The 2026 women's NCAA basketball tournament has come and gone, leaving behind a trail of eliminated teams and a host of questions about what's next for these talented athletes. As the offseason looms, it's time to take a closer look at the top eliminated teams and their potential plans for the transfer portal and incoming recruits. From Louisville to Vanderbilt, these programs are poised for significant changes, and the coming months will be crucial in shaping their future success.
Louisville Cardinals: A Deep Backcourt and Versatile Bigs
The Louisville Cardinals, led by head coach Jeff Walz, had a strong season, reaching the Sweet 16 before falling to Michigan. With a deep backcourt and versatile bigs, the Cardinals are well-positioned for the future. However, they will need to replace key contributors like Laura Ziegler and Reyna Scott. The top incoming recruit, Ariyana Cradle, is an intense defender who averaged 4.0 steals per game at Spire Academy. She could slide right into the rotation spot vacated by Scott and play either guard position. Additionally, Myah Epps, a 5-foot-10 true point guard from Indiana, is another top-100 recruit for the Cardinals.
In the transfer portal, Walz will be selective, focusing on adding a versatile big to pair with Elif Istanbulluoglu. Ziegler was a key get last offseason, and another player with her versatility would be helpful. The Cardinals' 3-point shooting was third in the ACC at 34.5%, but they could also be streaky from game to game. Finding a pick-and-pop shooter with size or a catch-and-shoot threat would add even more diversity to the offense.
LSU Tigers: Talent-Loaded but Facing Attrition
The LSU Tigers, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, remain loaded with talent despite losing Flau'jae Johnson to graduation. The Tigers are expected to see some attrition, and Mulkey will move quickly in the transfer portal to fill any open spots. Last year, when Sa'Myah Smith and Aalyah Del Rosario left, the Tigers' staff landed Kate Koval and Amiya Joyner. If there is an area to address, LSU could use another perimeter defender or a power forward with a little shooting range.
The top incoming recruit, Lola Lampley, plays the same position as Johnson and will help fill the void. Her size at 6-foot-2 and willingness to rebound should help her get on the floor. The Tigers' recruiting class is loaded with talent, and the preseason will have some interesting position battles, including Lampley.
Minnesota Gophers: Backcourt Depth and Interior Help
The Minnesota Gophers, led by head coach Dawn Plitzuweit, had a strong season, reaching the Sweet 16 before falling to UCLA. With the departure of Amaya Battle, the Gophers will need to find a replacement for her minutes. The top incoming recruit, Natalie Kussow, is a shooting guard who averaged 26.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for state champion Arrowhead. She should fit well with Minnesota's style of play.
In the transfer portal, Plitzuweit will need to find some veteran interior help. The Gophers added a point guard with in-state recruit Tori Oehrlein, but if they are going to duplicate a top-20 season, they will need to get some veteran interior help. The 6-2 Finau Tonga was a grad transfer this year from San Jose State, and Plitzuweit may need to dip into this pool again.
North Carolina Tar Heels: Backcourt Depth and Rebounding Help
The North Carolina Tar Heels, led by head coach Courtney Banghart, had a strong season, reaching the Sweet 16 before falling to UConn. With the departure of Nyla Harris, the Tar Heels will need to find a replacement for her minutes on the glass. The top incoming recruit, Kate Harpring, is a 5-foot-10 point guard who averaged 8.3 points in seven games for USA Basketball. She should be a starter from day one and could be the star player the Tar Heels need in 2027.
In the transfer portal, Banghart will need to find an upgrade on the boards. If there is a veteran power forward who doesn't need to be an offensive priority, that might be the missing piece. If Grant, Aarnisalo, and Kelly all stay in Chapel Hill, the backcourt rotation is full, but if a spot-up shooter is available, the Tar Heels could find a place for her.
Vanderbilt Commodores: Spreading the Floor and Adding Versatility
The Vanderbilt Commodores, led by head coach Shea Ralph, had a strong season, reaching the Sweet 16 before falling to Notre Dame. The offense needs to be spread for Mikayla Blakes and Aubrey Galvan to maximize their one-on-one skills. The top incoming recruit, Olivia Jones, is a driver and shot creator who understands high-level competitiveness. She averaged 8.0 points and 3.8 assists for Team USA U16 at the FIBA AmeriCup last summer.
In the transfer portal, Ralph will need to add a mobile big who can run the high pick-and-roll. Another shooter to spread the floor should also be at the top of her wish list. The opportunity to play with a humble superstar like Blakes and a passer of Galvan's quality should be an easy sell. Targeting the right personality fit will be the coaching staff's biggest challenge.
