USC tops women's basketball way-too-early 2026-27 power rankings

Trojans led by returning star JuJu Watkins, top recruit Saniyah Hall

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:12pm

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With JuJu Watkins back and set to team up with Jazzy Davidson and Saniyah Hall, USC tops the way-too-early women's college basketball power rankings for the 2026-27 season. UCLA won the national championship this past season, but the Bruins top six scorers are all seniors who have exhausted their eligibility.

Why it matters

Women's college basketball is set for a major shakeup with coaching changes, roster turnover via the transfer portal, and the departure of several star players. The way-too-early power rankings provide an early look at which teams could emerge as the top contenders for the 2026-27 national title.

The details

USC is poised to be a Final Four contender next season with the return of two-time All-American JuJu Watkins, National Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davidson, and the addition of the nation's top recruit, Saniyah Hall. Other top teams include UConn, South Carolina, Duke, and Texas, all of which are bringing back key players and adding top recruits.

  • UCLA won the 2026 national championship on April 5 in Phoenix, Arizona.
  • The women's college basketball transfer portal opens on Monday, April 8, 2026.

The players

JuJu Watkins

A two-time All-American who has led USC to a pair of Elite Eights and was the National Player of the Year before injuring her knee in the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Jazzy Davidson

The National Freshman of the Year who is set to return to USC next season.

Saniyah Hall

The nation's No. 1 recruit who will join USC next season.

Sarah Strong

A key player expected to return to the UConn Huskies next season.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, who will be returning multiple key contributors despite the departures of Raven Johnson and Ta'Niya Latson.

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What’s next

The women's college basketball transfer portal opens on Monday, April 8, 2026, which will likely lead to additional roster changes and shakeups among the top teams.

The takeaway

The 2026-27 women's college basketball season is shaping up to be highly competitive, with several powerhouse programs returning star players and adding top recruits. USC, UConn, South Carolina, Duke, and Texas appear poised to be among the nation's elite teams, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.