Full Breakdown
Women's College Basketball: Key Transfers and Team Dynamics Ahead of the 2025-26 Season
10/23/2025, 3:02:32 PM
Mallory Heyer Enters Transfer Portal
Mallory Heyer, a standout player for the Minnesota Gophers, has announced her decision to enter the transfer portal just 13 days before the start of the 2025-26 women's basketball season. Heyer, who has started all 102 games during her tenure at Minnesota, expressed gratitude for her time with the Gophers in a social media post, citing personal reasons for her departure. The 6-foot-1 forward has averaged 9.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, leading the team in rebounding last season with 290 total boards. Although she will not be eligible to play this season, she aims to join a graduate program at her new school by January 2026, allowing her to compete in the 2026-27 season.
Michigan State's Rising Status
As the season approaches, the Michigan State Spartans women's basketball team is gaining attention as a potential powerhouse in the Big Ten. After finishing the previous season with a 22-10 record and reaching the NCAA tournament, the Spartans have bolstered their roster through the transfer portal. Key returning players include senior guard Theryn Hallock and forward Grace VanSlooten, who averaged 13.3 and 15.5 points per game, respectively. The addition of transfers like Jalyn Brown from Arizona State, who averaged 18 points per game last season, is expected to enhance the team's offensive capabilities.
USC's Rebuilding Efforts
The USC Trojans face significant challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season without star guard Juju Watkins, who is sidelined due to injury, and Kiki Iriafen, who has moved to the WNBA. The Trojans, once viewed as a rising force, are now tasked with redefining their identity. Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb has actively sought reinforcements through the transfer portal, adding players like Kara Dunn from Georgia Tech and Londynn Jones from UCLA. Freshman Jazzy Davidson, the top recruit in ESPN's 2025 class, is expected to play a pivotal role in the team's success.
Purdue's Roster Overhaul
Purdue women's basketball is undergoing a significant transformation after a disappointing 10-19 season. With only four returning players, the Boilermakers have brought in six new transfers, including Kiki Smith from Arkansas and Taylor Feldman from Northern Arizona, to revitalize the roster. Head coach Katie Gearlds emphasized the importance of depth and defensive intensity as the team prepares for its exhibition game on October 27, 2025.
UCLA's Star Power
UCLA's Lauren Betts is projected to be a frontrunner for the Big Ten Player of the Year award. Coming off a season where she averaged 20.2 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, Betts is expected to lead the Bruins as they aim for a national championship. The Bruins have also added talent in the form of Gianna Kneepkens, who is projected to be a top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft.
Conclusion: A Season of Transition
The 2025-26 women's college basketball season is shaping up to be one of transition and opportunity. With key players like Mallory Heyer seeking new beginnings and teams like Michigan State and USC reconfiguring their rosters, the landscape of the Big Ten is poised for change. As the season unfolds, the performance of these teams and their new additions will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.
