ACC women's basketball preview: Power rankings

The women’s college basketball season is now less than one month away, which means it’s time to start diving into some preseason coverage. The ACC will be the first league we break down at On3, with others to come in the following weeks.

While there are plenty of new pieces and unknowns for several ACC teams, let’s break down On3’s preseason power rankings.

Title contenders

1. Duke

On paper, Duke looks incredibly promising once again. They made the Elite Eight last season and brought back much of their core from a year ago. They lost just one key contributor to the transfer portal, but it was a big one – Oluchi Okananwa. They’ve also graduated Reigan Richardson, but bring in a talented guard to help boost their backcourt. 

Key returners for the Blue Devils include starters Jadyn Donovan, Ashlon Jackson, Taina Mair and Toby Fournier. I’d look for ACC Rookie of the Year Fournier to get a boost in usage and continue to be a strong threat on the defensive end. Duke didn’t make any meaningful portal additions, but they weren’t desperate to add more talent. 

Their key newcomer will enter her freshman year this season. Elite 2025 recruit Emilee Skinner is expected to make an impact from the jump and will likely contend for ACC Rookie of the Year. Her skillset includes playmaking and a strong defensive ability. With the pieces the Blue Devils bring back, Arianna Roberson’s expected debut after redshirting last season and the development of younger talent like Fournier, Duke looks like they could be the best team in the ACC this year. 

X-FACTOR: Toby Fournier

2. NC State

With the return of their young core, NC State has the potential to be one of the best teams in the league this year. 

But it’s not a given by any means. 

They graduated heaps of talent in Aziaha James, Lizzy Williamson, Madison Hayes and Saniya Rivers. But with the return of Zoe Brooks and Zamareya Jones, the Wolfpack have a lot to be excited about. 

Brooks finished last season averaging 14.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game and she’ll continue to be a focal point of this team. Jones, a 5-foot-7 sophomore, averaged just over seven points per game. The Wolfpack also bring in a pair of highly-ranked freshmen in North Carolina native Adelaide Jernigan and Ky’She Lunan alongside transfers Qadence Samuels from UConn and Khamil Pierre from Vanderbilt. 

Pierre, a late addition, is the piece that propels NC State into the top two of my ACC preseason rankings. The Wolfpack’s versatility at the forward position was a question mark and Pierre adds a proven threat down low with a great mid-range game. 

X-FACTOR: Zoe Brooks and Khamil Pierre

3. North Carolina

Though they look vastly different from a year ago, the North Carolina Tar Heels still project to be among not only the best teams in the ACC, but potentially the nation. Alyssa Ustby, Maria Gakdeng and Lexi Donarski have all exhausted their eligibility, but UNC will welcome several talented newcomers to the squad. 

Their freshman class consists of highly sought-after recruits in Taliyah Henderson, Nyla Brooks and Taissa Queiroz. They’ve also added Louisville transfer Nyla Harris and UCLA transfer Elina Aarnisalo, who will likely make an impact from the jump. Harris in particular fills a need at the forward position for the Tar Heels and she brings plenty of ACC experience from her time with the Cardinals. 

Beyond the newcomers, UNC returns a starter in Reniya Kelly and other key personnel in Indya Nivar, Ciera Toomey and Lanie Grant, amongst others. While the Tar Heels may have to rely on the development of their young talent, the ceiling is high for North Carolina. 

X-FACTOR: Reniya Kelly and Nyla Harris

NCAA Tournament teams

4. Louisville

Louisville is coming off another strong campaign under head coach Jeff Walz, finishing 22-11 overall and falling in the Round of 32 last season. This year’s roster has a vastly different look, though, after losing several pieces to graduation and the transfer portal. Although there was some turnover, the Cardinals attacked the portal and reloaded. They’re expected to remain as one of the league’s top contenders. 

Louisville returns key personnel in Imari Berry and Tajianna Roberts who showed tremendous promise in their freshman campaigns. The Cardinals also worked the portal to add a few impact players. They bring in a three-level scorer in Skylar Jones, post player Laura Ziegler and an experienced guard in Reyna Scott. 

