For the first time since 2016, Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies head into a new college basketball season as the defending national champions. They remain the favorites to win it all again next year despite the departure of Paige Bueckers. Here are three bold predictions for UConn heading into the 2025-26 NCAA campaign.
3 Bold Predictions for Geno Auriemma’s UConn in 2025-26 NCAA Season
1. Blanca Quiñonez Will Be a Starter in Her First Year at UConn
Now that Paige Bueckers has joined the WNBA, Geno Auriemma is looking for a new starter for the Huskies next season. One player who’s attracting buzz to get that coveted position is incoming freshman Blanca Quiñonez.
College hoops analyst Mark Zanetto recently claimed that he talked to international scouts who said “they’d be shocked” if Quiñonez doesn’t start for UConn next season. He pointed out that Auriemma loves her style of play. The UConn coach shared his thoughts about the Ecuadorian star in a press release while announcing her signing in February.
“Blanca is mature, and her game has matured because she’s playing against high-level competition over in Europe that you wouldn’t get at a normal high school,” Auriemma said.
“She’s a physical player and she’s skilled in knowing how to play because you have to be older than your years to play in a pro league. I’m excited to see what she brings because it’s different,” he added.
Quiñonez played for Magnolia Basket Campobasso in Italy’s Serie A1 league. That European experience will be the driving factor behind Auriemma’s ultimate decision to insert the teen phenom into UConn’s starting five.
2. Sarah Strong Will Win the National Player of the Year Award
Sarah Strong showed the world what she is capable of in her freshman year at UConn, averaging 16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. She led the Huskies not only in rebounding but also in defensive categories, such as steals and blocked shots.
Strong delivered when her team needed her the most, averaging 19.0 points, 11.7 boards, 4.3 dimes, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals in her first-ever NCAA Tournament. She recorded four double-doubles in this year’s March Madness, including a towering performance in the national championship game against Dawn Staley’s South Carolina. She punished the Gamecocks’ defense in that contest, amassing 24 points, 15 rebounds, five dimes, three blocks, and two steals.
Sarah Strong with another incredible performance 👏
She set an NCAA tournament record for the most points by a freshman in a single tournament with 114 😤 pic.twitter.com/EZdPyeuEXk
— espnW (@espnW) April 6, 2025
Strong will only get better next season as she begins her second year under Geno Auriemma. Now that Paige Bueckers is gone, she is expected to be the focal point of UConn’s offense. A National Player of the Year award may soon be heading Strong’s way after the 2025-26 season ends.
3. UConn Will Go Undefeated in the 2025–26 NCAA Season
The UConn Huskies are more than ready for their title defense next season. A large portion of their championship-winning squad will be returning for the 2025-26 NCAA campaign, including Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, KK Arnold, Jana El Alfy, Allie Ziebell, Ashlynn Shade, Morgan Cheli, Ice Brady, Caroline Ducharme, and Ayanna Patterson.
The Huskies have also bolstered their lineup by adding key players through the transfer portal and their freshman class. Serah Williams and Kayleigh Heckel transferred to UConn after posting solid campaigns in the 2024-25 season. Williams led Wisconsin in scoring and rebounding last season, averaging 19.2 points and 9.8 boards. Heckel, on the other hand, averaged 6.1 points in her freshman year at USC.
UConn’s Freshman Class of 2025 is also stacked. Apart from Blanca Quiñonez, the Huskies also signed Kelis Fisher and Gandy Malou-Mamel. A perfect season is once again a possibility for Geno Auriemma’s team.
KEEP READING: Analyst Makes Feelings Known On Possible Timeline For Geno Auriemma’s Retirement
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