What's next for UCLA and South Carolina? Breaking down recruits, portal priorities, more

As we say so long to the 2026 women's NCAA tournament, the offseason officially begins for UCLA and South Carolina.

Here's your guide to their expected departures, returnees, top incoming recruits and where that leaves their personnel priorities for when the transfer portal opens April 6.

UCLA Bruins

Record: 37-1 (18-0 in Big Ten)
How their season ended: Won national championship

Expected departures

Lauren Betts (17.1 PPG)
Angela Dugalić (8.9 PPG)
Timea Gardiner (out with injury)
Megan Grant (0.4)
Gabriela Jaquez (13.5 PPG)
Gianna Kneepkens (13 PPG)
Charlisse Leger-Walker (8.6 PPG)
Kiki Rice (15.4 ppg)

Players with remaining eligibility

Sienna Betts (6.6 PPG)
Lena Bilic (3.2 PPG)
Christina Karamouzi (0.5 PPG)
Amanda Muse (1.3 PPG)

Top incoming recruit: Somto Okafor (Spain)

Per Shane Laflin, ESPN's girls' basketball recruiting expert, Okafor is "a strong athletic guard who pressures defensively but will need to learn a lot to be ready to play here at that level." Without any recruits on ESPN's ranking of the top 100 recruits for 2026, coach Cori Close is going to have to rely heavily on the transfer portal to rebuild her team. With six of her most important players graduating or out of eligibility, the Bruins must retool their roster and add some experienced players. Sienna Betts is the only returning player who saw meaningful minutes down the stretch of the season (averaged 15.0 per game on the year), but she missed a solid portion of the regular season because of injury. Having her grow and develop will be key to the Bruins, but she needs veteran help.

Portal priorities: Start with how to replace the 76 combined points (UCLA averaged 85 per game entering the Final Four) that Lauren Betts, Rice, Jaquez, Kneepkens, Dugalić and Leger-Walker contribute each game. The Bruins should target a dynamic guard in the portal to take over Rice's role. Yes, losing an All-American in Betts might be the biggest headline for UCLA this summer, but Rice's impact on the team has been just as important. With Sienna Betts coming back, the Bruins' top priority might be a ball handler and three-level scorer. Rice averaged 4.3 assists per game while also shooting 50% from the floor. Leger-Walker (team-high 5.8 APG) is exiting, as is Jaquez, another guard who shot 54.2%. -- Kendra Andrews

South Carolina Gamecocks

Record: 36-4 (15-1 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to UCLA in national championship

Expected departures

Ta'Niya Latson (14.7)
Madina Okot (13.4)
Raven Johnson (10.2)
Maryam Dauda (2.9)

Players with remaining eligibility

Joyce Edwards (19.6 PPG)
Tessa Johnson (12.9)
Agot Makeer (6.6)
Maddy McDaniel (4.5)
Ayla McDowell (4.3)
Alicia Tournebize (4.3)
Adhel Tac (3.1)
Chloe Kitts (injured)

Top incoming recruit: Jerzy Robinson (No. 5)

Robinson, a 6-0 guard, is joined by 6-2 forward Kaeli Wynn (Santa Ana, California/Mater Dei) and 6-3 forward Kelsi Andrews (Hazel Green, Alabama/IMG Academy), who are Nos. 17-18 on the SportsCenter Next 100. Robinson is originally from Arizona, but relocated to California in high school. Earlier this year, she passed USC star JuJu Watkins as the career leading scorer at Sierra Canyon High School.

Portal priorities: If the Gamecocks really bring back everyone listed, they might not need a lot from the portal. The 6-2 Kitts, who suffered a torn ACL in the fall and missed this season, was a regional MVP in 2025 and will be part of a strong front line with players such as 6-3 Edwards, 6-5 Tac and 6-7 Tournebize. There is still a chance that Okot could get one more year of eligibility from the NCAA after playing collegiately in Kenya before spending the past two seasons at Mississippi State and South Carolina. Otherwise, she will go to the WNBA draft.