While some question marks remain in terms of depth, the Cardinals certainly have talent and Louisville hasn’t missed the NCAA Tournament in 15 years. 

X-FACTOR: Tajianna Roberts and Skylar Jones

5. Notre Dame

Notre Dame made the Sweet Sixteen last season, but this is a brand-new team. The Irish lost four key contributors to the transfer portal, including senior guard Olivia Miles, who was projected to be selected as a lottery pick in last year’s WNBA Draft if she opted to enter. Instead, she transferred to TCU and Notre Dame had to build up their roster to replace that production plus the starters who graduated. 

The good news is that the Irish still have their star. 

Hannah Hidalgo, one of the best two-way guards in the nation, is only a junior and she’ll almost certainly keep Notre Dame in the top half of the conference. With Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld exhausting their eligibility, though, she’ll need help. 

They added a few impact transfers to lighten the load – most notably, Vanderbilt transfer Iyana Moore. Moore, a 5-foot-8 grad transfer, brings veteran experience and a high-level scorer to the Fighting Irish’s roster. Notre Dame also added Malaya Cowles from Wake Forest, a 6-3 forward who will give the Irish a much-needed post presence after graduating Westbeld and losing Kate Koval to the portal. 

X-FACTOR: Hannah Hidalgo

6. Virginia

Virginia improved immensely this offseason by retaining their young core and adding an experienced group of transfers into the mix. Bringing back junior Kymora Johnson was the biggest piece for the Cavaliers, as the 5-7 guard was a First-Team All-ACC Selection and All-America Honorable Mention last season. 

Not only is she back for her junior campaign, but Virginia also returns senior Paris Clark (10.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG) and Olivia McGhee (7.7 PPG), amongst others. In this day and age, retention is half the battle. 

But Virginia also added LSU transfer Sa’Myah Smith, Princeton’s Tabitha Amanze and NC State transfer Caitlin Weimar to bolster their frontcourt and a couple of experienced guards in FSU transfer Raiane Dias Dos Santos and USF’s Romi Levy. After finishing 17-15 overall and 8-10 in ACC play last year, Virginia may be the most improved team in the conference. 

X-FACTOR: Kymora Johnson

7. Miami

The Miami Hurricanes enter year two under Tricia Cullop with a much stronger foundation. After returning just two players from last season, Miami retooled heavily through the transfer portal and a strong freshman class.

Sophomore guard Ahnay Adams has already stepped into a larger leadership role, while Quinnipiac transfer Gal Raviv headlines the guard newcomers after averaging 17.9 points per game as a freshman and starring with Israel’s national team this summer.

In the frontcourt, Florida transfer Ra Shaya Kyle provides a dominant interior presence alongside SMU’s Jessica Peterson and Washington State’s Candace Kpetikou. UNLV guard Amarachi Kimpson and USF’s Vittoria Blasigh add depth in the backcourt, and freshman Danielle Osho gives Miami versatility as a wing or stretch-four option.

With added size, scoring, and balance, the Hurricanes look poised to push into the upper half of the ACC.

X-FACTOR: Gal Raviv and Ra Shaya Kyle

8. Stanford

The Stanford Cardinal finished 16-15 last season, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1987 in year one of the Kate Paye era. While last season wasn’t the norm, Stanford brings back a promising duo in Nunu Agara and Chloe Clardy. Agara was named to the All-ACC Second Team last season after leading the team in scoring with 15.8 points per game and rebounding with 7.6 boards per game. 

They also add a star-studded recruiting class of Hailee Swain, Alex Eschmeyer, Carly Amborn, Nora Ezike and Lara Somfai. 

While they lost a few key players to graduation and the portal in Elena Bosgana, Brooke Demetre, Tess Heal and Jzaniya Harriel, the Cardinal have reloaded with young talent who have the potential to become stars. I’d expect Stanford to return to the NCAA Tournament and improve considerably this season. 

