The 2025-26 NCAA women's basketball season is shaping up to be nothing short of electrifying, and here’s the bold truth: even without JuJu Watkins, whose ACL injury has sidelined her for the season, this year promises to be a rollercoaster of high-stakes matchups, rising stars, and fierce rivalries. But here's where it gets controversial—can UConn truly defend their title without Paige Bueckers, or will the SEC powerhouses finally dethrone the Huskies? Let’s dive in.
With the WNBA season wrapped up, all eyes are now on the NCAA, where the drama is already brewing. The absence of JuJu Watkins, last year’s standout player, is undoubtedly a blow, but it’s far from the only story. The big question on everyone’s mind is whether UConn can pull off a repeat championship. Last season, Paige Bueckers finally secured the title that had eluded her, leading the Huskies to an 82-59 victory over South Carolina. Now, with Bueckers dominating in the WNBA alongside the Dallas Wings, UConn’s dynasty faces a new test. But don’t count them out just yet—the Huskies are still ranked No. 1 in the AP preseason poll, thanks to stars like Azzi Fudd, who averaged 13.6 points last year and is poised for an even bigger breakout, and Sarah Strong, whose dominance in the paint makes them a force to be reckoned with. Still, their early matchups against No. 20 Louisville and No. 13 Michigan in November will be a true litmus test.
And this is the part most people miss—UConn isn’t the only team with championship aspirations. South Carolina, ranked No. 2, is hungry for revenge after last year’s title game loss. Meanwhile, UCLA, sitting at No. 3, is another powerhouse to watch. Head coach Geno Auriemma has a history of squeezing every ounce of potential from his teams, but will it be enough for another back-to-back run? Or will this season end in a one-and-done heartbreak for the Huskies?
Now, let’s talk about the SEC—the conference that’s become synonymous with dominance. With eight teams in the top 25 and five in the top 10, the SEC is a juggernaut. LSU, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas are leading the charge, ensuring the South remains the epicenter of college basketball. The Gamecocks are favorites to win the SEC, but Texas and LSU are hot on their heels. Once conference play kicks off, expect a brutal battle for supremacy that will produce some of the highest-level basketball we’ve seen in years.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The 2026 WNBA Draft class is loaded with talent, making this season a must-watch for pro scouts and fans alike. Lauren Betts of UCLA is the early favorite to be the top pick, fresh off a season where she averaged 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds. After leading the Bruins to their first-ever Final Four appearance, she’s aiming to cap her college career with a national championship before going No. 1 in the draft—a path eerily similar to Bueckers’ own journey. Then there’s Olivia Miles, arguably the best guard in the NCAA, who’s now at TCU after four years at Notre Dame. Watching her unleash her full potential could be the season’s most thrilling subplot. And let’s not forget UConn’s Azzi Fudd, a projected lottery pick who’ll need to step up more than ever with Bueckers gone. Expect a career year from her as WNBA teams eagerly eye her as a top-five prospect.
From UConn’s title defense to the SEC’s relentless battles and the draft-bound stars lighting up the court, this season is packed with storylines that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. But here’s the real question: Who will rise to the top, and who will fall short? Let us know your predictions in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