The Gamecocks' younger guards will need to step forward next season with Raven Johnson and Latson gone. It's possible that South Carolina brings in an experienced point guard if one is available who fits what coach Dawn Staley needs. -- Michael Voepel

Texas Longhorns

Record: 35-4 (13-3 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to UCLA in Final Four

Expected departures

Kyla Oldacre (10.4)
Rori Harmon (8.5)
Teya Sidberry (5.1)
Ashton Judd (4.5)
Sarah Graves (1.5)

Players with remaining eligibility

Madison Booker (19.3)
Jordan Lee (13.6)
Justice Carlton (8.4)
Aaliyah Crump (8.2)
Breya Cunningham (7.8)
Bryanna Preston (5.2)
Grace Prenter (1.4)
Lovisa Asbrink Hose (redshirt)

Top incoming recruit: Brihanna Crittendon (No. 8)

The Longhorns bring in three top-20 recruits, with No. 10 Addison Bjorn and No. 20 Aaliah Spaight joining Crittendon in the freshman class of 2026-27. The 6-foot-3 Crittendon and 6-1 Bjorn are face-up forwards/wings and Spaight is a 5-7 point guard who was the Gatorade Nevada girls' high school player of the year. Crittendon won the same honor for Colorado, as Bjorn did for Missouri. The Longhorns also have a commitment from 5-9 guard Amalia Holguin (No. 57) from Newport Beach, California.

Portal priorities: The Longhorns bring a lot back, led by first-team All-American Booker. Their biggest loss is Harmon, the school's all-time leader in assists and steals. Spaight might help fill that role, but Texas might also look to the portal for an experienced point guard and a 3-point shooter. If the same player can be the answer for both, all the better. The Longhorns should be in good shape with post players, but might be open to the possibility of adding one more big with the departure of 6-6 senior Oldacre. -- Michael Voepel

UConn Huskies

Record: 38-1 (20-0 in Big East)
How their season ended: Lost to South Carolina in Final Four

Expected departures

Azzi Fudd (17.5 PPG)
Serah Williams (6.8 PPG)
Caroline Ducharme (1.4 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility

Sarah Strong (18.6 PPG)
Blanca Quiñonez (10.9 PPG)
Ashlynn Shade (7.6 PPG)
Allie Ziebell (7.4 PPG)
KK Arnold (7.1 PPG)
Kayleigh Heckel (6.9 PPG)
Jana El Alfy (4.1 PPG)
Kelis Fisher (2.7 PPG)
Ice Brady (2.5 PPG)
Ayanna Patterson (1.7 PPG)
Gandy Malou-Mamel (1.0 PPG)
Morgan Cheli (redshirt)

Top incoming recruit: Olivia Vukosa (No. 3)

Vukosa's game brings to mind Stefanie Dolson, a two-time national champion with UConn and 11-year WNBA veteran. Both are gifted passers and confident ball handlers. Vukosa has proved herself effective from beyond the arc, but she still maintains the ability to post hard and punish opponents on the block. Her rebounding efforts in the past calendar year have improved tremendously as she found the value of attacking the offensive glass. Defensively, her mobility will allow her to play in multiple schemes and strategies while maintaining the physical presence demanded of post players. -- Shane Laflin

Portal priorities: With the departure of Fudd, the Huskies could bring in more shooting -- her 3.0 3-point makes per game and 45.5% clip both led the team. And though they have size returning in Strong, Quinonez and El Alfy, they could always benefit from more, especially if they end up losing some of their rotational frontcourt players in the portal.

TCU Horned Frogs

Record: 32-6 (15-3 in Big 12)
How their season ended: Lost to South Carolina in the Elite Eight

Expected departures

Olivia Miles (19.4 PPG)
Marta Suarez (16.8 PPG)
Taylor Bigby (8.2 PPG)
Kennedy Basham (2.8 PPG)
Veronica Sheffey (4.4 PPG)
Natalie Mazurek (1.5 PPG)
Maddie Scherr (5.4 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility

Clara Silva (9.3 PPG)
Donovyn Hunter (10.6 PPG)
Taliyah Parker (1.7 PPG)
Clara Bielefeld (2.1 PPG)
Emily Hunter (0.0 PPG, 7 games)
Sarah Portlock (redshirt)
Aaliyah Roberson (redshirt)

Top incoming recruit: Jessie-May Hall (Australia)

Coach Mark Campbell has focused a significant portion of his recruiting outside the United States, and this two-person class is exclusively foreign-born. The 5-foot-8 Hall is an explosive, energetic point guard from New South Wales. She has played professionally in her home country in NBL1 and has represented Australia in multiple FIBA tournaments. If Campbell can't land a veteran in the transfer portal, Hall could be the next TCU point guard or at least share the spot with Hunter. Laura Vilcinskas, a 6-foot-5 native of Belgium, joins the 6-7 Silva, 6-4 Bielefeld and 6-8 Portlock in a massive frontline if they all stay in Fort Worth and are healthy.

