Women’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Heats Up Ahead of 2025 Season

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the dust settles from the recent NCAA women’s basketball tournament, major shifts are occurring in the landscape of women’s college basketball ahead of the 2025-26 season. With the NCAA transfer portal now open, teams are facing significant roster changes as players either seek new destinations or choose to stay in college for another year.

Among the most notable movements is Olivia Miles from Notre Dame, a projected No. 2 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, who has opted to forgo the draft and enter the transfer portal. After the Fighting Irish’s Sweet 16 loss, Miles indicated uncertainty about her future, stating that her perspective “just changes every day” as she weighs her options. “College is comfortable, a place where you have security, while the WNBA is more volatile,” Miles remarked.

Players such as Flau’jae Johnson from LSU are also in pivotal decision-making phases. Johnson, who turns 22 later this year and is eligible for the WNBA Draft, is contemplating whether to return to campus or declare for the pros after LSU’s Elite Eight exit. “I’m still deciding my next steps,” she shared.

In contrast, Azzi Fudd of UConn has announced her return for another season. The junior, projected as a top 10 WNBA draft pick, expressed her desire to develop further, stating her conversations with head coach Geno Auriemma highlighted the importance of not leaving too soon. “I believe another year at UConn will allow me to work on everything I need to work on,” Fudd said.

Meanwhile, Sa’Myah Smith, another player from LSU, has entered the transfer portal following an impressive NCAA Tournament run. Her departure, combined with the uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s future, poses challenges for LSU head coach Kim Mulkey as she looks to navigate the offseason.

On the flip side, Ole Miss has seen success in the portal, securing commitments from players like Latasha Lattimore, Kaitlin Peterson, and Jayla Murray as they look to bolster their roster for the upcoming season. “We’re thrilled to welcome these talented players as we build towards next year,” said head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin.

Another key player to watch is Ta’Niya Latson of Florida State, this season’s leading scorer, who also announced her entry into the transfer portal while keeping the option to return to FSU open. “I have a close relationship with coach Brooke Wycoff, and I’m considering all my options,” Latson stated.

Cotie McMahon, a two-time All-Big Ten selection from Ohio State, joined the portal shortly after her team’s defeat. Her exit underscores the urgency among programs seeking experienced talent willing to contend at a higher level. “I want to be surrounded by individuals who share my passion for the game,” McMahon commented in a social media post.

The transfer portal’s current cycle has intensified following a shift in NCAA rules, reducing the window from 45 days to just 30. As talented athletes make their decisions rapidly, programs are scrambling to adjust their rosters for the coming year. Wisconsin’s Serah Williams, who averaged 19.2 points and 9.8 rebounds in her recent season, has also entered the portal and could be a valuable addition to many teams, including the interest expressed by UConn.

As of now, the 2025 NCAA transfer portal appears to be as competitive as ever, with many star players eyeing potential new homes. With high stakes and plenty of talent available, the landscape of women’s college basketball will undoubtedly look different by the time the next season commences.