UCLA made it to the Final Four this year but lost to the eventual champion UConn Huskies. The Bruins are returning four starters and key rotational pieces this year. UCLA is also getting the number two recruit (according to HoopGurlz), Sienna Betts, the younger sister of superstar Lauren Betts.
Juju Watkins’ injury makes the Trojans a less dynamic team, and with Avery Howell transferring to Washington and with Kiki Iriafen and Rayah Marshall being drafted to the WNBA, USC is in a more vulnerable position to slip in the rankings.
Though the Wolverines are losing Jordan Hobbs, they have a freshman trio ready to take over the reins of this Michigan team. Olivia Olson leads the team in scoring and blocks, Syla Swards leads the team in rebounds per game, and Mila Holloway leads the team in assists per game.
The Hawkeyes lost a few key players to their roster, notably Lucy Olsen. Iowa still has Hannah Stuelke on the roster, and they have the 23rd-ranked player in this recruiting class (according to HoopGurlz) in Addison Deal. This team has some growth to do over the offseason, but it still has an upside.
The Maryland Terrapins are in an offseason that has seen some turnover with their star, Shyanne Sellers, but they still have some talent on this roster. They added Yarden Garzon from Indiana to the transfer portal. Kaylene Smikle led the team in scoring, and Bri McDaniel’s return could give them a puncher’s chance.