X-FACTOR: Nunu Agara

9. Clemson

The Clemson Tigers retained three key contributors, added two 4-star freshmen, and reloaded through the transfer portal in head coach Shawn Poppie’s second year at the helm. After finishing tied for 12th in the ACC last season, Clemson looks poised to take a step forward with an upgraded roster.

They bring back shooters Hannah Kohn and Mia Moore alongside veteran guard Raven Thompson. With point guard Loyal McQueen having exhausted her eligibility, Clemson will likely turn to Wofford transfer Rachael Rose to help run the offense.

The Tigers landed combo guard Taylor Johnson-Matthews out of DePaul, Wake Forest’s Demeara Hinds and Georgia Tech’s Rusne Augustinaite. In addition, Clemson adds freshmen Holland Harris, Amaia Jackson and Ja’Kerra Butler. 

Despite losing several key contributors, Clemson’s offseason additions give the program a deeper, more talented roster; one capable of making a significant jump in year two of the Poppie era.

X-FACTOR: Rachael Rose

Bubble teams

10. Florida State

Florida State enters the season looking much different after losing Ta’Niya Latson to the transfer portal and several other key contributors to graduation. With just 10 players on the roster, head coach Brooke Wyckoff believes the Seminoles’ new identity will be built on balance and depth.

Freshman guard Mari Gerton has already impressed early, while Texas A&M transfer Solé Williams is expected to be a primary scoring option. Boston College transfer Tatum Greene and former Notre Dame guard Emma Risch also provide a needed offensive punch and versatility. Maryland transfer Allie Kubek was also a major addition for the Seminoles.

Wyckoff sees this year’s group taking a more balanced, committee approach after several seasons centered on stars like Latson and KK Timpson. If the newcomers can come together as expected, this is a team that will certainly compete for an NCAA Tournament bid.

X-FACTOR: Solé Williams

11. Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech enters the season with a revamped roster after losing several key pieces from last year, but the Hokies bring back enough talent and added depth to stay competitive in the ACC.

The Hokies are led by redshirt junior guard Carleigh Wenzel, who averaged 14 points and 3.7 assists per game, and junior forward Carys Baker, a versatile scorer who averaged 12.6 points and 6.3 rebounds last season. Both will likely anchor the offense.

Virginia Tech also added experience through the transfer portal with Northwestern’s Melannie Daley and Purdue’s Sophie Swanson, who averaged 8.9 points per game for the Boilermakers last year. In the frontcourt, Texas Tech transfer Kilah Freelon provides a veteran option alongside a pair of 6-3 freshmen, Amani Jenkins and Aniya Trent, and returning sophomore Kayl Peterson.

X-FACTOR: Carleigh Wenzel

12. Cal

The California Golden Bears reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the Charmin Smith era after an impressive 25-9 season. However, they lost a significant portion of their core. Despite those departures, Cal has reloaded with talent that hopes to keep them competitive in the ACC.

The Golden Bears return Lulu Twidale, last year’s second-leading scorer at 13.2 points per game, but none of the other starters from a season ago are back. To fill those gaps, Cal brings in a strong freshman class headlined by McDonald’s All-American Aliyahna “Puff” Morris, a 5-5 point guard from Etiwanda (CA), and Taylor Barnes, a 6-0 post player from Grand Prairie (TX). Both newcomers are expected to play key roles right away. I think the pace of their development could determine the outcome of Cal’s season. 

The Golden Bears also did a solid job in the transfer portal. While they didn’t land a clear-cut star, the addition of LSU’s Mjracle Sheppard, a versatile combo guard, is significant and South Carolina’s Sakima Walker will provide leadership and valuable frontcourt size. 

X-FACTOR: Lulu Twidale, Puff Morris

The rest

13. SMU

SMU begins the Adia Barnes era with a completely rebuilt roster – 15 players, all new to the program. German guard Mailien Rolf, who followed Barnes from Arizona, will redshirt after tearing her ACL at the FIBA World Championships, but the Mustangs still bring plenty of depth and versatility.

