There was a lot of movement across teams in the 2025-2026 collegiate basketball season. Many players transferred to new programs in a bid to enhance their careers or get more playing opportunities.
With many talents on the move, some of these players have been tipped to be key to success in the 2025-2026 women’s NCAA Tournament.
Transfer Players That’ll Be Key to Success in Women’s NCAA Tournament
1. Olivia Miles
Olivia Miles has committed to TCU. The senior guard’s decision not to enter the WNBA draft and enter the transfer portal led to many departures from Notre Dame. Miles was widely expected to be the No. 2 pick in the WNBA draft, but she struggled with injuries towards the end of the season.
She managed to score 9.8 points per game despite an ankle problem that hindered her performance in the NCAA Tournament. Miles is still expected to play a key role in the 2025–26 women’s NCAA Tournament.
2. Ta’Niya Latson
Ta’Niya Latson is the country’s leading scorer with 25.2 points per game. Larson had hinted at a return to Tallahassee, however, she’s expected to attract interest from many teams and she may well choose to join a team that has better chances of winning the conference and national championships.
3. Cotie McMahon
Cotie McMahon had an impressive first three seasons in Columbus. She finished first or second on the team and scored in each season. Although her form regressed last season, Cotie returned to her best on 2024–25, improving her 3-point shooting percentage to 38.6%. Cotie will also be key to success in the women’s NCAA Tournament for her team.
4. Yarden Garzon
Yarden Garzon entered the transfer portal with a “do not contact” tag. The guard has since committed to the Maryland Terrapins, where she’s expected to play a key role in the team’s bid for success in the NCAA Tournament.
Garzon is a skilled passer and has never shot below 40% from 3-point range in her three seasons at Indiana. Garzon also leads the Hoosiers with 220 makes from behind the arc.
KEEP READING: Division 1 scoring Champion Ta’Niya Latson Commits to South Carolina
5. Gianna Kneepkens
Utes had not been in the NCAA Tournament for ten years before the arrival of Gianna Kneepkens. They’ve been in the NCAA for four consecutive years since she joined the team. Kneepkens is a shotmaker at all levels, shooting 50.4% from the field, 44.8% from three, and 89.0% from the free-throw line.
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