Offseason Power Rankings: Who’s Poised to Dominate the Big Ten?
The latest offseason power rankings for the 2026‑27 Big Ten women’s basketball season have been released by analyst Joe Vozzelli, offering a first look at which programs are shaping up to make deep runs next winter.
Southern California sits at the top of the list, largely because of the potential impact of star forward JuJu Watkins once she returns from injury, a factor that could propel the Trojans to a national title.
Michigan follows closely, with a roster that includes Olivia Olson, Syla Swords, Mila Holloway and Te’Yala Delfosse, making the Wolverines a strong Final Four contender.
Iowa showed a big jump by adding Dani Carnegie and Ava Heiden through the transfer portal, giving the Hawkeyes fresh firepower for the upcoming campaign.
Key Transfers Shaping the Landscape
UCLA is in a rebuilding phase after losing six seniors, but new arrivals Addy Brown and Elina Aarnisalo are expected to help soften the transition.
Minnesota brings back its top three scorers from last season’s Sweet 16 team and adds transfer Gracie Merkle, positioning the Golden Gophers as a dark horse.
Ohio State’s fortunes hinge on guard Jaloni Cambridge, who led the Big Ten in scoring as a sophomore and will be a key offensive weapon.
Illinois is projected to crack the top twenty, buoyed by the return of nine of its top players from last year’s NCAA tournament squad.
Washington posted its best season since the Kelsey Plum era and bolstered the roster with North Carolina State transfer Tilda Trygger, raising expectations for a strong run.
Maryland’s roster is younger than usual, featuring seven freshmen or sophomores, yet veteran returnees give the Terrapins a blend of experience and youthful energy.
Oregon lost several key contributors but still harbors high hopes with returning scorers Katie Fiso and Ehis Etute set to lead the charge.
Nebraska struggled late last season but appears well positioned for 2026‑27, anchored by Britt Prince, Amiah Hargrove and Logan Nissley.
Michigan State underwent a massive roster reset, with nine players departing and new additions such as Lilly Williams and Tabitha Betson joining the program.
Indiana has regressed over the past two seasons and will face a major overhaul, with six transfers out and four transfers arriving.
Wisconsin’s first year under head coach Robin Pingeton ended with a 16‑18 record, but the return of Kyrah Daniels brings a boost of optimism.
Purdue will look different after seven players transferred out and five newcomers arrived, including guards Aysia Proctor and Hannah Wickstrom.
Rutgers is under new management with recruiter Gary Redus II taking the helm, and the Scarlet Knights have added six transfers to the mix.
Penn State turned to alumna Tanisha Wright for leadership, but the program must navigate a mass exodus of players.
Northwestern, which has posted single‑digit wins in each of the last four seasons, appointed Carla Berube as its new head coach, hoping to spark a turnaround.
Overall the early rankings suggest a highly competitive conference, with several teams poised to challenge the traditional power structures and reshape the narrative for the 2026‑27 season.