Preseason Top 25 Power Rankings: South Carolina Reloads, UConn Reloads, and UCLA Looms Large
With the 2025–26 college basketball season fast approaching, I’ve released my preseason Top 25 rankings — a mix of talent, experience, and trust in the coaches who consistently deliver.
I’m not an AP voter (thankfully — it’s a lot of work), so this list is just for fun. In today’s transfer-heavy college basketball world, roster turnover makes it tricky to predict outcomes, so I tend to lean toward programs led by coaches I trust the most.
Below are explanations for my top 15 teams, followed by the rest of the list.
1. South Carolina
The Gamecocks came within a step of the national title last season — despite lacking a true go-to scorer and dominant inside presence. Coach Dawn Staley wasted no time fixing that. USC hit the transfer portal and landed Ta’Niya Latson, last year’s leading scorer nationally, and Madina Okot, arguably the top post player available.
“That’s how you address problems,” the article noted.
However, if Chloe Kitts’ knee injury turns out to be serious, the Gamecocks could swap spots with UConn.
2. UConn
The Huskies bring back Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd while adding Serah Williams, a 20-point, 10-rebound machine from the portal. They’re loaded once again, but replacing Paige Bueckers will be a monumental task. “Bueckers did so many irreplaceable things,” the writer said, giving South Carolina a slight edge.
3. UCLA
The Bruins return the nation’s most dominant player in Lauren Betts and add elite shooting with Gianna Kneepkens plus a healthy Charlisse Leger-Walker, who missed last season. The talent is there — now they just need to shake off their big-game nerves.
4. Texas
Vic Schaefer’s squad, led by Madison Booker, struggled in the biggest games of last season, but the Longhorns remain strong contenders. “Schaefer’s teams usually win the games they’re supposed to,” the analysis said, predicting another Final Four push.
5. TCU
Mark Campbell continues to master the transfer portal. This year, he added Olivia Miles, arguably the best player in the portal, and 6’7″ Clara Silva from Kentucky, while also getting Maddie Scherr back from injury. The Horned Frogs could be this year’s breakout team.
6. Oklahoma
The Sooners were solid but never felt like title contenders last season. That might change with their new trio — Raegan Beers, Payton Verhulst, and freshman phenom Aaliyah Chavez. “That inside-out combination is going to be hard to stop,” the article said.
7. LSU
The Tigers’ roster looks chaotic on paper, but Kim Mulkey always seems to make it work. Expect LSU to find its rhythm and land inside the top ten again.
8. Maryland
Brenda Frese continues to work her magic in the transfer portal, adding Yarden Garzon (Indiana) and Oluchi Okanawa (Duke) — both their former teams’ leading scorers. With those additions, “the Terps might finally break their Final Four drought.”
9. NC State
Like Frese, Wes Moore consistently gets the best out of his group. Though he loses stars Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James, Moore pulled off a July stunner by landing Khamil Pierre, who joins returning standout Zoe Brooks to keep the Wolfpack in contention.
10. Duke
The Blue Devils return Toby Fournier, last year’s ACC Freshman of the Year, and sharpshooter Ashlon Jackson, but losing Oluchi Okanawa could hurt their offensive consistency. Without a proven scorer, their ceiling might be limited.
11. Tennessee
In her first season, Kim Caldwell led the Lady Vols to a surprising 24–10 record, though they struggled against elite teams. Now, with the nation’s No. 2 recruiting class and veteran transfers Janiah Barker and Jersey Wolfenbarger, they’re poised for a big leap.
12. Ole Miss
After years of being “good but not great,” the Rebels took big swings in the portal. They landed former Mississippi State star Debreasha Powe and Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon — moves that could finally make them elite.
13. Michigan
Sophomore star Syla Swords returns, and she’ll have help from UCLA transfer Kendall Dudley. “They might not win it all, but they’ll scare plenty of teams — and be a blast to watch.”
14. Louisville
Jeff Walz’s teams always peak late in the year, and this one could do the same. The Cardinals bring back Tajianna Roberts and add Laura Ziegler, a double-double forward from St. Joe’s. Still, top-ten upside may be just out of reach.
15. North Carolina
Courtney Banghart continues to get maximum effort from her players, but this season’s Tar Heels may lack the star power needed to truly challenge for the ACC crown.
Rounding Out the Top 25
- Baylor
- Minnesota
- Vanderbilt
- Kentucky
- California
- Stanford
- Washington
- Ohio State
- Southern Cal
- Notre Dame
