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Women’s college basketball 2025-26 too-early power ranking: UConn looks like favorite again

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Women’s college basketball 2025-26 too-early power ranking: UConn looks like favorite again

A season that was supposed to be defined by parity instead ended with the two most iconic brands in women’s basketball meeting in the national title game and UConn adding a historic record 12th title. Those programs once again top the field in this way-too-early look at 2025-26.

As is tradition in these power rankings, the defending champions get the top spot. However, an early wave of entrants into the transfer portal, combined with the double graduations of the senior class and the super senior class from the pandemic bonus year, has created a lot more flux below the upper tier.

Some teams barely have enough players to field a lineup now. Most rosters will be unrecognizable when comparing today with the start of the regular season as transfers pick their new landing spots, putting a heavier emphasis on recruiting classes because the status of returning players is uncertain.

Almost famous: Baylor, Maryland, Columbia

Final Four teams aren’t going anywhere

Even without Paige Bueckers, UConn is a worthy candidate for the best team in the country thanks to its rising superstar Sarah Strong. She finished the season second nationally in win shares behind only Bueckers and figures to become even more prolific with more of the offense running through her as a sophomore.

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With Strong, Jana El Alfy and Azzi Fudd returning from the starting lineup, plus KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade ready to assume bigger roles as juniors (they already took on bigger burdens as freshmen), this is the best five in the country. Ice Brady, Allie Ziebell, Morgan Cheli and the sixth-ranked recruiting class provide solid depth even if the Huskies don’t add any transfers.

South Carolina will lose at least three starters, and potentially four if Raven Johnson decides to go pro. But the Gamecocks machine is ready to backfill, with MiLaysia Fulwiley, Tessa Johnson and Joyce Edwards waiting in the wings. This isn’t a program that rebuilds; it reloads.

Texas also loses two starters but has a trio of rising sophomores (Jordan Lee, Bryanna Preston, and Justice Carlton) to help Madison Booker get to the next level. The talent is obvious, but South Carolina’s historical dominance of the SEC — and Dawn Staley’s historical dominance over Vic Schaefer — keeps the Gamecocks ahead of the Longhorns for now.

UCLA can welcome back the most players from its Final Four team, with everyone eligible to return. However, the national semifinal flameout creates some doubt about the Bruins’ overall ceiling compared with the rest of this crew, slotting them in fourth despite being the No. 1 team for most of the season.

SEC is still deepest conference

Beyond the co-conference champions, the rest of the SEC is also reloading. LSU has the perimeter duo of Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams plus the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, headlined by Grace Knox.

Tennessee’s Kim Caldwell can now get players to specifically fit her system and has brought in the second-best class with several dynamic guards to play alongside Talaysia Cooper, Zee Spearman and Ruby Whitehorn.

The single best freshman is headed to Oklahoma to join Raegan Beers, Sahara Williams and Zya Vann. As such, all three teams, which all advanced to the 2025 Sweet 16, project in the top 10.

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Kentucky is harder to evaluate with the loss of Georgia Amoore, who has been central to everything Kenny Brooks has built in Lexington and previously at Virginia Tech. However, the return of three starters, including Clara Strack, healthy seasons for Jordan Obi and Dominika Paurova, plus Brooks’ historical success in the portal keep the Wildcats’ outlook high.

Vanderbilt returns the dynamic duo of Mikayla Blakes and Khamil Pierre. Mississippi State has many holes to fill, but a top-15 class coming in to surround Madina Okot is worth including in this group.

I’m keeping an eye on Georgia as well. The Bulldogs struggled to a 4-12 SEC record in 2024-25 but beat the Lady Vols on the last day of the regular season. Rising sophomores Trinity Turner and Mia Woolfolk are a strong core to build around, and Katie Abrahamson-Henderson brings in a top-20 class.

Which young teams can take next step?

