The Ball-Knower's NCAA Season Preview: The Mid-Majors
The NCAA women's basketball season is right around the corner and No Cap Space WBB has the preview you need. Mid-Majors kick off our week of women's college hoops previews.
With the NCAA Women’s Basketball season right around the corner, No Cap Space WBB is here to preview every end of the country. We start with a general mid-major preview then dive into the power conferences (Big East, ACC Big 12 and Big Ten), priming you for one of the most anticipated women’s basketball seasons in recent memory.
Yes, Five Out is taking a break for one more week. We’ve been catching our breath a bit over at No Cap Space as we ramp up for the college season. With tip off just a week away, we’re here to get you all caught up on everything you need to know for the year ahead. Every day, we’ll have in depth previews of every power conference as well as today’s general mid-major preview. So stay tapped in because the basketball doesn’t stop just because the WNBA season is over.
Let’s get you caught up!
The Teams You Know:
Belmont -
2025 Record & Result: 26-13 (15-5 MVC) WBIT Runners Up
Realignment hasn’t been kind to Belmont, who moved to the Missouri Valley Conference from the Ohio Valley Conference in 2022. While they’ve still been exceptionally competitive — the Bruins are 49-11 in MVC play since joining — conference titles, and NCAA Tournament berths by extension, have been harder to come by. But this roster, fresh off a WBIT finals run with key starters coming back and a large freshman class to grow alongside them, feels like head coach Bart Brooks’ best chance to re-establish the dominance his team enjoyed in the OVC.
The Bruins return three starters including season veteran Tuti Jones, a key component of the 2022 Belmont team that upset Oregon in the NCAA Tournament. She’s joined by a returning backcourt comprised of Jailyn Banks, an All-MVC Third Team selection last year, and Emily La Chapell, a part of the All-MVC Newcomer Team. Another player to watch? Freshman guard Rylie Beers, the sister of Oklahoma forward Raegan Beers. They meet up on opening day as the Bruins and Sooners kick off the year.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 3rd @ Oklahoma
Fairfield -
2023 Record & Result: 28-5 (19-1 MAAC) NCAA First Round
Head coach Carly Thibault-DuDonis and her Fairfield Stags have taken a page out of former Fresno State football coach Pat Hill’s book. They’ll play anybody, anytime, anywhere. After two successful seasons, Fairfield now has a non-conference schedule that reflects their increasing national profile. They have three Top 25 opponents, including a road trip to No. 21 Iowa, on the docket before MAAC play starts. And their roster feels built to surprise some people.
Meghan Andersen has been the Stags’ engine since she first set foot on campus and was unanimously tabbed as the MAAC Preseason Player of the Year. But it’s the supporting cast around her that makes this team so interesting. Janelle Brown is back after missing last season with an injury. While they still won a lot of games, the former MAAC Player of the Year raises their ceiling tremendously when she’s on the floor. Kaety L’Amoreaux is the third core piece who can hit game winners and contributes all over the floor. If everyone stays healthy, they could be seriously dangerous.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 30th @ Iowa
Gonzaga -
2025 Record & Result: 24-11 (17-3 WCC) WBIT Quarterfinals
The Zags had a bit of a rebuilding year after a 2024 Sweet Sixteen run but if there’s one thing Lisa Fortier has shown in the last decade, it’s an ability to reload and reinvent. Now that the dust has settled a bit on realignment post-Pac-12, there is a curiosity about how the Tournament committee will evaluate the West Coast Conference this year. They were a one bid league last year which means the margins may be thinner than they’ve been in the past.
It will fall to sophomore guard Allie Turner, the reigning WCC Freshman of the Year, to lead Gonzaga back into their preferred place of prominence. She was the first Bulldog player since 2020-2021 to hit 100+ three pointers in a single season. Saint Mary’s transfer Zeryhia Aokuso will be Turner’s backcourt running mate while the big question is if newcomers like Jaiden Haile or transfers like Sierra Lichtie round out the rest of the rotation.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 16th vs. Stanford
Grand Canyon -
2025 Record & Result: 32-3 (16-0 WAC) NCAA First Round
Molly Miller’s five year build at GCU ended with a 32-3 season, sweep of the WAC regular season and conference titles and a first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament. While there were some within Grand Canyon’s program that expected her to stay, one can hardly blame her for taking a sleeping giant job at Arizona State. Undeterred, Lopes Athletic Director Jamie Boggs pulled off a coup by bringing on South Carolina assistant Winston Gandy. Now comes high expectations, 14 new players and a lot of excitement at GCU.
This is probably the most unknown team in women’s college basketball this year. The Lopes were picked to finish seventh in the preseason Mountain West poll while Cincinnati transfer Chloe Mann was voted the MWC Preseason Newcomer of the Year. Most of the transfers, from Indiana’s Julianna LaMendola to Ohio State’s Faith Carson, could pan out as really solid players at this level. We’re just going to have to watch it all play out as it happens.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 24th vs. Cal
Princeton -
2025 Record & Result: 21-8 (12-2 Ivy League) NCAA First Four
Princeton has been the class of the Ivy League since Carla Berube arrived from Division III Tufts. Since 2019, the Tigers are 121-24 overall and 56-4 in conference play with two NCAA Tournament wins in the process. An injury to star guard Madison St. Rose hampered their season last year but it did give other players an opportunity to step up and be contributors this year. Look for Princeton and Columbia to be battling it out for an Ivy title again.