Portal priorities: Expect Campbell to hit the portal hard -- and he can pursue any position with so many holes to fill on the roster. The biggest need is replacing the 36 combined points per game from Miles and Suarez. He brought the 2025 Elite Eight appearance to Fort Worth by bringing in Sedona Prince, Hailey Van Lith, Bigby and Hunter, and this year's regional final appearance by adding Miles, Suarez, Sheffey and Silva. Given that recent history, expect some more prominent names to land in Fort Worth. Point guard is such an important position in Campbell's system, so targeting the best lead guards in the portal will be at the top of his list.

Michigan Wolverines

Record: 28-7 (15-3 in Big Ten)
How their season ended: Lost to Texas in Elite Eight

Expected departures

Brooke Quarles Daniels (5.9 PPG)
Alyssa Crockett (2.4 PPG)
Ally VanTimmeren (1.7 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility

Olivia Olson (19.2 PPG)
Syla Swords (14.8 PPG)
Mila Holloway (12.6 PPG)
Te'Yala Delfosse (8.9 PPG)
Ashley Sofilkanich (8.0 PPG)
Kendall Dudley (5.9 PPG)
McKenzie Mathurin (3.7 PPG)
Macy Brown (2.5 PPG)
Ciara Byars (1.9 PPG)
Aaiyanna Dunbar (1.6 PPG)
Jessica Fields (1.0 PPG)

Top incoming recruit: Ayo Mofopefoluwa (No. 45)

Coach Kim Barnes Arico brought in three top-100 recruits in Mathurin, Byars and Fields last year, and none of them was able to earn regular playing time, but they were playing behind the trio of Olson, Swords and Holloway. At 6-foot-3, Ayo might have more opportunity and at some point next season could be a valuable addition as a rim protector, an area where Sofilkanich helped but that could still use an upgrade. Another four-star, Devin Cosgriff (No. 56), is in the mold of Swords and Olson in terms of competitiveness and her high-level AAU and high school experience.

Portal priorities: If the program's foundational sophomore class -- Olson, Swords, Holloway and Delfosse -- returns as expected, and no one in this season's freshman class leaves, the roster appears mostly set. Adding more experienced depth, especially in the frontcourt, wouldn't hurt, but it might be most important that players fit the culture Barnes Arico and her group of sophomores have created. Any portal additions should fill a very specific need. The expectations will be as high as they have ever been in Ann Arbor next season.

Duke Blue Devils

Record: 27-9 (16-2 in ACC)
How their season ended: Lost to UCLA in Elite Eight

Expected departures

Ashlon Jackson (11.2 PPG)
Taina Mair (11.0 PPG)
Hailey Johnson (1.6 PPG)
Olivia Martin (1.2 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility

Toby Fournier (17.4 PPG)
Delaney Thomas (11.1 PPG)
Riley Nelson (9.4 PPG)
Arianna Roberson (8.3 PPG)
Jordan Wood (4.9 PPG)
Emilee Skinner (4.3 PPG)
Jadyn Donovan (1.6 PPG)
Anna Wikstrom (1.3 PPG)
Emma Koabel (redshirt)

Top incoming recruit: Autumn Fleary (No. 12)

Kara Lawson landed three players in the top 25 of the SC Next 100, and Fleary is the highest rated of the group and the top point guard in the entire class. Her on-ball defensive skills make the 5-foot-7 Fleary, who comes from the same high school in Washington, D.C., (Sidwell Friends) as current Blue Devil Donovan, a natural fit for Lawson's approach. Bella Flemings, a combo guard form San Antonio, and Sanai Green, a recruiting win from Long Island, join Fleary to form what could be the future Duke backcourt.

