It’s only been a few days since the start of the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season, but it’s already apparent that some players from the transfer portal are making a significant impact with their new teams.
Take Laura Ziegler from Louisville, for instance. In her first game, the Cardinals faced off against the top-ranked team in Annapolis, Maryland. Despite the loss, she showcased her skills by leading her squad with 15 points and 18 rebounds. On the opposing side, former USC guard Kayleigh Heckel contributed 14 points and two assists in just 23 minutes off the bench for the Huskies.
Meanwhile, in Paris, Talia Scott, a former Auburn guard, played a crucial role for No. 16 Baylor during their upset over No. 7 Duke, scoring 24 points, grabbing five rebounds, and dishing out three assists in their 58-52 victory. At Ole Miss, four transfers were key contributors, each scoring in double figures to help the Rebels win their opener against Norfolk State. In Notre Dame’s match against Fairleigh Dickinson, Kansas State transfer Gisela Sanchez recorded a double-double, while former Duke guard Vanessa De Jesus achieved a personal best with 22 points. Not to forget Milesia Fulwilly, also one of the offseason’s notable transfers, who debuted impressively for LSU with 21 points, seven steals, and four rebounds.
Here are a few more transfers who really stood out in their initial games:
Tanya Latson, South Carolina
Latson hadn’t played alongside Raven Johnson in about four years, but their chemistry was apparent in South Carolina’s victory over Grand Canyon. In her debut, Latson scored 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting, along with four assists and a steal in 28 minutes. The Gamecocks traditionally focus on solid post play, but it seems they may shift to a lineup featuring three elite guards this season.
“She makes things easy. My instinct is to go her way,” Johnson remarked about Latson. “Honestly, she brings out the best in me. She makes me play harder.”
Oluchi Onanwa, Maryland
Onanwa, in his debut with Maryland, hit a personal best of four 3-pointers in just 17 minutes, wrapping up the game with 18 points, two rebounds, and three assists in their dominant 80-26 win against Loyola. In the next game, he added 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in another comfortable win over UMBC. As a former ACC Tournament MVP and Player of the Year, he’s poised to be a major player for the Terps this year.
Haley Timmer, Oklahoma
Timmer, coming from South Dakota State, is also off to a fantastic start with the Cowgirls. She scored 18 points, grabbed five rebounds, and handed out six assists in a win against New Orleans, following that up with 22 points in a victory over East Texas A&M. With a shooting percentage of 66.7% from beyond the arc, she’s likely to be a constant threat for Jaycee Hoyt’s team.
“She’s a winner,” said Hoyt, emphasizing Timmer’s impressive track record. “It’s crazy to think she’s won about 88 percent of her college games.”
Last Tear Pore, Arizona
Pore, who saw around 15 minutes of play each game over three seasons at LSU, seems set to be an important asset for the Sun Devils under coach Molly Miller. In Arizona State’s opening win against Coppin State, she posted a career-high 10 assists along with five points and four rebounds in 29 minutes of play. As she continues her sixth year in college basketball, she may become a steady influence in the backcourt.
Kelsey Gardner, Idaho
Returning to Pullman, Washington, Gardner set personal bests with 26 points, nine rebounds, six 3-pointers, and five steals for the Cougars in a thrilling 87-85 win against Idaho. This victory marks a significant achievement for the Vandals, as it’s their first win over Washington State since 1998. Gardner is definitely one to watch in the Big Sky Conference this season.
Camille Pierre, North Carolina
Pierre played a pivotal role in Wolfpack’s 80-77 win against Tennessee, the only top-10 matchup of the week in Greensboro, North Carolina. The junior forward from Vanderbilt led NC State’s scoring and rebounding effort with 21 points and 14 boards. In her last three outings against the Lady Vols, she averages 19 points and 12.3 rebounds.
“I don’t think we protected her well,” said Tennessee coach Kim Caldwell, acknowledging Pierre’s impact. “She’s an exceptional transition player. I really think she’s one of the best in the nation.” He noted her elusive ability to secure rebounds as a key asset.