These schools aren’t portaling anyone, mind you, so the program runs in a bit more of a traditional way. It’s a vet laden group, with just two true freshman on the team and a lot of power in the backcourt. St. Rose is Princeton’s second all time leading scorer and Ashley Chea was the Tigers leading scorer last season. Expect those two and 6’1 wing Fadima Tall to be All-Ivy Leaguers by the time the season is over.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: December 21st vs. Texas
Richmond -
2025 Record & Result: 28-7 (17-1 A-10) NCAA Second Round
Aaron Roussell is on his way to being the next up-and-coming ‘it’ coach in women’s college basketball. So far, he’s worked his way up and won at every stop, from the Division III Chicago Maroons to Patriot League Bucknell and now Richmond. In an ever-improving Atlantic 10, his Spiders have spent the last two seasons staying a head above the competition and won their first NCAA Tournament game in program history last year. Best of all, they retained their best player, Maggie Doogan, and look like they may be a serious contender to be a second weekend tournament team with the right matchup.
Doogan and fellow senior Rachel Ullstrom are the two leaders of this team, with the former being the reigning A-10 Player of the Year. Ullstrom is a 3x3 basketball star and both players were involved in Team USA basketball (Doogan trialed for the FIBA Americup) this summer. But alongside them is returning guard Ally Sweeney and transfer forward Tierra Simon, who will give them an additional size element that they’ll need when they see some of the top teams in the nation this year.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 27th vs. TCU
South Dakota State -
2025 Record & Result: 30-4 (16-0 Summit) NCAA Second Round
Aaron Johnston’s death machine just chugs along, year after year, making power conference teams lives hell in non-conference play before inevitably tripping up someone that dare not take them seriously in March. The Summit League isn’t very good, so he loads up November and December with top 25 teams and beats more than a few of them. They’re the platonic ideal of a mid-major college basketball team; a program that needs to be given the access to punch with the big dogs because when they do, they usually can compete.
What makes South Dakota State fun is that they don’t sneak up on anyone anymore. They just flat out can play and this season, expect more of the same. Brooklyn Meyer, a WBCA All-American Honorable Mention last year and the 2023-2024 Summit League Player of the Year, is back and will be the lynchpin of this offense. While veteran guard Haleigh Timmer transferred to Oklahoma State, the Jackrabbits bring back plenty of depth with Madison Mathiowetz, a preseason Summit League First-Teamer, and 6’2 sophomore guard Katie Vasecka.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: December 21st vs. Texas
The Teams to Watch:
Alabama A&M -
2025 Record & Result: 21-11 (14-4 SWAC) WNIT First Round
Dawn Thornton took over Alabama A&M and immediately got them into contention for a SWAC championship last season, going 22-11 and 14-4 in league play. Kalia Walker, a first-team All-SWAC selection from last season, will link up with Texas Southern transfer Jaida Belton to try and create a high-low game that can beat anyone in the conference.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 17th @ Alabama
Columbia -
2025 Record & Result: 24-7 (13-1 Ivy) NCAA First Round
Megan Griffith’s team were the regular season champions and received an at-large bid for the first time in school history. Star guard Riley Weiss, who is someone you need to be watching this year, returns along with frontcourt constant Perri Page. Is this the year the Lions finally win an Ivy League Tournament title?
