Five things we learned during opening week of the women’s college basketball season

Just under a week into the women’s college basketball season for 2025-26, we’ve already begun to grasp how various newcomers are integrating into their roles and how notable players have reestablished themselves in comfortable environments.

UConn, the reigning national champion, exemplifies both aspects. Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, pivotal in last season’s NCAA championship journey, spearheaded the No. 1 Huskies to a season-opening triumph over Louisville, winning 79-66 on Tuesday. Transfers Serah Williams and Kayleigh Heckel appear set to make significant contributions to UConn as well.

UCLA, which reached the Final Four for the first time during the NCAA era last season, is currently on a 2-0 run as they gear up for a clash against No. 6 Oklahoma on Monday. Alongside returning players Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Kiki Rice, the starting lineup now features Charlisse Leger-Walker, who missed the previous season due to a knee injury after transferring from Washington State, and Gianna Kneepkens, who transferred from Utah this year. Both guards are expected to play essential roles for the Bruins this season.

Olivia Miles, another prominent guard transfer, debuted for No. 17 TCU on Thursday with a performance that contributed to an 82-43 win against North Carolina A&T. Meanwhile, guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, who moved from South Carolina to LSU, has been a part of the Tigers’ undefeated start, which stands at 2-0.

No. 2 South Carolina and No. 16 Baylor captured attention Monday during the opening day. Let’s delve deeper into our observations.

UConn appears to fit the profile of a title contender

Geno Auriemma referred to UConn’s opening victory over No. 20 Louisville as a “remarkable success,” and while it wasn’t flawless—the Huskies allowed the Cardinals to reduce a 28-point lead to 10 in the fourth quarter—it illustrated why UConn is the favorite for another championship. The Huskies faced challenges from the 3-point line (4-for-26) but dominated inside (50-18) and set a pace that afforded them the initial advantage. They established a 25-9 lead after the first quarter and were up by 21 at halftime.

Fudd and Strong mostly resumed their roles from the Final Four. Strong (21 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals) made crucial baskets when Louisville sought to narrow the gap, reaffirming her status as one of the country’s brightest young athletes. Junior KK Arnold and USC transfer Heckel performed notably as well. However, for the Huskies to achieve true dominance, increased contributions from Williams, a Wisconsin transfer, and guard Ashlynn Shade would be beneficial. — Alexa Philippou

Hidalgo stands out as Notre Dame’s key player

While Hannah Hidalgo was Notre Dame’s standout during her initial two seasons in South Bend, she had star players like Sonia Citron and Olivia Miles alongside her. The Irish’s success didn’t hinge solely on Hidalgo’s capabilities, but that dynamic has shifted.

This version of Notre Dame undeniably rests on Hidalgo’s shoulders, bringing significant responsibility. The Irish’s achievements hinge on her elite performance. Though more significant challenges await, Hidalgo exemplified excellence during Wednesday’s 98-52 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson. The 5-foot-6 junior set the early rhythm, scoring 11 of the team’s first 19 points, culminating in an impressive 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. All five starters contributed double-digit scoring, but Hidalgo is the driving force behind Notre Dame’s success. — Creme

Fulwiley apparently finds a solid home at LSU

Fulwiley was seen as a strong fit at South Carolina, a local talent who would contribute titles for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks. She was indeed part of the 2024 NCAA championship squad as an exciting freshman. Last year saw her endure highs and lows on a South Carolina team that fell short in the NCAA finals. She has now transitioned to rival LSU, seeking a fresh start in the same conference.

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The junior guard came off the bench to score 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting during Tuesday’s 108-55 victory against Houston Christian. She added 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in just 13 minutes during Thursday’s 115-26 rout of SE Louisiana. Fulwiley, alongside sophomore post player Kate Koval (averaging 7.0 points and 4.0 rebounds), is poised to be a key transfer for LSU this season. Additionally, the performance of the Tigers’ freshman class will be crucial as they support senior Flau’jae Johnson and junior Mikaylah Williams, both returning stars at LSU. — Voepel

Tennessee continues to struggle to regain its position among the SEC’s elite

Prior to Tennessee’s upset of eventual national champion UConn in a nonconference matchup in early February, last season’s Lady Vols faced challenges. They could defeat teams lower in the SEC standings but found it difficult to overcome stronger competitors. Tuesday’s 80-77 loss to NC State mirrored that pattern. A seven-point lead in the third quarter vanished, along with the opportunity for a pivotal victory.

With the inclusion of top recruit Mya Pauldo (10 points) and one of the top-portal players, Janiah Barker (15 points), as well as a notably improved Talaysia Cooper (23 points), this Tennessee roster could be seen as more talented than last year’s. Nevertheless, without improved shooting (34.2% in the second half against NC State) and the capacity to set up their press or control the offensive rebounding (NC State secured one extra offensive board), the Lady Vols may struggle to conquer the top SEC teams. — Creme

Could this be the year the Cyclones fulfill their potential with Audi Crooks?

Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly did not hold back when discussing the impact of last season’s nonconference defeats on his team’s reputation.

«At the beginning of the season, people likely viewed us as being better than we truly were,» he stated. «By season’s end, they likely considered us worse than we really were.»

Iowa State kicked off the previous season ranked No. 8, but setbacks against Northern Iowa, South Carolina, and Iowa dropped the Cyclones out of the Top 25; a lopsided defeat by UConn only added to their struggles.

However, from February onwards, Iowa State improved, losing only to the two strongest Big 12 teams—TCU and Baylor—and subsequently to Michigan in the NCAA tournament. Throughout this period, center Audi Crooks stood out, leading the Big 12 in scoring (23.4 PPG) and field goal percentage (60.5).

In two victories this season, Crooks is averaging 24.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 70.5%. Fellow junior Addy Brown contributes 8.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, and guard transfer Jada Williams averages 13.0 points and 4.5 assists. Although the No. 14 Cyclones lack notable nonconference rivals like UConn and South Carolina this season, they have the opportunity to build significant confidence and wins prior to the commencement of the Big 12 action. — Voepel