Big Ten women's basketball preview: Power rankings

The women’s college basketball season is now less than one month away, which means it’s time to start diving into some preseason coverage. The Big Ten will be the fourth league we break down at On3, with others to come in the following weeks.

While there are plenty of new pieces and unknowns for several Big Ten teams, let’s break down On3’s preseason power rankings.

Big Ten title contenders

1. UCLA

UCLA enters the season as not only the Big Ten favorite but a legitimate national championship contender. With Lauren Betts returning after a dominant year, averaging 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and nearly 3 blocks per game, the Bruins have one of the most unguardable frontcourt forces in college basketball. 

Around her, the roster is stacked with elite two-way talent. Kiki Rice (12.8 PPG) provides steady leadership in the backcourt, while Charlisse Leger-Walker, finally healthy after redshirting last season, gives UCLA a veteran playmaker who can take over at point guard. The addition of Gianna Kneepkens from Utah, who’s one of the best scoring threats in the nation at 19.3 points per game, raises their ceiling. Gabriela Jacquez is a true glue player and Timea Gardiner and Angela Dugalic add experienced depth. 

Plus, the Bruins add five-star recruit Sienna Betts (the sister of Lauren), who stands at 6-foot-4 and will make an impact from the jump. UCLA’s experience, incoming talent and versatility makes this roster a Final Four-caliber team from day one. The Bruins have all the pieces they need to dominate the Big Ten. 

X-FACTOR: Gianna Kneepkens

2. Michigan

​​Michigan returns one of the most exciting young cores in the Big Ten, headlined by rising stars Olivia Olson and Syla Swords. Olson averaged 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and shot 38% from three as a freshman, and her versatility makes her one of the league’s most complete guards. Swords added 16 points and 6.2 rebounds per game while showing poise beyond that of a typical freshman.

The Wolverines also get a major boost in the frontcourt with Ashley Sofilkanich, a transfer from Bucknell who averaged 19.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks. Her presence inside fills a key need and should open up the perimeter for Michigan’s shooters. If that wasn’t enough, they also return Mila Holloway, Macy Brown and Alyssa Crockett. 

To round out their key additions, UCLA’s Kendall Dudley transferred in and the Wolverines add three impressive freshmen in McKenzie Mathurin, Ciara Byars and Jessica Fields. 

X-FACTOR: Syla Swords

3. Maryland

Maryland’s backcourt rivals nearly anyone in the country, which is what makes them a strong contender for an NCAA Tournament run. The one concern I have is their depth in the frontcourt after Penn State transfer Gracie Merkle opted to return to Happy Valley. 

But this team is built to score. Along with a strong core of returners in Kaylene Smikle, Bri McDaniel and Saylor Poffenbarger, Brenda Frese went out and added two of the best guards in the country. 

The Terps added sharpshooter Yarden Garzon from Indiana and versatile guard Oluchi Okananwa from Duke. There’s no question about the talent in their guard play. It’ll be their post play that shows how far this team can really go in March. 

X-FACTOR: Yarden Garzon

NCAA Tournament teams

4. Michigan State

Michigan State looks like they could be one of the Big Ten’s biggest risers this season. The Spartans bring back key contributors and add an impressive mix of experienced transfers to round out a deep, balanced roster. 

Senior guard Theryn Hallock (13.3 PPG, 2.8 APG) and forward Grace VanSlooten (15.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG) headline the returning core with veteran leadership and a strong scoring punch. The portal haul gives head coach Robyn Fralick even more options. Jalyn Brown from Arizona State averaged 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, bringing instant offense, while Rashunda Jones from Purdue adds a steady guard who knows the conference. Add in Isaline Alexander, who returns after missing last season, and the Spartans have more depth in the frontcourt and a really solid roster. 

X-FACTOR: Jalyn Brown

5. Washington

Washington enters the season as a dark-horse contender with legitimate offensive firepower and one of the league’s most experienced backcourts. Elle Ladine (17 PPG, 4.9 RPG) returns as the centerpiece after a phenomenal year, while Sayvia Sellers (15.3 PPG, 3.9 APG) provides a two-way threat. Together, they form one of the conference’s most talented scoring duos. Hannah Stines (9.6 PPG) adds length and efficiency from deep, giving the Huskies a balanced perimeter attack.

The Huskies also added much-needed size and depth through the portal, bringing in Yulia Grabovskaia from Michigan. Their other portal addition was USC transfer Avery Howell, who showed a lot of promise in her freshman campaign with the Trojans. 

With veteran leadership, improved depth, and consistent three-point shooting, Washington has all the makings of an NCAA Tournament team. 

X-FACTOR: Sayvia Sellers

6. Iowa

There’s some newness at Iowa, but the Hawkeyes still have enough talent to stay firmly in the NCAA Tournament mix. Hannah Stuelke continues to be a focal point of this offense after averaging 12.7 PPG and 7.7 RPG last season. Surrounding her are proven shooters like Taylor McCabe (41% from three) and highly-regarded freshman Addie Deal. 

