Jul 27, 2026, 07:30 AM ET

The WNBA All-Star Game has concluded, and attention now turns to the league's second half starting Tuesday. Yet the college campaign draws near as well: Saturday marked 100 days until the 2027 national title chase in women's basketball gets underway.

Both the women's and men's NCAA tournaments will grow to 76 teams this year. The women will keep hosting early-round games at campus sites before advancing to two regionals, set for Philadelphia and Las Vegas. The Final Four then shifts to Columbus, Ohio.

Defending champion UCLA lost its top six players from last year to the WNBA, while runner-up UConn said goodbye to Azzi Fudd, the draft's top selection. South Carolina and Texas, the other Final Four squads, also faced major roster changes yet remain poised to contend in the SEC and aim for a Columbus finish.

ESPN writers Kendra Andrews, Kareem Copeland and Michael Voepel preview 100 elements of the women's college season ahead: major narratives, top contenders, standout performers, compelling nonconference clashes, promising freshmen and additional topics, along with bold forecasts that may or may not materialize.

10 storylines that could shape the season

Will South Carolina emerge as the NCAA title favorite? The Gamecocks appear positioned that way, boasting a potent frontcourt featuring Joyce Edwards (19.2 PPG as a sophomore) along with 6-foot-7 Alicia Tournebize (who appeared in 20 games after arriving in January) plus Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins, both expected to return from knee injuries. South Carolina also welcomed top post recruit Oliviyah Edwards. The perimeter looks solid too, though junior guard Maddy McDaniel recently stepped away to focus on mental health. Still, with Tessa Johnson back for her senior year and Jordan Lee arriving from Texas, the team retains strong guard depth despite losing Raven Johnson and Ta'Niya Latson to the WNBA.

Will USC's JuJu Watkins return at national player of the year form? Watkins last competed on March 24, 2025, suffering a knee injury in the NCAA second round. As the prior consensus national player of the year, she averaged 23.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists. USC finished 18-14 without her. Given many athletes' success after ACL recovery and positive updates from Watkins and coach Lindsay Gottlieb during summer workouts, the dynamic guard may resume her high level. Once USC's season concludes, another question arises: will Watkins use her final college year or enter the 2027 WNBA draft?

Can Sarah Strong guide UConn to a 13th title? Strong played a key role in UConn's 2025 championship and led the Huskies to last April's Final Four, where they fell to South Carolina. She noted in mid-June ongoing Achilles soreness since the prior summer. Observers will monitor whether Strong reaches full health by tip-off. With Azzi Fudd now in the WNBA as the top pick, Strong carries added responsibility.

How will reigning champion UCLA rebuild? No program has repeated as women's NCAA champion since UConn's four straight titles from 2013 to 2016. UCLA lost its top six scorers from the 2026 title squad to the WNBA. The Bruins turned to the transfer portal for additions, expect growth from sophomore forward Sienna Betts, and may benefit from a strong senior campaign by forward Timea Gardiner. Another Final Four run could prove difficult, yet the team should remain competitive.

Is Texas back in NCAA title contention? The Longhorns were the sole team to defeat UCLA last season in late November. The Bruins later won the rematch at the Final Four. Texas has reached back-to-back national semifinals but seeks more. They lost point guard Rori Harmon to the WNBA along with three transfers. Led by senior star Madison Booker, the Longhorns keep their championship goal alive.

How far can Hannah Hidalgo take Notre Dame? A standout on both ends, Hidalgo projects as a WNBA lottery pick. Last season she led the Irish to the Elite Eight, posting 25.5 points, 11 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 7.3 steals across four NCAA games, including a triple-double. Can the Irish reach their first Final Four since 2019? Hidalgo inspires belief in that possibility.

How much can Emilee Skinner contribute at Duke? The 6-foot guard appeared in just three games before redshirting last season due to injury. The Blue Devils still captured ACC regular-season and tournament crowns before falling to UCLA in the Elite Eight. Guards Taina Mair and Ashlon Jackson, who combined for 10.2 assists per game, moved to the WNBA. A healthy Skinner could prove pivotal as Duke aims for its first Final Four since 2006.

