Get ready for an explosive NCAA season! The stage is set for an epic battle between powerhouses and a potential repeat champion.
As the WNBA season wraps up, all eyes turn to the NCAA calendar, and what a season it promises to be! But here's a twist: we won't be seeing the incredible JuJu Watkins, who suffered an ACL tear during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Despite this setback, the excitement remains high, with a potential UConn repeat on the horizon.
Can UConn reign supreme once more? Before we dive into the rest of the contenders, let's focus on the reigning champions. Last year, Paige Bueckers led UConn to their long-awaited title, defeating South Carolina 82-59. Now, with Bueckers dominating in the WNBA, the Huskies are still the team to beat. They've earned the top spot in the AP preseason poll, and with Azzi Fudd's improved scoring average and Sarah Strong's dominance inside, they're poised for another successful run. But here's where it gets controversial: can they repeat as champions, or will they fall short this time?
The SEC's Dominance: A Force to Be Reckoned With
The SEC is a powerhouse conference, and this season is no exception. With eight teams ranked in the top 25 and five in the top 10, the SEC is a force to be reckoned with. LSU, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas are leading the charge, and the conference is expected to dominate once again. The Gamecocks are the favorites to win the SEC, but Texas and LSU are close behind. Once conference play begins, it's going to be an intense battle, resulting in some incredible basketball action.
And This Is the Part Most People Miss...
While the focus is often on the present, it's essential to keep an eye on the future. The upcoming 2026 WNBA Draft class is stacked with talent, and these players are ready to make their mark in their final year of amateur basketball. Lauren Betts of UCLA is the leading candidate for the top pick, averaging an impressive 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds last year. Olivia Miles, a potential star guard, will be playing for TCU this season after her time at Notre Dame. And let's not forget about UConn's Azzi Fudd, who is expected to be a lottery pick. With Bueckers gone, Fudd will have a bigger role, and she's expected to have a career year. WNBA teams are already salivating at the prospect of drafting her.
From the potential UConn repeat to the intense battles within top conferences and the exciting draft prospects, the 2025-26 NCAA season is shaping up to be a thrilling ride. So, who do you think will emerge as champions? Will the SEC dominance continue? And who will be the top picks in the WNBA Draft? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Let's discuss and debate!