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: December 7th vs. Baylor
Florida Gulf Coast -
2025 Record & Result: 30-4 (18-0 ASUN) NCAA First Round
Longtime Iowa assistant Raina Harmon takes over at FGCU after Karl Smesko’s long run of dominance. This is a completely different team than last year and, like GCU, will require some time before an assessment can be made. Cerina Rolle is the lead guard to watch while Shameir Quimby is a former JUCO star that could surprise some people this year.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 25th vs. Indiana
George Mason -
2025 Record & Result: 27-6 (14-4 A-10) NCAA First Round
The reigning A-10 champions made program history last year with their conference tournament title over Richmond and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. Now, the Patriots bring back most of their core, specifically Zahirah Walton and Kennedy Harris, and some frontcourt transfer help in the form of former Rhode Island forward Hawa Komara.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 29th vs. Ole Miss
Green Bay -
2025 Record & Result: 29-6 (19-1 Horizon) NCAA First Round
Another one of those South Dakota State type teams that wants to schedule though before a long conference slate. The new wrinkle in the Horizon League is that there are multiple really good teams now. Maddy Skorupski, an All-Horizon selection last year who transfers in from Oakland, will feature heavily alongside returning guard Jenna Guyer and Milwaukee transfer Kamy Peppler.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 22nd vs. Kansas State
James Madison -
2025 Record & Result: 30-6 (18-0 Sun Belt) WBIT Quarterfinals
Behind reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year Peyton McDaniel, the Dukes are poised to be another contender for a power conference upset or two. JMU’s 30 wins last season were a program-record and McDaniel will once again link up with All-SBC forward Ashanti Barnes for another potential Sun Belt title run.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 23rd vs. Virginia Tech
Murray State -
2025 Record & Result: 25-8 (16-4 MVC) NCAA First Round
Murray State managed to hang on to head coach Rechelle Turner after a record season in which the Racers won both the MVC regular and tournament championships. Now comes the task of sustaining the excellence. 5’6 guard Halli Poock will be asked to take the baton.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: November 18th @ Illinois
Oregon State -
2025 Record & Result: 23-11 (13-4 WCC) NCAA First Round
Last year, the Beavers pulled off a pair of upsets to secure the WCC’s autobid to the NCAA Tournament. It was an awesome story after realignment broke up an Elite Eight roster and left Scott Rueck scrambling. The Beavers have some good talent here but will be starting the year off at a disadvantage; top returning scorer Catarina Ferraira is already out for the season with a knee injury.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: December 15th vs. Vanderbilt
Portland -
2025 Record & Result: 31-5 (17-3 WCC) WBIT Quarterfinals
The Pilots will be replacing a ton of talent but have an intriguing guard in Dyani Ananiev, who showed some flashes before an injury sidelined her last year. It’ll be a good test for head coach Michael Meek, who will guide the Pilots without his transformative core of Emme Shearer, Maisie Burnham and McKelle Meek.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: December 18th vs. BYU
UTSA -
2025 Record & Result: 26-5 (17-1 AAC) WBIT First Round
Karen Aston generated some buzz as a potential power conference coaching hire after an impressive fourth year at UTSA. Leading scorer Jordyn Jenkins graduated and was selected by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Replacing that production will fall to Idara Udo and North Texas transfer Ereauna Hardaway.
Must Watch Non-Conference Game: December 7th vs. Baylor
The Five Best Players You May Know:
Maggie Doogan - Richmond
Arguably the best mid-major player in America right now, Maggie Doogan has legit WNBA potential. She’s got prototypical size at 6’2 and is a deadeye three point shooter (40.6% in 2025). Teams are going to throw everything at her, which will be a great test to see how high her ceiling can be. Don’t be shocked if you learn it’s pretty high.
Tuti Jones - Belmont
It’s the sixth and final ride for Tuti Jones, who has been a fun fixture on this Belmont team for the last few years. After a couple years of below average numbers, Jones improved her efficiency from three and cut down on her turnovers. Expect to see her lead a title charge in the MVC.
Madison St. Rose - Princeton
St. Rose was averaging 17 points and seven rebounds per game through four games before her injury in the Tigers loss to Quinnipiac. Now back and fully healthy, St. Rose will get to return as the focal point of Princeton’s offense with a much-improved Ashley Chea running point.
Riley Weiss - Columbia
Weiss is a legitimate hooper and can win at all three levels. Her 24 point performance in the NCAA First Four vs. Washington was a taste of what she can do when she’s shooting well. With a clear path to an Ivy title sweep, expect to see a lot of big games from her this year.
Meghan Andersen - Fairfield
Probably one of the more overlooked players in women’s college basketball. Since arriving at Fairfield, Andersen has led the Stags to new heights every season. Expect her to generate some national buzz with several high-majors on the non-conference schedule.
The Five Best Players You Need to Know:
Lily Hansford - Green Bay
While her tenure at Iowa State wasn’t what she’d hoped, Hansford is still one of the best three point shooters in women’s college basketball. She averaged 45% from beyond the arc in her final year at Oregon State and now returns home to Green Bay.
Keslyn Secrist - Murray State
Secrist led Indiana State with 13.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season and now jumps up a level in terms of program expectation. Already a solid three point shooter (35.7% last year) but can potentially unlock more.
Maggie Hartwig - South Dakota State
The 6’1 forward is exactly the kind of player that thrives in Mike Johnston’s system and culture. Hartwig (16.5 PPG, 9.2 RPG at Evansville) can play multiple positions and is a handful on the offensive glass.
Edyn Battle - South Florida
This outlook may be different given her head coach just took a WNBA job, but Battle was a star in the ASUN last season and can score at will.
Peyton McDaniel - James Madison
The Dukes leader in scoring, rebounding, blocks and steals. Averaged 16 and 8 last season while stretching the floor as a much-improved three-point shooter.
The Five ‘Mid-Major Natties’ You Need To Watch
James Madison vs. George Mason: November 6th, 7:00 PM ET
Murray State vs. South Dakota State: November 11th, 8:00 PM ET
Belmont vs. Princeton: December 6th, 2:00 PM ET
Fairfield vs. Richmond: December 7th, 2:00 PM ET
Columbia vs. Florida Gulf Coast: December 29th, 2:00 PM ET