Portal priorities: Skinner was with the Blue Devils all season but in many ways, she will seem like a portal addition. A lower leg injury kept her out of all but three games, so it's easy to forget Skinner was the No. 4-rated recruit a year ago. She is the ready-made replacement for Mair at the point or has the size to move off the ball if Fleary is ready to lead the Blue Devils as a freshman. Nelson and Wood are capable from distance, but Duke can certainly use more shooters to surround Fournier and Thomas, especially with the loss of Jackson. Another fierce perimeter defender would fit nicely, especially if Lawson can combine that shooter and defender in the same player.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Record: 25-11 (12-6 in ACC)
How their season ended: Lost to UConn in Elite Eight

Expected departures

Iyana Moore (12.2 PPG)
Vanessa de Jesus (8.6 PPG)
Malaya Cowles (8.0 PPG)
Gisela Sanchez (6.0 PPG)
Bella Tehrani (0.4 PPG)
Jordyn Smith (0.3 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility

Hannah Hidalgo (25.2 PPG)
Cassandre Prosper (13.9 PPG)
KK Bransford (7.5 PPG)
Kelly Ratigan (1.4 PPG)
Luci Jensen (0.3 PPG)
Leah Macy (redshirt)

Top incoming recruit: Jacy Abii (No. 9)

Abii is the crown jewel of what is arguably the best recruiting class in Niele Ivey's tenure as head coach at Notre Dame. Abii's versatility, particularly her talent as a passer, and length at 6-foot-2 on the wing should give Ivey some options once the incoming freshman settles into the college game. Three of the four other members of the class -- Amari Byles, Isabella Ragone and Isabella Sangha -- are 6-2 or taller. Notre Dame will also add 6-2 Leah Macy to the mix. Macy was a 2025 McDonald's All American and the No. 19-rated recruit, but she sat out this season recovering from a knee injury suffered during her senior year in high school.

Portal priorities: It's back to the portal drawing board for Ivey. Last offseason she filled out her roster with a collection of transfers with one year of eligibility left to provide Hidalgo with experience. All of them are gone now, but the strategy shouldn't change. To maximize Hidalgo's talents, she needs shooters and versatile wings around her. Abii might be able to fill the former void, but the Irish will need some experience, too. A rim protector and another ball handler would also be advisable. How deeply Ivey has to dig into the portal will be determined by Prosper's decision to come back or not. The ACC's most improved player has another year of eligibility if she wants to use it. The recruiting class is an encouraging sign of Notre Dame building from within again, but Hidalgo needs veteran teammates to get the most out of her final year in South Bend.

Virginia Cavaliers

Record: 22-12 (11-7 in ACC)
How their season ended: Lost to TCU in Sweet 16

Expected departures:

Paris Clark (9.4 PPG)
Romi Levy (8.3 PPG)
Caitlin Weimar (7.7 PPG)
Jillian Brown (2.7 PPG)
Danelle Arigbabu (1.0 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility:

Kymora Johnson (19.5 PPG)
Tabitha Amanze (9.4 PPG)
Sa'Myah Smith (8.0 PPG)
Gabby White (6.2 PPG)
Adeang Ring (3.7 PPG)
Breona Hurd (3.6 PPG)
Olivia McGhee (2.5 PPG)
Raiane Dias Dos Santos (2.3 PPG)

Top incoming recruit: None

Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton has yet to sign anyone, and that will make her work in the transfer portal imperative. Getting a healthy season from 6-foot-2 junior-to-be Hurd, whose development suffered a setback because of a midseason injury that cost her 11 games, and more production from 5-10 guard White, who was a top-100 recruit last year, would help.

Portal priorities: Last spring, Agugua-Hamilton built a team around Johnson with transfers, and the Cavaliers were one of the ACC's biggest surprises. With Johnson likely back, Agugua-Hamilton needs a repeat portal performance. With Amanze and Smith still in the mix, she won't need the same number of players she brought in last offseason (7), but who returns to Virginia will determine if it can duplicate this year's run. Clark and Levy became important secondary and tertiary scorers in the postseason, and getting another backcourt scorer should be the priority, preferably one who has 3-point range.

Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 26-8 (11-5 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to South Carolina in Sweet 16

Expected departures:

Raegan Beers (15.8 PPG)
Payton Verhulst (12.0 PPG)
Beatrice Culliton (1.1 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility:

Aaliyah Chavez (18.3 PPG)
Sahara Williams (12.5 PPG)
Zya Vann (10.5 PPG)
Brooklyn Stewart (6.8 PPG)
Caya Smith (4.4 PPG)
Keziah Lofton (4.0 PPG)
Emma Tolan (1.5 PPG)
Daffa Cissoko (0.4 PPG)

Top incoming recruit: Alliyah Bell (No. 36)

Despite not being directly recruited to Oklahoma, Beers and Verhulst became synonymous with the program. They will not be easy to replace, making next season a potential transition campaign for the Sooners. Expectations could be adjusted depending on how well Jennie Baranczyk's three-player recruiting class adjusts to life in the SEC. Bell is the top-rated and most crucial of those incoming freshmen. She is a 6-foot-3 power forward who was the North Dakota state Player of the Year and averaged 27.4 points per game at Minot High School. Bell is not a direct replacement for Beers but could be the inside scorer and rebounder the Sooners will need. Vienna Murray is a 6-foot-1 wing from Minnesota and another top-100 prospect, and Sina Hollerl is a combo guard from Austria.

Portal priorities: The Sooners are now Chavez's team. Getting players who like to run and can spread the floor will make her even better. Vann, Williams and Stewart check off those boxes, but they are not the 3-point threat Chavez will need. Finding at least one high-level perimeter shooter will be a priority. Size in the SEC is a must, and Beers was Oklahoma's muscle. Stewart has the potential to make a big leap as a sophomore, but the Sooners will need more, probably two players out of the portal who are above-average rebounders.

Kentucky Wildcats

Record: 25-11 (8-8 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to Texas in Sweet 16

Expected departures:

Tonie Morgan (13.9 PPG)
Teonni Key (11.4 PPG)
Amelia Hassett (10.6 PPG)
Jordan Obi (9.2 PPG)
Josie Gilvin (1.2 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility:

lara Strack (16.9 PPG)
Asia Boone (10.1 PPG)
Lexi Blue (2.1 PPG)
Kaelyn Carroll (3.5 PPG)
Gabby Brooks (0.8 PPG)
Dominika Paurová (missed season torn ACL)
Elsa Vadfors (redshirt)

Top incoming recruit: Maddyn Greenway (No. 13)

Kenny Brooks signed one of the best classes in the country with three top-25 prospects, headlined by Greenway. Her speed and ability to process information quickly should make her a good match for Brooks, whose play style puts responsibility on his point guards. Well known in Minnesota basketball circles since she was a middle schooler, the 5-foot-8 Greenway scored more than 5,000 points in high school and has drawn comparisons to Paige Bueckers. Greenway averaged 36 points per game as a senior and won her fifth state title earlier this month after playing on varsity for six years. She started with the team when she was in seventh grade. With 6-foot-0 Emily McDonald and 6-foot-1 Savvy Swords, the sister of Michigan's Syla Swords, Brooks might have his backcourt of the future.

Portal priorities: Despite bringing in Greenway, Brooks might be seeking a point guard. In his first two years at Lexington, Brooks used the portal to bring in Georgia Amoore and Morgan, who both add experience at the position. It's a strategy that has served him well. Brooks might not want to solely trust a freshman point guard at the most vital position in his offense for Strack's final season. After losing Key, who also paired so well with Strack, Brooks will need to find another power forward who can rebound and run the floor. If the 6-foot-5 Vadfors is ready to contribute, that would be a significant boost. Boone is one of the best 3-point shooters in the SEC, but so was Hassett. Brooks will need another shooter, too.

Louisville Cardinals

Record: 29-8 (15-3 in ACC)
How their season ended: Lost to Michigan in the Sweet 16

Expected departures

Laura Ziegler (11.2 PPG)
Reyna Scott (8.2 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility

Tajianna Roberts (11.6 PPG)
Imari Berry (11.0 PPG)
Elif Istanbulluoglu (9.8 PPG)
Mackenly Randolph (8.6 PPG)
Anaya Hardy (4.9 PPG)
Peyton Bradley (3.8 PPG)
Reagan Bender (3.4 PPG)
Grace Mbugua (3.2 PPG)
Yevheniia Putra (2.7 PPG)
Rebekah Graves (1.7 PPG)
Isla Juffermans (missed season with leg injury)

Top incoming recruit: Ariyana Cradle (No. 34)

Almost everything the Cardinals did this season was by committee. That includes point guard. Cradle gives Jeff Walz another option to share some of those duties. She could slide right into the rotation spot that Scott is vacating and play either guard position. Known first as an intense defender who averaged 4.0 steals per game to go along with 18.3 points per game at Spire Academy, Cradle appears to be an ideal fit for the Louisville system. Myah Epps is a 5-foot-10 true point guard from Indiana and another top-100 recruit (No. 68) for the Cardinals.