Duke slides into the top five as it expects to bring back eight of its 10 rotation players. Ashlon Jackson had her best season as a junior, and underclassmen Jadyn Donovan, Oluchi Okananwa and Toby Fournier have all taken significant steps forward in Durham. With a true center next season in Arianna Roberson (who missed 2024-25 with an injury), the Blue Devils might finally have the pieces to make their first Final Four in two decades after coming up one possession short in 2025.

Iowa’s freshman class showed flashes in its first year. Ava Heiden, Teagan Mallegni and Taylor Stremlow will need to be much more productive to get the Hawkeyes back to hosting in the first weekend, though incoming freshman Addison Deal should help juice the offense.

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Michigan’s trio of freshmen (Syla Swords, Olivia Olson and Mila Holloway) needs some reinforcements in the frontcourt. The Wolverines can get that in the portal — Swords’ high school teammate Kate Koval, who might leave Notre Dame, would be an excellent addition. If so, the Wolverines could challenge in the Big Ten.

Louisville had five freshmen in the rotation last season, and the Cardinals found their next cornerstone in Tajianna Roberts. The veterans are basically all gone except for Ja’Leah Williams, but this ranking is a bet on Roberts being good enough to lead Louisville and Mackenly Randolph filling in Olivia Cochran’s shoes.

Elsewhere in the ACC, this might be a year early for NC State, considering the Wolfpack lose a trio of starters and have no seniors. However, the freshman class of Tilda Trygger, Lorena Awou, Zamareya Jones and Devyn Quigley is promising. With Zoe Brooks at the helm, there is still a lot to work with.

Iowa State was the young team last season, and we just can’t quit the potential of Audi Crooks and Addy Brown. The Cyclones’ ceiling is still probably limited by Crooks’ defense, but to start the year, there is too much continuity and talent to leave Iowa State out of the top 15.

And a nod to the WBIT champs, Minnesota. Even without Mara Brown, the Golden Gophers’ core of Amaya Battle, Grace Grocholski and Tori McKinney did some special things to close out the 2024-25 season. If Braun can ever be healthy, and this ranking presupposes that, Minnesota has so many long, versatile forwards/wings and is a modern basketball fan’s dream.

Big names missing

Culling this list to 25, especially at the start of the season, is always tricky. Teams such as Baylor, Ohio State, Columbia and West Virginia could easily have slotted in ahead of Maryland or Alabama.

But let’s address the elephants in the room: the big-name teams that either didn’t make the rankings at all or barely squeezed in. Notre Dame slots in at 25 because it’s impossible to exclude two-time first-team All-American Hannah Hidalgo altogether, even if she has essentially no other teammates but Cassandre Prosper after a portal exodus, which included backcourt mate Olivia Miles. Regardless of who ends up playing next to Hidalgo in 2025-26, she can will the Irish to enough wins.

USC and TCU, teams that lost in the Elite Eight, couldn’t make the cut, however. The Trojans are expected to be without JuJu Watkins for most of the season, and they graduated four seniors who played significant roles. Two of their three top freshmen are in the portal, so the combination of Kennedy Smith, Malia Samuels and incoming Jazzy Davidson wasn’t enough to vault past these other teams.

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With TCU, the roster is barren. Although Mark Campbell will almost certainly sign some of the best transfers in the country, as he has done each of the past two seasons, they aren’t in Fort Worth yet. Donovyn Hunter alone does not make a top-25 team.

(Illustration: Kelsea Petersen / The Athletic; Joe Buglewicz, Patrick McDermott, Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images)

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Golf influencer Paige Spiranac shares words of encouragement for Tiger Woods after DUI arrest

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Golf influencer Paige Spiranac shares words of encouragement for Tiger Woods after DUI arrest

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Golf influencer Paige Spiranac shared some encouraging words for Tiger Woods, who announced this week he would be stepping away from golf to “seek treatment” after his DUI arrest in Jupiter Island, Florida Friday. 

Spiranac reacted on social media after seeing Woods’ statement and the whole situation unfold after his rollover car crash. 

“I think we are all rooting for Tiger,” she posted on X. “Not as a golfer but more importantly as a person. None of us can fathom what he’s been through both emotionally and physically. 

“Not excusing any behavior, but I hope he’s able to get the help he needs in peace without the whole world dog piling on him in a very difficult situation.”

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Paige Spiranac hits a tee shot during The Creator Classic prior to the Truist Championship at The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) May 7, 2025, in Flourtown, Philadelphia.   (Tracy Wilcox/PGA Tour via Getty Images)

Woods entered a not guilty plea in court Tuesday, waiving his right to an arraignment and demanding a trial with a jury. He later released the statement, saying he would seek treatment and focus on his health. 

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said in the statement posted on social media. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery. 

AUGUSTA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN REVEALS TIGER WOODS’ MASTERS STATUS AFTER DUI ARREST

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“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

Woods’ attorney, Douglas N. Duncan, did not immediately respond to a request for comment by Fox News Digital. 

Tiger Woods was arrested on a DUI charge after a crash in Florida March 27, 2006. (AP/Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

Woods was arrested in Florida, and prescription opioids were found in his pocket after he was involved in a rollover crash Friday, according to court documents.

The 15-time major winner was arrested on charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a blood alcohol level (BAL) test after law enforcement said his vehicle collided with another while driving impaired.

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According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital, deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office reported observing several signs of impairment after the crash. They noted Woods was “sweating profusely,” his movements appeared “lethargic and slow” and his eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” as well as “extremely dilated” after removing his sunglasses. Woods admitted to being distracted before the crash. 

“Woods stated he was looking down at his cell phone and changing the radio station and did not notice the vehicle in front of him slowing down,” deputies wrote in the affidavit. 

Golfer Tiger Woods stands by his overturned vehicle in Jupiter Island, Fla., Friday, March 27, 2026.  (Jason Oteri/AP)

After Woods was placed under arrest, authorities found “two white pills inside Woods’ left side pant pocket,” which were later identified as hydrocodone, a prescription pain relief opioid.

This marks the second DUI arrest for Woods in the last decade. He was also taken into custody on Jupiter Island in 2017 after being asleep behind the wheel of a running vehicle at 3 a.m. after taking prescription drugs. 

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Woods was also involved in a 2021 rollover crash that resulted in serious leg injuries and emergency surgeries, which is what he was alluding to during the field sobriety tests. 

Woods just returned to The Golf League earlier this month for his first round of competition since undergoing more surgeries on his back while also needing to repair a torn Achilles. 

Paige Spiranac plays the 17th green during the Creator Classic at Philly Cricket Club prior to the Truist Championship at The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course) May 7, 2025, in Flourtown Philadelphia.  (Ben Jared/PGA Tour via Getty Images)

While Woods was reportedly trying to get in shape to play in the Masters Tournament, his statement confirmed he won’t be participating in this year’s field. Woods also signed up for the U.S. Senior Open, according to TGL teammate Kevin Kisner, which is scheduled for early July. 

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Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley also confirmed Woods will not be at The Masters next week.

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Tiger Woods pleads not guilty to DUI, says he will ‘seek treatment and focus on my health’

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Tiger Woods pleads not guilty to DUI, says he will ‘seek treatment and focus on my health’

Shortly after his attorney entered a plea of not guilty, Tiger Woods announced he will seek treatment “to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”

The golf legend was arrested Friday on suspicion of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a urinalysis stemming from a rollover crash near his home on Jupiter Island, Fla. Hydrocodone pills were found in his pocket and a sheriff’s deputy noted in the arrest affidavit that Woods had bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils and was “sweating profusely” while performing field sobriety tests.

Attorney Douglas Duncan appeared in Martin County, Fla., court Tuesday, waived arraignment on Woods’ behalf, entered not guilty pleas on the two misdemeanor charges and requested a trial by jury.

Hours later, Woods posted a statement to his social media accounts:

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today. I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.

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“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return to a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”

Although he hadn’t committed to playing, Woods had been toying with returning to competition for the first time since 2024 at next week’s Masters at Augusta National Golf Club, where he has won five championships.

