Parity is alive more than ever in women’s college basketball, therefore there are plenty of teams that aren’t getting as much love as they should before the 2025-26 season tips off.
The preseason USA TODAY Sports coaches poll was released and it should be no surprise the defending national champions and Final Four participants from last season are at the top of the list. They and the rest of the teams in the Top 25 will get some considerable attention, but what about those that didn’t crack the list.
We must remember the preseason poll is all about projecting who the coaches think have a good chance of making noise in the tournament. But of those outside the poll, which ones deserved a spot and could prove their worthiness when the season begins?
Washington
The Huskies have been a fringe tournament team each season under Tina Langley, but this is shaping up to be the year Washington solidifies itself as a shoe-in March Madness squad. The top two-scorers from last season in Elle Ladine (17.0 ppg) and Sayvia Sellers (15.3 ppg) are back, and Langley struck gold in adding key pieces in the offseason. Five-star recruit Brynn McGaughy will make an immediate contribution and Avery Howell (Southern California) arrives ready to play a significant role at a new home. Mix that with transfer center Yulia Grabovskaia (Michigan) and Washington has a a dark horse Big Ten team.
West Virginia
The loss of JJ Quinerly likely played a role in why the Mountaineers just missed out on being ranked in the preseason poll, but they might be deeper than last season’s tournament team. Jordan Harrison (13.7 ppg) now leads the offense after already proving she’s a reliable ball-handler, and the two Sydney’s – Shaw and Woodley – bring valuable experience. Mix that with new additions like 2024 MEAC player of the year Kierra Wheeler (Norfolk State) and Gia Cooke (Houston) and West Virginia has the tools to be consistently ranked for a second consecutive season.
Richmond
Coming off arguably its greatest season in team history, Richmond has all the tools to reach even bigger heights. The Atlantic 10 squad returns its top two scorers in Maggie Doogan and Rachel Ullstrom, who combined 32.3 points per game last season. Their last ride with the Spiders will also be joined by the arrival inside presence Tierra Simon, who was a key to Saint Louis winning the 2024 WNIT championship. Richmond has won at least 26 regular-season games in back-to-back seasons and it is in tremendous shape to do it once more.
South Dakota State
A consistent mid-major power is poised to remain that way with Aaron Johnston continuing to build a dynasty in Brookings. Even though three starters from last season’s 30-win team are gone, leading scorer Brooklyn Meyer (17.0 ppg) returns as one of the most efficient scorers in the country, along with role players ready to take on elevated roles. It’s been more than 1,300 days since South Dakota State has lost to a Summit League opponent in the regular season, and that unbeaten streak has a great chance of continuing for a while for the Jackrabbits as they eye a fourth consecutive March Madness appearance.
Michigan State
Robyn Fralick continues building momentum in a crowded Big Ten, and the Spartans look capable of reaching 20 wins again. While Julia Ayrault is gone, Grace VanSlooten (15.5 ppg) returns after a productive first season with Michigan State. There are some solid newcomers coming to East Lansing as well, notably freshman Jordan Ode, who will pair up nicely with fellow guard Theryn Hallock (13.3 ppg). With the way the schedule is shaped up, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Michigan State enters conference play undefeated.