Portal priorities: With so much experience expected to return, Walz can be particular about what transfer(s) he adds. Ziegler was the key get last offseason, and another versatile big would be helpful to pair with Istanbulluoglu. Ziegler was also a key part of Louisville's 3-point shooting, which was third in the ACC at 34.5%, but could also be streaky from game-to-game or even within a game. Finding a pick-and-pop shooter with size or a catch-and-shoot threat would add even more diversity to the offense.

LSU Tigers

Record: 29-5 (12-4 in SEC)
How their season ended: Lost to Duke in Sweet 16

Expected departures

Flau'jae Johnson (14.3 PPG)
Amiya Joyner (9.2 PPG)
Izzy Besselman (0.1 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility

Mikaylah Williams (14.0 PPG)
MiLaysia Fulwiley (14.2 PPG)
ZaKiyah Johnson (10.0 PPG)
Jada Richard (9.6 PPG)
Grace Knox (8.9 PPG)
Kate Koval (8.6 PPG)
Bella Hines (4.3 PPG)
Meghan Yarnevich (2.1 PPG)
Divine Bourrage (2.1 PPG)

Top incoming recruit: Lola Lampley (No. 29)

As strange as it looks to see a Kim Mulkey recruiting class with just one name on it, that's the reality this year. But it also makes sense. The Tigers remain loaded with talent. Flau'jae Johnson is the only significant loss and Lampley plays the same position. If the roster stays intact, the preseason will have some interesting position battles, including Lampley. Her size at 6-foot-2 will help as she tries to take minutes from ZaKiyah Johnson and Hines. Lampley's willingness to rebound should help her get on the floor.

Portal priorities: Expect some attrition. That is the landscape now for elite programs with more talent than minutes available. The list of priorities won't become clear until those decisions are made. If spots open, expect Mulkey to move quickly in the portal to fill them. Last year when Sa'Myah Smith and Aalyah Del Rosario left, the Tigers' staff landed Koval and Joyner. When Hailey Van Lith left after the 2024 season, Shayeann Day-Wilson was added from Miami. If there is an area to address, LSU could use another perimeter defender or a power forward with a little shooting range.

Minnesota Gophers

Record: 24-9 (13-5 in Big Ten)
How their season ended: Lost to UCLA in Sweet 16

Expected departures

Amaya Battle (11.3 PPG)
Sophie Hart (11.1 PPG)
Brylee Glenn (6.4 PPG)
Finau Tonga (4.7 PPG)
Tracey Bershers (2.0 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility

Tori McKinney (12.9 PPG)
Grace Grocholski (12.1 PPG)
Mara Braun (11.8 PPG)
Makena Christian (3.7 PPG)
Niamya Holloway (1.7 PPG)
Kennedy Klick (1.6 PPG)
Brynn Senden (0.6 PPG)

Top incoming recruit: Natalie Kussow (No. 40)

Voted Ms. Basketball in Wisconsin, Kussow should fit well with Minnesota's style of play. She's a shooting guard who averaged 26.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists for state champion Arrowhead. Kussow had 34 points in the title game. The question will be where she fits in the rotation. With Braun a full season removed from a second foot injury and McKinney and Grocholski also expected back, the backcourt has plenty of experience on the wing. With Battle's departure, those minutes will be available. A point guard is more of a need; the Gophers added one with in-state recruit Tori Oehrlein (No. 58).

