Imagine college basketball as a grand puzzle, where each team is a unique masterpiece waiting to be assembled. But here's the twist: the pieces are constantly evolving, shaped by the dynamic landscape of college athletics. Revenue-sharing funds, NIL paychecks, and the transfer portal all play a role in redefining the edges of these puzzle pieces. And this is where it gets fascinating: coaches are the master puzzle solvers, tasked with fitting up to 15 distinct pieces into a cohesive team. The 2025-26 season promises to be a thrilling display of this artistry, as we witness the rise of new stars, the resurgence of programs, and the ultimate quest for the national title in Phoenix. But which team will masterfully connect all the pieces to claim the championship? Let's dive into the top 25 preview and explore the intricate puzzles each team is piecing together.
1. UConn: The reigning champions start as the top piece, but with Paige Bueckers moving on, the puzzle shifts. Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong step into the spotlight, supported by a strong recruiting class. Controversially, can UConn maintain its dominance without Bueckers? The early tests against Louisville, Ohio State, and Michigan will provide clues.
2. South Carolina: After a heartbreaking loss in the championship, the Gamecocks add Ta’Niya Latson, a scoring machine. But here's the question: Can Latson seamlessly integrate into a team already rich in talent? The Players Era Championship in Las Vegas will be a pivotal moment.
3. UCLA: Cori Close faces a rebuild after significant departures, but with Lauren Betts anchoring the team, the Bruins remain a force. Interestingly, the addition of Gianna Kneepkens could be the missing piece for a deep tournament run.
4. Oklahoma: The Sooners’ fast-paced offense returns key players like Raegan Beers and Payton Verhulst. However, can freshman Aaliyah Chavez live up to the hype? Their nonconference schedule will test their mettle.
5. LSU: Kim Mulkey’s blueprint of speed and athleticism is on full display with Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams leading the charge. The debate: Can the Tigers’ new additions gel quickly enough to challenge for a title?
6. Texas: Vic Schaefer’s team is built on defense and rebounding, with Madison Booker and Rori Harmon at the helm. A bold prediction: Freshman Aaliyah Crump could be the X-factor in their quest for an SEC title.
7. Tennessee: Kim Caldwell’s chaotic system worked last year, but can it sustain success? The key: Transfers like Janiah Barker and Nya Robertson must fit seamlessly into the Lady Vols’ puzzle.
8. Duke: Kara Lawson’s Blue Devils are hungry after an Elite Eight run. A point of contention: Can Toby Fournier avoid the sophomore slump and lead Duke to greater heights?
9. North Carolina: Courtney Banghart’s Tar Heels welcome a strong recruiting class, but the real question: Can transfers like Elina Aarnisalo fill the scoring void left by departing veterans?
10. Mississippi: Yolett McPhee-McCuin’s ‘load and reload’ strategy brings in eight transfers. The intrigue: Can Cotie McMahon and Kaitlin Peterson instantly elevate the Rebels to NCAA Tournament contenders?
11. Maryland: Brenda Frese is a master of the transfer portal, but the challenge: Can new additions like Yarden Garzon and Oluchi Okananwa replace all-conference talent?
12. NC State: Wes Moore’s Wolfpack gains a game-changer in Khamil Pierre. The debate: Can Pierre and Zoe Brooks lead NC State to a breakthrough season?
13. Iowa State: The Cyclones rely on the one-two punch of Audi Crooks and Addy Brown. However, can they find consistent support from the rest of the roster?
14. Michigan: Kim Barnes Arico’s young Wolverines are growing up fast. A bold take: Olivia Olson and Syla Swords could become one of the nation’s most dynamic duos.
15. Baylor: Nicki Collen’s Bears add scoring and size through the portal. The question: Can they challenge for the Big 12 title with their new-look roster?
16. Michigan State: Robyn Fralick leans on veterans like Grace VanSlooten and Theryn Hallock. The intrigue: Can transfer Jalyn Brown be the missing piece for a deep tournament run?
17. Vanderbilt: Shea Ralph’s Commodores are on the rise, led by freshman sensation Mikayla Blakes. The debate: Can Blakes carry the scoring load, or will new additions like Aalyah Del Rosario step up?
18. TCU: Mark Campbell’s transfer portal strategy pays off with Olivia Miles joining the fray. A bold prediction: TCU could be a dark horse in the Big 12 this season.
19. Oklahoma State: Jacie Hoyt’s fast-paced system returns key players like Stailee Heard and Micah Gray. The question: Can the Cowgirls defend their way to another NCAA Tournament bid?
20. Richmond: The Spiders aim for a conference threepeat with Maggie Doogan leading the charge. However, can they overcome a tough nonconference schedule?
21. Notre Dame: Niele Ivey rebuilds with Hannah Hidalgo as the cornerstone. The intrigue: Can transfers like Iyana Moore and Malaya Cowles provide the necessary support?
22. Minnesota: Dawn Plitzuweit’s veteran group is hungry for a Big Ten title. A point of contention: Can Mara Braun stay healthy and lead the Golden Gophers to success?
23. Iowa: Jan Jensen’s Hawkeyes rely on veterans like Hannah Stuelke. The debate: Can sophomore transfer Chazadi Wright stabilize the point guard position?
24. Louisville: Jeff Walz rebuilds with Tajianna Roberts and key transfers. The question: Can this new roster puzzle come together in time for a strong ACC showing?
25. Princeton: Carla Berube’s Tigers preach consistency, but the challenge: Can they overcome early road tests against Power Five opponents?
As the season unfolds, these puzzles will take shape, and the teams that masterfully connect their pieces will rise to the top. The ultimate question: Who will solve the puzzle first and claim the national championship? Share your thoughts in the comments—which team’s puzzle has you most intrigued?
