Women’s college basketball transfer portal shakeup creates contenders while leaving several teams rebuilding
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Apr 28, 2026, 03:53 IST
Women’s college basketball transfer portal shakeup creates contenders while leaving several teams rebuilding
The women’s college basketball transfer portal has reshaped rosters across the country, leaving some programs stronger while others face uncertainty heading into next season. Oklahoma State Cowgirls emerged as a major winner, rebuilding effectively with additions like Audi Crooks and Liv McGill. TCU Horned Frogs also reloaded well, adding key players to maintain balance, while Ole Miss Rebels stayed aggressive under coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin to deepen their roster.
Arizona State Sun Devils and UCLA Bruins made smart additions to remain competitive despite roster changes.
On the other hand, Iowa State Cyclones suffered major losses, including Crooks and Addy Brown, raising concerns. Texas Longhorns and NC State Wolfpack also face challenges after losing key contributors. Overall, the portal has significantly shifted the balance of power across programs.
Arizona State Sun Devils and UCLA Bruins made smart additions to remain competitive despite roster changes.
On the other hand, Iowa State Cyclones suffered major losses, including Crooks and Addy Brown, raising concerns. Texas Longhorns and NC State Wolfpack also face challenges after losing key contributors. Overall, the portal has significantly shifted the balance of power across programs.
The women’s college basketball transfer portal has now settled, and teams across the country have either built strong rosters or been left trying to figure things out for next season.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls came out as one of the biggest winners. After a lot of players left, they still managed to rebuild in a big way by adding top talent like Audi Crooks and Liv McGill. With key players staying and new ones coming in, this team now looks strong and ready to compete in the Big 12.
TCU Horned Frogs also had a solid offseason. After losing some important names, they filled the gaps with players like Lanie Grant and Lara Somfai. Their squad looks balanced again, especially in the backcourt.
Ole Miss Rebels stayed aggressive in the portal once again. Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin added multiple players, including Talaysia Cooper and Jada Richard, building a deep roster for next season. She had already said, “I’m about to do damage in the portal.”
Arizona State Sun Devils also made smart moves by bringing in players like Ruby Whitehorn and Madi Morson. The team looks ready to push for another strong run.
UCLA Bruins had to replace key players but still managed to reload with talent like Addy Brown. Even after big departures, they still look competitive.
On the other side, Iowa State Cyclones took a major hit. Losing stars like Crooks and Brown without strong replacements has left big questions around the team and their future.
Texas Longhorns are also in a tricky spot. While Madison Booker is still there, the team has lost several important players. Coach Vic Schaefer will now rely on young recruits to step up and fill that gap.
NC State Wolfpack didn’t have the best portal cycle either. After losing key starters like Zam Jones, the roster doesn’t look much stronger than last season. “Right now, this team doesn’t look better than last year,” was the general feeling around their situation.
With most moves now done, some teams clearly improved their chances for next season, while others still have a lot to figure out.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls came out as one of the biggest winners. After a lot of players left, they still managed to rebuild in a big way by adding top talent like Audi Crooks and Liv McGill. With key players staying and new ones coming in, this team now looks strong and ready to compete in the Big 12.
TCU Horned Frogs also had a solid offseason. After losing some important names, they filled the gaps with players like Lanie Grant and Lara Somfai. Their squad looks balanced again, especially in the backcourt.
Ole Miss Rebels stayed aggressive in the portal once again. Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin added multiple players, including Talaysia Cooper and Jada Richard, building a deep roster for next season. She had already said, “I’m about to do damage in the portal.”
Arizona State Sun Devils also made smart moves by bringing in players like Ruby Whitehorn and Madi Morson. The team looks ready to push for another strong run.
UCLA Bruins had to replace key players but still managed to reload with talent like Addy Brown. Even after big departures, they still look competitive.
On the other side, Iowa State Cyclones took a major hit. Losing stars like Crooks and Brown without strong replacements has left big questions around the team and their future.
Texas Longhorns are also in a tricky spot. While Madison Booker is still there, the team has lost several important players. Coach Vic Schaefer will now rely on young recruits to step up and fill that gap.
NC State Wolfpack didn’t have the best portal cycle either. After losing key starters like Zam Jones, the roster doesn’t look much stronger than last season. “Right now, this team doesn’t look better than last year,” was the general feeling around their situation.
With most moves now done, some teams clearly improved their chances for next season, while others still have a lot to figure out.