As women’s college basketball transitions into the 2024-25 season, fans will notice significant changes. Two of the sport’s leading figures, Caitlin Clark from Iowa and Angel Reese of LSU, have moved on.

Nevertheless, new talents will step into the spotlight alongside some returning players aiming to lead their teams, all in an effort to unseat the reigning champions, South Carolina.

Here’s the annual preview from YSL News Sports, highlighting the Top 25 teams according to the preseason coaches’ poll for women’s college basketball.

1. South Carolina (38-0)

Points: 770 (27 first-place votes). Previous year’s ranking: 1

The Gamecocks are on the lookout for their next star in the post position, with freshman Joyce Edwards showing promise. Fortunately, South Carolina retains a strong lineup, including MiLaysia Fulwiley, Te-Hina Paopao, and Tessa Johnson, all eager for another championship run. Under Dawn Staley’s leadership, the team will avoid complacency and stay focused on their goals.

2. Connecticut (33-6)

Points: 734 (3 first-place votes). Previous year’s ranking: 3.

It’s surprising, but UConn hasn’t claimed a national title since Breanna Stewart’s departure in 2016, largely due to injuries. However, with Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd back at full strength, along with a deeper roster that includes Princeton transfer Kaitlyn Chen, the Huskies are in a strong position for a shot at the championship.

3. Southern California (29-6)

Points: 716 (1 first-place vote). Previous year’s ranking: 6.

Juju Watkins is the name to watch for the Trojans. With star players like Stanford transfer Kiki Iriafen and returning center Rayah Marshall supporting her, the team is well-equipped for success. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb’s new recruiting class adds to their talent pool, and anything short of reaching the Final Four will be seen as a disappointment.

4. Texas (33-5)

Points: 670. Previous year’s ranking: 5.

Madison Booker is a top contender for national player of the year, and point guard Rori Harmon is expected to return from injury. However, they face the challenge of replacing DeYona Gaston, a key player who transferred. Establishing a reliable outside shooting threat will be essential, as last season, no rotation player shot above 40% from distance.

5. Notre Dame (28-7)

Points: 629. Previous year’s ranking: 11.

The backcourt duo of Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles, who is returning from injury, is one of the finest in the nation. While Maddy Westbeld is a consistent scoring option, she’ll miss the beginning of the season due to an injury. With nine returning players from last season’s ACC tournament champions, watch for Liatu King to make a significant impact as a double-double machine.

6. UCLA (27-7)

Points: 612. Previous year’s ranking: 9.

Despite the impressive talent on the Bruins, three-point shooting may prove to be a hurdle. Nevertheless, they can count on the skills of Kiki Rice and Lauren Betts as they adapt to the Big Ten. Like many of the top-ranked teams, transfers add depth and new dynamics, with Washington State’s Charlisse Leger-Walker and Timea Gardiner from Oregon State joining the team.

7. LSU (31-6)

Points: 567. Previous year’s ranking: 7.

Key players Flau’Jae Johnson and Aneesah Morrow are anticipated to have standout performances. Coach Kim Mulkey’s strategy will rely heavily on their strong guard play, which could propel the Tigers back to the Final Four and into title contention.

8. North Carolina State (31-7)

Points: 533. Previous year’s ranking: 4.

The Wolfpack aims to build on their previous Final Four experience. Their backcourt, featuring Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers, is strong and competitive against top talent. However, they will need to find a replacement for River Baldwin in the post. New additions include 6-4 transfer Caitlin Weimar and 6-5 freshman Lorena Awou, who will be significant contributors, especially defensively.

9. Iowa State (21–12)

Points: 487. Previous year’s final ranking: Not ranked.

Audi Crooks might be the standout player that many fans are unaware of, but that’s about to change. She is the key player for the Cyclones and will greatly benefit from the return of Emily Ryan for her fifth season. Moreover, the arrival of Marquette transfer Kenzie Hare adds an outside shooting threat to Iowa State’s lineup. This team is considered the best in the Big 12, but unlike in 2023, the Cyclones will no longer surprise their opponents.

10. Oklahoma (23-10)

Points: 457. Previous year’s final ranking: 20.

The return of Liz Scott from injury is significant for Oklahoma, even though the Sooners managed to win the Big 12 last year without her. Now competing in the SEC, they are equipped with the experience of Payton Verhulst, Sahara Williams, and Oregon State transfer Raegan Beers, offering a solid inside-outside balance essential for the physical play needed in the SEC.

11. Duke (22-12)

Points: 449. Previous year’s final ranking: 21.

Duke’s head coach Kara Lawson emphasizes team chemistry, and the Blue Devils have plenty of it, with four starters returning. In most seasons, they would be the favorite in the ACC. The team is led by senior guard Reigan Richardson, along with Tania Mair and Oluchi Okananwa, the ACC’s sixth player of the year, who face challenging early-season games against Maryland and South Carolina.

12. Baylor (26-8)

Points: 434. Previous year’s final ranking: 15.