The backcourt gets even stronger through the portal with Emely Rodriguez from UCF (11.9 PPG) and Chit-Chat Wright from Georgia Tech (7.2 PPG), who can both handle the ball and create shots. Meanwhile, promising young players like Ava Heiden and Teagan Mallegni are expected to take on larger roles. One more frontcourt addition of note is that of 6-5 freshman Layla Hays, a top recruit from Alaska, who could see significant minutes.

X-FACTOR: Chit-Chat Wright

7. Minnesota

Minnesota might be one of the most intriguing teams in the Big Ten this year. The Gophers return nearly their entire rotation – and they’ll finally have Mara Braun back healthy. Braun averaged 17 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists before redshirting last season and is the clear star of this team. Pair her with Amaya Battle (12.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.3 APG) and Grace Grocholski (13.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG), and Minnesota has a phenomenal group of returners to lean on.

The Gophers also have strong complementary pieces around that core. Tori McKinney (10.6 PPG) adds toughness on the wing, and Sophie Hart provides a reliable interior presence at 6-5. Minnesota’s depth improves further with the addition of Finau Tonga from San Jose State and Brylee Glenn from Kansas State. 

With a healthy Braun and expanded depth, Minnesota has all the makings of an NCAA Tournament team.

X-FACTOR: Mara Braun

8. Ohio State

Ohio State enters the season with a retooled roster and a major question to answer after the departure of star Cotie McMahon, who transferred to Ole Miss. Her absence leaves a scoring and leadership void, but the Buckeyes still have the talent to compete in the upper half of the Big Ten. 

Jaloni Cambridge (15.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 2 SPG) is now the centerpiece — an elite athlete and relentless defender, whose speed rivals anyone. Head coach Kevin McGuff added reinforcements through the portal, landing T’yana Todd from Boston College (13.7 PPG, 46% from three), one of the nation’s most efficient perimeter shooters, and Kylee Kitts, a 6-4 forward from Florida with high upside. Add in Chance Gray (12 PPG) and this is a roster with plenty of options.

If their young frontcourt holds up, Ohio State has a lot of potential.

X-FACTOR: Jaloni Cambridge

9. USC

After an impressive year, USC enters with some questions following a brutal setback. JuJu Watkins, one of the best players in the nation, tore her ACL and will miss the year. Her absence leaves a massive scoring and leadership void. 

Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb brings back Kennedy Smith, but loaded up on transfers to help make up for that production, adding proven producers like Kara Dunn from Georgia Tech (15.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG) and Londynn Jones from UCLA (8.5 PPG), along with versatile forwards Dayana Mendes from Washington State and Yakiya Milton from Auburn.

The spotlight now shifts to Jazzy Davidson, ESPN’s No. 1 recruit in the country, who will be thrust into a big role right away. She’s beyond talented and will have to adjust quickly to the college ranks. 

X-FACTOR: Jazzy Davidson

Bubble teams

10. Nebraska

Nebraska returns one of the most balanced and quietly dangerous rosters in the Big Ten. The Huskers bring back nearly their entire core, headlined by Britt Prince, who impressed as a freshman with 13.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 40% from three. Alongside her, Natalie Potts (10.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG) returns from injury and gives Nebraska a strong interior presence. 

Head coach Amy Williams also hit the portal for complementary depth, adding Hailey Weaver from Northwestern and Claire Johnson from Samford, who can both handle the ball. Jessica Petrie and Logan Nissley also return as key players, while the addition of Emily Fisher from Maryland gives the Huskers another versatile guard option.

X-FACTOR: Britt Prince

11. Illinois

Illinois enters the season in slight rebuild mode after losing key production and reworking its roster through the portal and freshman class. The Illini’s biggest addition is Maddie Webber from Villanova, a versatile guard who averaged 13.3 points per game last year and brings three-level scoring.

The Illini return a few key pieces, though, in Gretchen Dolan, Berry Wallace and Jasmine Brown-Hagger to anchor the offense. Another big addition is Iowa transfer Aaliyah Guyton, a 5-7 sophomore guard who has a year under her belt in the Big Ten. 

Their post play will be reliant on two things: the health of 6-7 center Lety Vasconcelos, who missed last season due to injury, and the development of their freshmen forwards. Illinois brings in a talented group of rookies in Destiny Jackson, Manuella Alves, Erica Finney, Naomi Benson and Cearah Parchment. 

Their roster is full of talent, but they may be a year or two away from making a serious NCAA Tournament run.

X-FACTOR: Maddie Webber

12. Indiana

Indiana finds itself in a rare reset year after significant roster turnover, entering the season with a young, largely unproven group. Head coach Teri Moren attacked the transfer portal to reload talent, adding Chloe Spreen from Alabama, Phoenix Stotijn from Arkansas (7.2 PPG), and Zania Socka-Nguemen from UCLA, alongside a few others. 

