Preseason women's college basketball Top 25 reveals title contenders

South Carolina, UConn and USC lead the preseason women's Top 25, with returning stars and high‑profile transfers highlighted.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:28:25 GMT

The New York Post released its preseason women's college basketball Top 25 on November 1, 2026, ranking South Carolina, UConn and USC among the early favorites for the 2026‑27 season, according to its two separate ranking pieces.

What happened

The Post’s first ranking lists South Carolina at No. 1, noting the Gamecocks’ return to the national championship after a loss to UCLA last season and the addition of freshmen Jerzy Robinson and Oliviyah Edwards, plus transfers Brooke Quarles Daniels and Jordan Lee. UConn follows, anchored by preseason AP All‑America player Sarah Strong, who led the Huskies to a 38‑1 record last year before falling to South Carolina in the Final Four. USC is highlighted for the return of JuJu Watkins, the presumed No. 1 pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft, after a year‑long ACL recovery.

The second Post article expands the discussion to the broader college basketball landscape, mentioning the NCAA’s new five‑year eligibility model and its impact on the 2022 high‑school class, as well as the ongoing legislative debate over the Protect College Sports Act. While the focus is primarily on the men’s Top 25, the piece reiterates the women’s rankings and adds context about player eligibility and transfer activity.

What the reports add

According to the first Post piece, South Carolina’s roster includes returning guards Joyce Edwards, Chloe Kitts and Tessa Johnson, and the team’s “vengeance” mindset after last season’s championship loss. The article also notes that USC’s roster is bolstered by highly rated freshmen and transfers, positioning the Trojans as a contender despite losing four seniors.

The second Post article provides details on the NCAA’s eligibility changes, stating that the organization approved a five‑season, five‑year model in June and that the rule does not grandfather the extra year for the high‑school class of 2022. It also reports that several players have sued for an additional year of eligibility, creating uncertainty for roster planning.

What was said

"JuJu Watkins, the presumed No. 1 pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft, returns after a year‑long layoff, putting USC back into the spotlight," the Post wrote in its women's ranking.

"South Carolina... expect the Gamecocks to return this season with vengeance on their mind," the outlet added.

Regarding the eligibility model, the Post reported, "The NCAA passed a new eligibility model that allowed for five seasons of competition over a five‑year period, but declined to grandfather in that extra year for the high‑school class of 2022."

How it came about

Felo News previously covered the preseason AP All‑America women’s team, highlighting Sarah Strong’s 30 votes and JuJu Watkins’s 26 votes (article). Those players are now featured prominently in the Post’s Top 25. The broader eligibility debate follows the NCAA’s June policy change, which Felo has tracked in earlier pieces on college‑sports governance.

Key facts

South Carolina is ranked No. 1 in the preseason women's Top 25. (nypost.com)
UConn follows South Carolina, led by preseason AP All‑America player Sarah Strong. (nypost.com)
USC’s JuJu Watkins returns after an ACL injury, boosting the Trojans' title hopes. (nypost.com)
The NCAA approved a five‑season, five‑year eligibility model in June 2026. (nypost.com)

Where accounts differ

Scope of the ranking articles: Focuses on women's preseason Top 25 and title contenders. (nypost.com); Covers broader college basketball preseason rankings, including men’s teams and eligibility issues. (nypost.com)