Women’s college basketball is only a few games into the season, but it has already given fans plenty to talk about. From unexpected upsets to the return of some of the sport’s biggest stars, the opening weeks have brought a level of excitement and unpredictability that has made the championship picture even more interesting. With Michigan taking down reigning powerhouse UConn, JuJu Watkins returning to the court and programs across the country navigating revamped rosters, one thing is clear: The season has barely tipped off, but the shake-up has already begun.
The season’s first major shake-up came when Michigan handed UConn its first regular-season loss in 39 games, defeating the Huskies 77-66. The result was more than just an early season upset. It immediately changed expectations surrounding one of the sport’s most dominant programs and established Michigan as a team to watch this season. After finishing last regular season undefeated and reaching the Final Four, the expectations were high for the Huskies, who entered the season ranked No. 2 behind South Carolina, the team that eliminated them from last season’s NCAA Tournament.
For Michigan, the victory was historic, marking the highest-ranked opponent the program has ever defeated. The Wolverines established control early, outscoring the Huskies 18-8 in the second quarter while UConn’s star guard Sarah Strong was sidelined with foul trouble. As the Huskies struggled to find their rhythm, Michigan continued to build momentum, closing out the game with a 20-9 run to secure the historic 77-66 win.
While some teams are making statements through unexpected victories, USC is welcoming back a familiar face. After over a year recovering from an ACL injury, JuJu Watkins has returned to the court, bringing another exiting storyline to an already competitive season. Watkins was sidelined for nineteen months after tearing her ACL in the second round of the 2025 NCAA tournament. Before the injury, she had put together an outstanding season, earning AP Women’s College Basketball Player of the Year honors along with several other national accolades. She made an impressive return, scoring 21 points in her first game back and reminding fans of the impact she can have on the court.
If there were any questions about LSU’s offensive firepower entering the season, the Tigers quickly answered it. LSU made history in its 131-22 victory over Texas Southern, setting the Division I women’s basketball record for the largest margin of victory with a 109-point difference. The Tigers went on a 50-0 run during the second and third quarters. Freshman forward Anna Minaeva led with 21 points, joining a group of seven players that all scored in double figures.
Among the early-season surprises, one thing has remained relatively consistent: South Carolina is still a force to be reckoned with. The Gamecocks opened their season with a 101-93 victory over No. 20 Maryland before following it up with a dominant 84-39 victory over No. 12 North Carolina. With two statement victories already under their belt, South Carolina has established itself as a team to watch as the season unfolds. The Gamecocks have several exciting matchups ahead, including a showdown against USC on Sunday, Nov. 15, followed by a highly anticipated rematch against UConn on Tuesday, Nov. 24.
Although the season is still in its early stages, women’s college basketball has already delivered plenty of excitement and shown just how unpredictable the road to a national championship can be. Michigan has proven that even the sport’s most dominant programs are vulnerable; Watkin’s return has added another superstar to the championship conversation; LSU has made history and South Carolina continued to establish itself as the team to beat. With several highly anticipated matchups still ahead, the competition is only expected to intensify. If the opening weeks are any indication, fans are in for a season full of surprises and the race for the national championship is far from decided.