The Hoosiers freshman class is also promising, adding Indiana native Maya Makalusky and an under-the-radar guard in Nevaeh Caffey. The Hoosiers’ upside comes from their few returners, though. Shay Ciezki excelled last season in Bloomington and has one more season to help lead this team. Lenée Beaumont sat the year out due to injury, but the Hoosiers are high on her potential this season. 

While they lost a lot, this is a team that should remain somewhere in the middle of the pack this season. 

X-FACTOR: Lenee Beaumont

The rest

13. Oregon

Oregon is going to look a little different this season. Despite bringing back nine players from last year, they’re without their top four leading scorers from a season ago. They added a few pieces from the transfer portal in UCLA’s Avary Cain, Fresno State’s Mia Jacobs and Washington State’s Astera Tuhina, but their returners will have to take on bigger roles this year as well. 

The Ducks bring back 6-4 Amina Muhammad, who averaged 6.3 points and 3.6 rebounds a year ago, alongside Elisa Mevious, a guard who posted 6.6 points and three assists per game. Freshman Sara Barhoum can really shoot the ball, but we’ll see where Oregon replaces its production from a year ago. 

X-FACTOR: Mia Jacobs

14. Penn State

Penn State is one of the Big Ten’s biggest wildcards entering the season. The Lady Lions bring back a productive frontcourt anchored by Gracie Merkle (15.5 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 67% FG), who provides elite efficiency and consistency inside. Around her, Moriah Murray (10.4 PPG, 38% 3PT) returns as a steady scoring guard, but the ceiling of this team relies on the arrival and adjustment of Kiyomi McMiller.

The former Rutgers standout averaged 18.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3 assists last season and was one of the nation’s top freshman scorers. She opted to stay in the Big Ten and has some more pieces around her this season to lighten the load. The addition of Amiya Evans from Georgia provides some frontcourt help as well, but the backcourt chemistry will make or break their year.

If McMiller meshes well with this team and embraces her role, Penn State has the potential to really surprise some teams. 

X-FACTOR: Kiyomi McMiller

15. Purdue

Purdue enters with a reworked roster and plenty of new faces. Head coach Katie Gearlds rebuilt through the portal, adding proven scorers like Taylor Feldman from NAU (16.4 PPG) and Kiki Smith from Arkansas (10.2 PPG), plus versatile forwards Taylor Henderson from UNCW and Saige Stahl from down the road at Indiana State. 

Returning contributors Kendall Puryear and McKenna Layden bring leadership, while 6-7 freshman Avery Gordon adds rare size in the paint. Israeli freshman Hila Karsh is another player to keep an eye on this season. 

One more player of note here is Madison Layden-Zay, who opted to come out of retirement and use her final year of eligibility with the Boilermakers. She averaged 9.8 points per game in 2023-24 and will likely play a large role on this team. 

X-FACTOR: Kiki Smith 

16. Wisconsin

Wisconsin begins a new era under head coach Robin Pingeton, who takes over after more than a decade at Missouri. She was able to retain a few pieces from the previous roster that should really help, including 5-10 shooting threat Lily Krahn and 5-2 senior guard Ronnie Porter. 

But Wisconsin also had to hit the portal hard. 

NC State’s Laci Steele and Illinois’ Shay Bollin bring over P5 experience, but they also bring in several mid-major talents, including Southern Illinois transfer Gift Uchenna, a capable post player who averaged a double-double last season. They also add Howard’s Destiny Howell, Missouri State’s Kyrah Daniels and Stony Brook’s Breauna Ware – all versatile scoring threats at their previous schools. 

As the Badgers start their rebuild, I’d expect this to take some time. But the Badgers certainly have an intriguing roster this season. 

X-FACTOR: Gift Uchenna

17. Rutgers

Rutgers faces a steep climb this season after losing Kiyomi McMiller, last year’s leading scorer and one of the top freshmen in the country, to the transfer portal. While it clearly wasn’t a good fit, that’s a lot of production to replace. 

The Scarlet Knights bring in six transfers, highlighted by SFA’s Faith Blackstone, Boston College’s Kaylah Ivey, Kansas State’s Imani Lester and Arizona’s Lauryn Swann. Their portal additions certainly bring experience and talent over, but I’m not sure it’s enough for a major improvement this season. 

The only returning contributor is sophomore post player Zachara Perkins, who showed promise in her freshman campaign with 5.3 points per game. With so many new faces, though, chemistry will be key here. 

X-FACTOR: Kaylah Ivey

18. Northwestern

Northwestern enters the season in transition, as longtime head coach Joe McKeown has already announced that this will be his final year leading the program. That uncertainty may have played a role in the portal cycle for the Wildcats, who added a couple of talented transfers, but didn’t make a big splash.

Still, Northwestern has a few foundational pieces to build around. Grace Sullivan (10.1 PPG) is back as the team’s top returning scorer, and veteran guard Caroline Lau (4.9 PPG, 6 APG) brings leadership and steady playmaking. The Wildcats also add Tate Walters (Furman, 12.5 PPG, 3.7 APG), who should step into a major offensive role right away. 

X-FACTOR: Grace Sullivan