Portal priorities: The top scorers are expected back. The size is not. The recruiting class also included 6-foot-4 Adit Kuol, but if Minnesota is going to duplicate a top-20 season, coach Dawn Plitzuweit will have to get some veteran interior help. The 6-2 Tonga was a grad transfer this year from San Jose State. That might be the pool the coaching staff needs to dip into again. Hart, who was in the program for three years after leaving NC State, will be harder to replace. She was the Gophers' inside anchor, and Plitzuweit will have to reach a higher level in the portal to find someone with that kind of Power 4 conference experience. Minnesota would also have room for a true point guard.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Record: 28-8 (14-4 in ACC)
How their season ended: Lost to UConn in Sweet 16

Expected departures

Nyla Harris (11.5 PPG)
Indya Nivar (10.3 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility

Lanie Grant (11.1 PPG)
Elina Aarnisalo (10.4 PPG)
Ciera Toomey (8.9 PPG)
Nyla Brooks (8.7 PPG)
Reniya Kelly (6.1 PPG)
Laila Hull (4.2 PPG)
Taliyah Henderson (3.8 PPG)
Taissa Queiroz (2.9 PPG)
Jordan Zubich (2.1 PPG)
Liza Astakhova (2.1 PPG)
Blanca Thomas (1.7 PPG)
Sydney Barker (0.4 PPG)

Top incoming recruit: Kate Harpring (No. 4)

What should be a deep backcourt gets even deeper and much better with Harpring. The highest-ranked recruit ever brought in by coach Courtney Banghart, Harpring should be a starter from day one at the point. A 3,000-point career scorer at Marist School in Atlanta and one of five finalists for the Naismith high school player of the year, the 5-foot-10 Harpring is firmly entrenched in USA Basketball, winning a gold medal at the FIBA U19 World Cup and averaging 8.3 points in the seven games. Harpring, the daughter of former Georgia Tech star and 11-year NBA player Matt Harpring, has been named to the 2026 Nike Hoop Summit Team. Although four players averaged between 10.3 and 11.5 PPG for UNC this season, no star developed for the Tar Heels. Harpring could be that player in 2027.

Portal priorities: Any transfers will dictate how deeply Banghart dives into the portal. Harris was the team's leading scorer and rebounder, and her work on the glass might be most missed. North Carolina was only 10th in the ACC in rebounding with Harris, who was brought in for one year from Louisville to do exactly that. An upgrade on the boards will be necessary to play deeper into March. If there is a veteran power forward who doesn't need to be an offensive priority, that might be the missing piece. If Grant, Aarnisalo and Kelly all stay in Chapel Hill, the backcourt rotation is full, but if a spot-up shooter is available, the Tar Heels could find a place for her.

Vanderbilt Commodores

Record: 29-5 (13-3 in ACC)
How their season ended: Lost to Notre Dame in Sweet 16

Expected departures

Justine Pissott (11.4 PPG)
Sacha Washington (10.4 PPG)
Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda (7.0 PPG)
Jada Brown (3.2 PPG)

Players with remaining eligibility

Mikayla Blakes (27.0 PPG)
Aubrey Galvan (13.2 PPG)
Aiyana Mitchell (5.9 PPG)
Aga Makurat (3.2 PPG)
Ava Black (2.9 PPG)
Trinity Wilson (1.0 PPG)
Monique Williams (0.9 PPG)
Madison Greene (redshirt)

Top incoming recruit: Olivia Jones (No. 14)

If anyone is looking for a player comp for Jones, they don't have to look far. Blakes is the answer. Jones' strengths are as a driver and shot creator. Her teammates at Long Island Lutheran include four other top-25 recruits, so Jones understands high-level competitiveness. As part of the gold-medal-winning Team USA U16 team at the FIBA AmeriCup last summer, the 5-foot-11 Jones averaged 8.0 points and 3.8 assists. The Commodores didn't stop there, also adding 6-4 Jhai Johnson from California, exemplifying once again how the reach of Vanderbilt recruiting has grown under Shea Ralph.

Portal priorities: A mobile big would be a good place to start. The offense needs to be spread for Blakes and Galvan to maximize their one-on-one skills. A traditional post doesn't work; the Commodores need someone who can run the high pick-and-roll. That is what made Washington a good fit. Another shooter to additionally spread the floor should also be at the top of Ralph's portal wish list. The opportunity to play with a humble superstar such as Blakes and a passer of Galvan's quality should be an easy sell. Targeting the right personality fit will be the coaching staff's biggest challenge.