Look for guard Jada Walker to significantly increase her scoring, while her backcourt partner Sarah Andrews returns to help the Bears aim for more than just a Sweet 16 finish from last season. They have multiple players, including Aaronette Vonleh, Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, and Bella Fontleroy, ready to share the scoring responsibilities.

13. Kansas State (26-8)

Points: 407. Previous year’s final ranking: 18.

Jeff Mittie is guiding Kansas State in a positive direction. Having been a top-four regional seed in the NCAA women’s tournament for the first time since 2005, the Wildcats have the potential to claim the Big 12 title. Most of last year’s roster returns, including Ayoka Lee, who is likely the top center in the nation. They have also recruited Temira Poindexter from Tulsa, a strong scorer, to enhance their frontcourt alongside Lee.

14. Ohio State (26-6)

Points: 405. Previous year’s final ranking: 14.

The Buckeyes, last season’s Big Ten regular season champions, will face a more competitive conference with the addition of USC and UCLA, but they are expected to remain competitive at the top. Although they have lost several key players, Cotie McMahon stands out as a star. The transfers Ajae Perry (Kentucky) and Chance Gray (Oregon) are set to contribute, along with high expectations for highly-regarded freshman Jaloni Cambridge.

15. West Virginia (25-8)

Points: 285. Previous year’s final ranking: 25.

Mark Kellogg had a strong debut season at West Virginia, culminating in a second-round appearance in the NCAA tournament. Most of the starting lineup returns, led by JJ Quinerly, last season’s Big 12 defensive player of the year. The Mountaineers were noted for their defense, ranking among the nation’s best with an impressive 23.6 forced turnovers per game.

16. North Carolina (20-13)

Points: 263. Previous year’s final ranking: Not ranked.

The Tar Heels face a setback with Deja Kelly’s departure, but they still have forward Alyssa Ustby, who excelled with double-doubles during conference play. Incoming Richmond transfer Grace Townsend aims to bolster the backcourt, while talented recruits Blanca Thomas and Lanie Grant are set to join the team, helping North Carolina strive to overcome early tournament challenges.

17. Louisville (24-10)

Points: 261. Previous year’s final ranking: Not ranked.

After failing to secure a tournament win for the first time since 2010, Jeff Walz is bringing in a strong recruiting class. The team welcomes McDonald’s All-Americans Imari Berry and Mackenly Randolph, along with Tajianna Roberts, who will join returning players Olivia Cochran and Nyla Harris.

18. Maryland (19-14)

Points: 254. Previous year’s final ranking: Not ranked.

After a disappointing 2023-24 season, Brenda Freese utilized the transfer portal extensively to rebuild the roster. Key new additions include Arkansas transfer Saylor Poffenbarger and last season’s Atlantic 10 player of the year, Sarah Te-Biasu. With guard Shyanne Sellers returning, Maryland is poised for a strong comeback.

19. Florida State (23-11)

Points: 177. Previous year’s final ranking: Not ranked.

Ta’Niya Latson, one of the top scorers in the nation, returns to the team, alongside forward Makayla Timpson. Florida State has a veteran roster without any freshmen, but they have added Texas A&M transfer Sydney Bowles to the mix. The goal for Florida State is to finally win an NCAA game after not doing so since 2019.

20. Creighton (26-6)

Points: 150. Previous year’s final ranking: 19.

Creighton is a strong contender for the Big East championship, boasting seven returning players, including four who were starters. Lauren Jensen is in the running for conference player of the year, and they will also see the return of Morgan Maly.

21. Mississippi (24-9)

Points: 135. Final ranking last season: Not ranked.

Under the leadership of coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, Mississippi is gaining recognition. Although they have lost Marquesha Davis, seasoned players Madison Scott and Kennedy Todd-Williams are back, aiming to keep the team competitive in a now bustling SEC.

22. Kentucky (12-20)

Points: 106. Final ranking last season: Not ranked.

Coming off a challenging previous season, new head coach Kenny Brooks arrives in Lexington with a fresh roster and enhanced talent. Notably, Georgia Amoore joins from Virginia Tech, infusing star capability into the Wildcats, making them potential underdogs in the SEC.

23. Nebraska (23-12)

Points: 92. Final ranking last season: Not ranked.

Nebraska saw significant input from its freshmen last year, and with standout Alexis Markowski returning, the team looks strong after narrowly missing the Big Ten tournament title. The Cornhuskers are also excited about their new recruit, Britt Prince.

24. Indiana (26-6)

Points: 75. Final ranking last season: 12.

Replacing the impact of Mackenzie Holmes won’t be easy, but don’t overlook the Hoosiers. Key players from the last season, such as Chloe Moore-McNeil, return, supported by a combination of transfers and new freshmen.

25. Alabama (24-10)

Points: 57. Final ranking last season: Not ranked.

With sharpshooter Aaliyah Nye back on the team, the Crimson Tide not only have their top three scorers returning but also a solid foundation to improve upon their second-round finish in last year’s NCAA tournament.