With Caitlin Clark now making waves in the WNBA, what’s in store for women’s college basketball?

Quite a lot, it seems, as many teams are entering the season with fresh talent in new uniforms.

This opening weekend of the women’s college basketball season is filled with exciting matchups, including several top 25 clashes that could showcase teams aiming for a Final Four appearance. South Carolina is ranked to win the 2025 championship, while familiar squads like North Carolina State return with established players. Meanwhile, schools like Duke and Maryland have welcomed newcomers that are expected to grab attention.

Even though the Iowa Hawkeyes aren’t ranked in the latest YSL News Sports women’s basketball poll, they are still worth watching. Under new head coach Jan Jensen, who stepped up after 24 years as Lisa Bluder’s assistant, the Hawkeyes are anticipated to maintain their reputation as one of the highest-scoring teams in the nation, even in Clark’s absence.

Here’s a look at the five most exciting women’s basketball games to check out this weekend.

No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 8 North Carolina State

Sunday, 3 p.m. ET on ESPN

The reigning champions received good news recently with the dismissal of assault charges against forward Ashlyn Watkins, allowing her to rejoin the Gamecocks. However, it’s uncertain how much she can contribute in her first game back after not practicing for two months. This game marks the opening of the Ally Tipoff and is a rematch of the 2024 national semifinal, which South Carolina won. If they need rebounding help, Watkins, who averaged 9.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks during last season’s tournament, could be key. For NC State to score an upset, big performances will be crucial from their guards, Aziaha James (16.8 ppg, 4.6 rpg) and Saniya Rivers (12.5 ppg, 6.1 rpg).

No. 11 Duke at No. 18 Maryland

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on FS1

The standout freshman for Duke this year is Toby Fournier, a 6-foot-2 forward from Canada, and she’s one reason to tune in. Additionally, transfer Saylor Poffenbarger (10.2 ppg, 11.2 rpg) is set to make her debut for the Terrapins after moving from Arkansas, where she excelled. Historically, this matchup was a highlight in the ACC, and it remains a significant game this season.

No. 20 Creighton at South Dakota State

Friday, 7 p.m. ET on Summit League Network

Don’t underestimate the challenge for the Blue Jays in this game. South Dakota State consistently qualifies for the NCAA tournament and boasts the Summit League player of the year, Brooklyn Meyer (18.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg). Additionally, Paige Meyer, with no relation, is the current Summit League tournament MVP. Creighton brings back seven of their top eight scorers from last season, including All-Big East players Lauren Jensen (17.4 ppg) and Morgan Maly (15.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg).

Virginia Tech vs. Iowa

Sunday, 5:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2

The second game of the Ally Tipoff will provide the first look at Iowa without Clark. Although they lost their all-time leading scorer, they’ve added sharpshooter Lucy Olsen, who averaged 23.3 points per game at Villanova. The squad also retains junior forward Hannah Stuelke (14.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg) who had a strong breakout season last year. Virginia Tech, under new coach Kenny Brooks, faces a rebuild after losing star point guard Georgia Amoore to Kentucky and Elizabeth Kitley finishing her eligibility. Senior forward Matilda Ekh (10.4 ppg) and sophomore guard Carleigh Wenzel (4.2 ppg) will need to step up for more contributions.

No. 12 Baylor at Oregon

Sunday, 10 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network

The Ducks are in the midst of a complete rebuild, having lost several players to the transfer portal. Nonetheless, having Deja Kelly (16.3 ppg) is a solid starting point. The North Carolina transfer faces a significant test against the Bears, who have senior center Aaronette Vonleh, a transfer who averaged 14.0 points and 5.1 rebounds last year at Colorado. Baylor’s roster includes a balanced scoring attack featuring Sarah Andrews (11.4 ppg, 3.9 apg) and Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (10.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg).