Iowa women's basketball with one of ESPN's top transfer portal players

TL;DR

Iowa women's basketball has secured Dani Carnegie, a top transfer from Georgia, to enhance their backcourt after a disappointing NCAA Tournament exit. Carnegie is ranked as the No. 3 player in ESPN's transfer portal rankings.

Key points

Iowa women's basketball added Dani Carnegie from Georgia
Carnegie is ranked No. 3 in ESPN's transfer portal rankings
Iowa aims to improve after a disappointing NCAA Tournament exit
Carnegie averaged 18.4 points in SEC games
Her transfer reunites her with former teammate Chazadi Wright

Dani CarnegieIowa HawkeyesGeorgiaChazadi Wright

After another strong and successful regular season during the 2025-26 women's college basketball season, the Iowa Hawkeyes were bounced from the NCAA Women's Tournament at home inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena as a No. 2 seed before even making the Sweet 16.

While that left a sour taste, it also seems to have awoken a sense of urgency in the Iowa coaching staff, led by head coach Jan Jensen. Iowa needed to add more top-end talent, and they did that via the transfer portal.

Jensen swung big in the portal and landed Dani Carnegie, the guard from Georgia. Her commitment to Iowa infuses talent in the backcourt and is viewed as one of ESPN's top transfer portal commitments in women's college basketball, sitting at the No. 3 best player in the transfer portal rankings.

3. Dani Carnegie, 5-9, G, So.

Transferring to Iowa (from Georgia)

This season Carnegie was one of the SEC's most impactful transfers. In 2026-27, she's likely to do the same in the Big Ten. Carnegie's move to Iowa reunites her with former Georgia Tech teammate Chazadi Wright and will give the Hawkeyes one of the conference's best backcourts. Carnegie's ability to create shots for herself and teammates is something Iowa has lacked since the departure of Caitlin Clark. Her 18.4 points in SEC games was good for fourth in the league. - Charlie Creme, ESPN

Q&A

Who is Dani Carnegie and why is her transfer significant for Iowa women's basketball?

Dani Carnegie is a guard transferring from Georgia to Iowa, and her addition is significant as she is ranked as the No. 3 player in ESPN's transfer portal rankings, expected to strengthen Iowa's backcourt.

What were Iowa women's basketball's challenges in the 2025-26 season?

Iowa women's basketball faced challenges by being eliminated from the NCAA Women's Tournament as a No. 2 seed without reaching the Sweet 16, highlighting the need for stronger talent.

How did Dani Carnegie perform in the SEC before transferring to Iowa?

Dani Carnegie averaged 18.4 points in SEC games, ranking fourth in the league, showcasing her scoring ability that Iowa hopes to leverage in the Big Ten.