Summary

• The 2025–26 NCAA Women’s Basketball season is being reshaped by major transfer moves, with five top-ranked players — one from each Power Five conference — expected to shift conference power balances and title races.
• Headlining transfers include Ta’Niya Latson (Florida State → South Carolina) and Olivia Miles (Notre Dame → TCU), whose arrivals could make South Carolina and TCU frontrunners in their respective conferences.

The NCAA Women's Basketball landscape for the 2025-26 season is set to be reshaped by a flurry of high-profile transfers, with the transfer portal proving once again to be a game-changer. With the realignment dust still settling down, the movement of top talent has the potential to tilt conference titles. Drawing from the latest transfer portal rankings, this article highlights the five most significant transfers, one from each major conference (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, and SEC), who are poised to make the biggest impact on their new teams’ championship aspirations.

ACC

Incoming: Sa'Myah Smith (LSU to Virginia)

Why She’s the Pick: Sa'Myah Smith, ranked No. 9 in ESPN’s 2025-26 transfer portal rankings, is a dynamic 6-foot-2 forward whose transfer from LSU to Virginia could propel the Cavaliers into ACC contention. Smith’s sophomore season at LSU showcased her versatility, averaging double-digit points and strong rebounding numbers before entering the portal. Virginia, under coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton, has been building a competitive roster, and Smith’s size, scoring ability, and defensive presence in the paint make her a perfect fit to challenge ACC heavyweights like Notre Dame and NC State. Her ability to dominate in transition and defend multiple positions aligns with Virginia’s up-tempo style, potentially elevating them from a bubble team to a conference title contender.

Others Considered: No other top-10 ranked transfers landed in the ACC, but players like Tonie Morgan (to Kentucky, formerly ACC’s Georgia Tech) were evaluated. However, Morgan’s move to the SEC with Kentucky ruled her out, and Smith’s higher ranking and fit with Virginia’s system made her the clear choice. Lower-ranked transfers, such as local recruits staying within the ACC, lacked the national impact of Smith’s profile.

Conference Impact: The ACC remains a battleground with teams like Notre Dame (despite losing Olivia Miles) and NC State leading the pack. Smith’s addition gives Virginia a cornerstone player to disrupt this hierarchy, potentially pushing them into the top tier and impacting the conference title race.

Big Ten

Incoming: Gianna Kneepkens (Utah to UCLA)

Why She’s the Pick: Gianna Kneepkens, ranked No. 4, brings her sharpshooting and versatility to UCLA, now a Big Ten member following the conference’s 2024 realignment. The 6-foot guard from Utah averaged over 15 points per game and shot nearly 40% from three in her last healthy season, making her a critical addition to a Bruins squad looking to compete with powerhouses like Ohio State and Iowa. Kneepkens’ commitment to UCLA, confirmed on May 1, 2025, per SBNation.com, addresses the team’s need for perimeter scoring after losing key players like Janiah Barker. Her ability to stretch defenses and create her own shot will complement UCLA’s balanced attack, positioning them as a Big Ten title contender.

Others Considered: Janiah Barker (No. 8, UCLA to Tennessee) was a strong contender, given her 6-foot-4 frame and elite scoring ability, but her departure to the SEC with Tennessee shifted focus to Kneepkens. Yarden Garzon (No. 7, Indiana to Maryland) was another option, but Maryland’s inconsistent performance in recent seasons and Garzon’s slightly lower ranking tipped the scales toward Kneepkens, whose fit with UCLA’s system is seamless.

Conference Impact: The Big Ten, bolstered by UCLA and USC’s arrival, is stacked with talent. Kneepkens’ scoring prowess could make UCLA a dark horse, challenging established giants and potentially swinging the conference title in their favor, especially in tight matchups against Ohio State or Iowa.

Big 12

Incoming: Olivia Miles (Notre Dame to TCU)

Why She’s the Pick: Olivia Miles, ranked No. 2, is a transformative 5-foot-10 guard whose move from Notre Dame to TCU could redefine the Big 12 race. Miles, a former All-American, averaged a near triple-double in her last full season (2022-23) before injuries, showcasing elite playmaking, scoring, and defensive tenacity. TCU, under coach Mark Campbell, has been on the rise, and Miles’ ability to orchestrate the offense and elevate teammates like Sedona Prince makes her the conference’s most impactful transfer. Her experience in high-stakes games will be crucial in a competitive Big 12 featuring Baylor, Kansas State, and Iowa State.

Others Considered: The Big 12 had fewer top-10 transfers, with players like Taliah Scott (to Baylor) considered but not ranked in ESPN’s top tier. Miles’ superior ranking, proven track record, and fit as TCU’s floor general made her the standout choice, with no other Big 12 transfer matching her potential impact.

Conference Impact: The Big 12 is a tightly contested conference, and Miles’ arrival could vault TCU into the top echelon. Her ability to control tempo and deliver in clutch moments may tip key games, positioning TCU as a serious threat for the conference crown.

Big East

Incoming: Serah Williams (Wisconsin to UConn)

Why She’s the Pick: Serah Williams, ranked No. 6, is a 6-foot-2 forward whose transfer from Wisconsin to UConn is a game-changer for the Big East. Williams, a rising junior, was a double-double machine at Wisconsin, using her length and athleticism to dominate the paint. UConn, under Geno Auriemma, remains the Big East’s gold standard, and Williams’ addition bolsters an already formidable frontcourt alongside Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards (if she returns). Her defensive versatility and rebounding prowess make her the ideal complement to UConn’s fast-paced, transition-heavy style, solidifying their status as conference favorites.

Others Considered: The Big East had limited top-10 transfer activity, with no other players in ESPN’s rankings landing in the conference. Lower-profile transfers, such as those to Villanova or Creighton, were evaluated but lacked Williams’ pedigree and fit with a title-contending program like UConn.

Conference Impact: UConn is expected to dominate the Big East, but Williams’ arrival ensures they maintain their edge, particularly against challengers like Villanova. Her presence could make the difference in securing another conference title and a deep NCAA Tournament run.

SEC

Incoming: Ta'Niya Latson (Florida State to South Carolina)

Why She’s the Pick: Ta'Niya Latson, ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s transfer portal rankings, is the nation’s leading scorer, making her move from Florida State to South Carolina the SEC’s most consequential transfer. The 5-foot-8 junior guard averaged over 20 points per game at Florida State, showcasing explosive scoring and playmaking ability. South Carolina, under Dawn Staley, remains a national powerhouse, and Latson’s arrival fills the void left by MiLaysia Fulwiley’s departure to LSU. Her ability to score at all three levels and thrive in high-pressure situations makes her a perfect fit for the Gamecocks’ championship-caliber roster, positioning them as SEC title frontrunners.

Others Considered: MiLaysia Fulwiley (No. 5, South Carolina to LSU), Cotie McMahon (No. 3, Ohio State to Ole Miss), and Janiah Barker (No. 8, UCLA to Tennessee) were strong contenders. Fulwiley’s move to LSU is significant, but her lower ranking and South Carolina’s depth made Latson the priority. McMahon’s fit with Ole Miss is promising, but Latson’s scoring dominance and South Carolina’s title pedigree edged her out. Barker’s move to Tennessee is notable, but her ranking and Tennessee’s rebuilding phase placed her behind Latson.

Conference Impact: The SEC, now including Oklahoma and Texas, is a gauntlet. Latson’s scoring ability could be the X-factor in tight games against LSU, Tennessee, or Texas, cementing South Carolina’s status as the team to beat for the conference title.