Women’s basketball transfer portal team rankings: Oklahoma State, UCLA lead rankings
Oklahoma State and UCLA lead USA TODAY Sports’ portal rankings for women’s college basketball after assembling top-tier transfer classes, including standout players like Audi Crooks and Addy Brown. The rankings highlight how teams like Ole Miss and Arizona State also strengthened their rosters with high-profile additions, positioning them as contenders for March Madness.
Oklahoma State and UCLA top USA TODAY Sports’ rankings for the best women’s college basketball transfer portal classes, with both teams securing elite talent to bolster their rosters. Oklahoma State coach Jacie Hoyt landed the nation’s second-leading scorer, Audi Crooks, along with dynamic guard Liv McGill, sharpshooter Ellie Brueggemann, and versatile forward Nènè Ndiaye. The Cowgirls also added former Baylor guard Yuting Deng, Utah guard LA Sneed, and Missouri State guard Zoe Canfield to deepen their backcourt, while returner Stailee Heard—an All-Big 12 selection—ensures continuity. UCLA, fresh off a national championship, rebuilt its roster after losing six players to the WNBA, including top scorer Sienna Betts. Coach Cori Close’s portal class features Iowa State forward Addy Brown, a do-it-all player, and Elina Aarnisalo, who helped North Carolina reach the Sweet 16. The Bruins also added SEC rookie Bonnie Deas, TCU standout Donovyn Hunter, and Notre Dame’s KK Bransford, positioning them as a title contender. Ole Miss, under coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin, secured two of the SEC’s top guards, Talaysia Cooper and Jada Richard, along with All-America East selection Jade Tillman and Tennessee guard Jaida Civil. The Rebels’ depth was further strengthened by Illinois State forward Doneelah Washington, reinforcing their March Madness aspirations. Arizona State coach Molly Miller built on last season’s success by adding Tennessee’s Ruby Whitehorn, All-Big Ten defender Rashunda Jones, and MAC standouts Ayanna-Sarai Darrington and Madi Morson. The Sun Devils also welcomed Quinnipiac’s Ella Ryan, a sharpshooting guard, solidifying their Big 12 competitiveness. The rankings reflect how teams leveraged the transfer portal to address roster gaps, with coaches like Jacie Hoyt and Cori Close emphasizing vision and hard work in their social media posts. While integration challenges remain, the talent influx suggests a highly competitive 2025 season.
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