de Jesus (guard)
- Gisela Sanchez (forward)
- Malaya Cowles (forward)
“Notre Dame, always, always a team that finds a way to make themselves elite,” Baker said (Timestamp 20:57). “Some transitions there, but they still have Hannah Hidalgo. They pulled from the portal. So I’m just very excited for the future of this sport.”
As the women’s game continues to grow, Baker believes rivalries like these only raise the bar — and UConn’s path to glory is shaping up to be one of their toughest challenges yet.
