The transfer portal has closed, and the whirlwind of coaching changes in women’s college basketball has calmed down. So, let’s take a moment to consider what next season might look like.
While we don’t have the full schedule yet, some significant matchups have already been confirmed.
TCU is expected to host the return game for the Home and Home Series, as reported on November 16th. LSU will be facing former Gamecock Milaysia Fulwiley this season. Although the tip-off will return to Charlotte, the other participating team hasn’t been announced yet.
Finding an official schedule online is challenging right now. Many coaches are still adding games, finalizing details, and sorting out important dates for potential conflicts. Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, here are a few key games to mark on your calendar.
UConn vs. Louisville: November 4th (Germany)
UConn begins its title defense at a military classic on Ramstein Air Force Base. While Paige Bueckers has moved on, other key players like KK Arnold, Janael Alfie, Caroline Dusham, Ashlyn Shade, and Ice Brady remain, along with strong returnees like Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong. The Huskies have also secured Wisconsin’s Thera Williams, an All-Big Ten forward.
Louisville, under Jeff Waltz, aims to build on a solid finish from the previous season. Waltz navigated the transfer portal, losing three key players but bringing in three new faces. One notable addition is Laura Ziegler, who last season averaged 17.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game—an impressive feat as she was the only player nationwide to achieve at least those stats.
Tennessee vs. North Carolina: November 4th (Greensboro, North Carolina)
Although Greensboro won’t be hosting ACC tournaments this season, it’s set to kick off the college basketball year in style. This historic venue promises a vibrant atmosphere, uniting two enthusiastic fan bases. It’s just a short drive from Raleigh and a bit farther from Knoxville, making it an ideal location.
The Wolfpack will look a bit different, as Saniya Rivers, Aziaha James, and Madison Hayes have turned pro. However, the star pairing of Zoe Brooks and Tilda Trygger is back. Meanwhile, Tennessee has strengthened its roster adding three solid players from the transfer portal, including NYA Robertson from SMU, Jersey Wolfenbarger from LSU, and Janiah Barker from UCLA.
USC vs. South Carolina: November 15th
This matchup, known as the Battle of “The Real SC,” sees the Gamecocks travel to LA to face USC in the first of a two-game series, with the return game scheduled for Greenville in 2026-27.
Juju Watkins may not participate in this one, but it will provide insights into each team’s capabilities. South Carolina will field a reshuffled roster, with key players Raven Johnson, Chloe Kitts, Tessa Johnson, and Joyce Edwards returning, alongside newcomers Tanya Rutson and Madina Ocotte. For USC, the performance of Rondine Jones and Karadan will be pivotal, especially without Watkins.
Texas vs. UCLA: Thanksgiving weekend (Las Vegas)
This matchup is set to be part of a bustling multi-team event in Las Vegas. Following its debut in last year’s men’s tournament, the player ERA Championship will include Duke, South Carolina, Texas, and UCLA in a round-robin format, with each team playing three games. There’s also the chance for substantial prize money.
The Duke vs. South Carolina clash will be particularly intriguing, a rematch from the elite eight, while Texas faces UCLA. Both programs boast top-tier frontcourt players with Madison Booker back for the Longhorns and Lauren Betts ready for her senior season with the Bruins. This matchup might reveal a lot about both teams’ potential as they aim for the Final Four.