Could Michigan reach its first Final Four? The Wolverines have advanced to the Elite Eight twice in five years. Last season's regional final loss to Texas stung. They can channel that as motivation behind a strong junior class led by Olivia Olson, Syla Swords and Mila Holloway. Michigan appears the Big Ten favorite and may claim its first conference regular-season or tournament title.

How will Audi Crooks and Liv McGill mesh at Oklahoma State? Among many transfers, these two, who averaged 49.5 points combined last season, stand out. With eight newcomers, Crooks and McGill can set the tone. Crooks, a 6-3 center from Iowa State, and McGill, a top SEC guard from Florida, bring scoring punch to a Cowgirls squad that tied for fourth in the Big 12 and fell to UCLA in the NCAA second round. Oklahoma State could challenge for the Big 12 crown.

How will expansion and format shifts affect the NCAA tournament? Two major changes arrive for 2027: the field grows to 76 teams, and the top 16 seeds will be placed without regard to conference ties. Previously, top teams from the same league were separated into different regions. With realignment creating larger power conferences, 38 of last season's 68 teams came from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12 and SEC. Rivalries may occur earlier, and the bigger field raises the chance for additional upsets. -- Michael Voepel

10 title contenders

South Carolina Gamecocks: The Gamecocks lost Raven Johnson, Ta'Niya Latson and Madina Okot to the WNBA yet kept everyone else and avoided the transfer portal, a rarity in the SEC. They added Jordan Lee from Texas and return Joyce Edwards, Tessa Johnson and Agot Makeer while welcoming five-star recruit Oliviyah Edwards. After three straight national title appearances, South Carolina looks ready for another push.

UConn Huskies: UConn lost Azzi Fudd, the top draft pick, and center Serah Williams to the WNBA. Still, the Huskies retain the nation's top player in Sarah Strong and should thrive. Strong anchored the best defense and offers elite offense. UConn returns KK Arnold, Kayleigh Heckel, Ashlynn Shade and Blanca Quiñonez, providing rare depth.

Duke Blue Devils: Toby Fournier possesses tools to rank among the nation's top post players. Duke also adds Aaliyah Crump from Texas. Her perimeter shooting and defense can offset Ashlon Jackson's departure, and her size adds further threat.

Michigan Wolverines: The Wolverines reached the Elite Eight last season before losing to Texas. They return nearly everyone, including a strong junior class led by Olivia Olson and Syla Swords. The program has never reached the Final Four but could contend this year.

USC Trojans: JuJu Watkins is expected back and healthy, providing an immediate lift. She joins sophomore Jazzy Davidson, junior Kennedy Smith, international five-star recruits Sitaya Fagan and Sara Okeke, and freshman Saniyah Hall. The Trojans can vie for the Big Ten title and a Final Four berth.

Iowa Hawkeyes: Iowa features a revamped roster built around McKenna Woliczko, the program's highest-rated recruit since Caitlin Clark. They also added SEC transfer Dani Carnegie, creating potential for one of the Big Ten's top backcourts.

Louisville Cardinals: Louisville enjoys continuity with all five starters and ACC Sixth Player of the Year Imari Berry returning. The top three scorers and rebounders are back. Five-star recruit Ariyana Cradle bolsters the freshman class, creating balance for a potential run.

Texas Longhorns: Madison Booker returns for her senior season alongside the second-ranked incoming freshman class featuring five SC Next 100 players. Though point guard Rori Harmon departed, the influx of young talent and ongoing development keep Vic Schaefer's squad dangerous.

LSU Tigers: With Flau'jae Johnson's career complete, LSU returns Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley while adding transfer guard Jada Williams. The backcourt remains loaded despite Jada Richard's departure.

Vanderbilt Commodores: Mikayla Blakes returns, pairing with Aubrey Galvan to form a potentially elite backcourt. Depth departed, yet Vanderbilt added five new players including five-star Olivia Jones, four-star Jhai Johnson and two strong transfers.