Now he won’t even make an appearance, let alone play. Woods was scheduled to attend the opening of “The Patch,” a municipal golf course in Augusta that he helped redesign. He also was expected to attend the annual Champions Dinner on April 7.

“Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament fully support Tiger Woods as he focuses on his well-being,” Masters chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement. “Although Tiger will not be joining us in person next week, his presence will be felt here in Augusta.”

Woods, 50, last competed on the PGA Tour in July 2024 when he missed the cut at the Open Championship, posting an eight-over 79 and six-over 77 at Royal Troon. It marked his third consecutive missed cut in a major that year.

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Widely considered the greatest golfer of all time, Woods has amassed 82 PGA Tour wins, including 15 majors. He has competed sporadically the last four years because of injuries, but has become an increasingly important figure off the course, serving as chairman of the PGA Tour’s Future Competition Committee and serving on the tour’s Enterprises Board, Policy Board and Player Advisory Council.

When arrested Friday, Woods was asked if he had any medical conditions. He replied that he has had seven back surgeries and at least 20 leg operations.

He also has had several car accidents.

Around Thanksgiving 2009, a report that Woods had been in a car accident near his home erupted into a major scandal involving allegations of affairs. It resulted in Woods’ divorce from Elin Nordegren, the mother of his children.

In 2021, Woods was seriously injured in a rollover crash near Rancho Palos Verdes the morning after the Genesis Invitational, which he hosted at Riviera Country Club. He had to be extricated from the wreckage of the Genesis GV80 SUV that he was driving

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Woods underwent “a long surgical procedure” on his lower right leg and ankle, according to a statement he released. Doctors inserted a rod into his leg and placed screws into his foot and ankle.

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Raiders coach Klint Kubiak favors veteran QB, hesitant to start rookie early in season

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Raiders coach Klint Kubiak favors veteran QB, hesitant to start rookie early in season

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Las Vegas may be Fernando Mendoza’s first NFL stop. But if he joins the Raiders as a rookie, his jersey may stay clean early if coach Klint Kubiak has his way.

Mendoza led Indiana to its first College Football Playoff national title in January and is widely projected as the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, a selection held by the Raiders. 

Klint Kubiak was named the Raiders head coach in February, shortly after helping to lead the Seattle Seahawks to the franchise’s second Super Bowl title as offensive coordinator.

Kubiak believes rookie quarterbacks benefit from learning from an experienced player before seeing game action.

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Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak speaks at an introductory news conference at Intermountain Health Performance Center on Feb. 10, 2026, in Henderson, Nev.  (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

“Ideally, you don’t want him to start from Day 1,” Kubiak told reporters Tuesday. “You’d love him to be able to learn behind somebody. That’s in a perfect world. It doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes they have to play from Day 1, and it’s our job as coaches to get them ready to go. I think it does help the player if they can sit behind a mature adult and watch how they run the show.”

MAXX CROSBY’S WIFE REACTS TO RAVENS TRADE FALLOUT WITH THREE-WORD MESSAGE

Aidan O’Connell is the only other quarterback on the Raiders’s roster after the team traded Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett signed with the Panthers. Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo and Russell Wilson are among the veterans who remain unsigned.

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The Raiders’ playoff win drought dates to the 2002 season, when the franchise won the AFC championship. 

Kubiak pointed to Fernando Mendoza’s track record when asked about the quarterback. 

“He’s a national champion. He’s a winner,” Kubiak said of Mendoza. “He’s quick. He’s intelligent.”

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passes against Miami during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

On defense, the Raiders still have five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby after his trade to Baltimore was voided because he failed a physical.

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Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak speaks to the media ahead of the Super Bowl at the San Jose Convention Center Feb. 5, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Kubiak said he smiled when general manager John Spytek gave him the news about the nixed deal. 

“We got Maxx back. Are you kidding me? That’s great. Our team just got better,” Kubiak said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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