Barnes highlighted the leadership of ASU transfer Tyi Skinner, North Texas’ Kyla Deck, Arizona transfer Paulina Paris, and Stanford’s Jzaniya Harriel as early standouts, while transfers like Grace Hall from Penn State and Ole Miss’ Ayanna Thompson add experience. In the post, freshman Elizaveta Filchagina can stretch the floor with her three-point shooting, and Arizona transfer Sahnya Jah has emerged as a standout player in great shape and shooting well from deep.

The Mustangs plan to play fast, leaning into a five-out system with heavy emphasis on the three-point shot. With so many fresh faces, SMU has a lot of unknowns, but will certainly be one of the most intriguing teams in the ACC this season.

X-FACTOR: Paulina Paris, Tyi Skinner

14. Syracuse

Last season, Syracuse underwhelmed with a 12-18 overall record and 6-12 finish in conference play. But there’s been a complete overhaul of the roster, with just one starter in Sophie Burrows coming back this year. She was certainly a bright spot in last year’s season, averaging 12.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. 

But what gives the Orange a real chance to improve this year is the addition of Texas transfer Laila Phelia, who redshirted last season due to an eye injury. If she can return to the form she was in as a junior at Michigan, she’ll be tough for opposing teams to handle. Syracuse also bolstered their frontcourt, adding USC transfer Dominique Darius who will likely see an increased role with the Orange, 6-5 Auburn transfer Oyindamola Akinbolawa and 6-4 Miami transfer Aurora Almon. 

Syracuse will need to see jumps from their sophomore class this season, but they added a strong group of newcomers to complement their returning talent. 

X-FACTOR: Laila Phelia

15. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh remains in the midst of a rebuild and despite the inevitable roster turnover, I do think the Panthers got significantly better this offseason. 

They retained junior guard Amiya Jenkins, who suffered a season-ending knee injury three games into the year, but was poised to play a large role after transferring in from Kentucky. They also bring back Mikayla Johnson, who averaged 10.9 points and 4.1 rebounds last year, as well as Lauren Rust, who redshirted last season after an injury three games into the year. 

The Panthers attacked the transfer portal, adding Florida State transfer Carla Viegas, versatile Coppin State guard Angel Jones and 6-5 Georgia transfer Fatima Diakhate. Alongside their transfers, they bring in several freshmen, highlighted by No. 30-ranked Nylah Wilson, who flipped her commitment from Auburn to Pittsburgh after a coaching change. While I’m curious to see how it all meshes on the court, on paper, the Panthers look much-improved. 

X-FACTOR: Amiya Jenkins, Nylah Wilson

16. Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech enters the season under first-year head coach Karen Blair with a brand-new look. After reaching the NCAA Tournament last year, the Yellow Jackets return only a few contributors and bring in 10 new faces between transfers and freshmen.

Junior guard La’Nya Foster has already set the tone with her conditioning and work ethic, while Long Beach State transfer Jada Crawshaw brings athleticism and defensive versatility after averaging 10.4 points and 4.8 rebounds last season. At 6-6, Ariadna Termis will see an expanded role inside while still stretching the floor with her shooting.

Blair added key ACC experience through Florida State transfer Brianna Turnage and Boston College’s Savannah Samuel, though 6-5 transfer Déborah Mukeba will likely redshirt due to visa delays. The newcomers have meshed quickly, and Blair expects defense and versatility to define this team’s identity. It’s always challenging to predict how a team with this much newness will come together. 

X-FACTOR: La’Nya Foster

17. Boston College

Boston College lost 12 players this offseason between the transfer portal and graduating seniors. Coming off a 12th-place finish in the ACC, the Eagles are in the midst of a massive rebuild.

The Eagles added several players via the transfer portal, but most notable were the additions of Butler’s Lily Carmody, Houston’s Kiera Edmonds and Ohio State’s Kaia Henderson. Carmody, a 5-11 Australian combo guard, had a promising freshman year at Butler. San Diego State transfer Erin Houpt is another piece to keep an eye on – she shot 46% from deep last season on limited attempts. I’ll be interested to see if she can maintain that clip with a higher usage rate. 

I’d also expect the Eagles’ freshmen to see a significant amount of playing time this season. Four-star Amirah Anderson can score at a high level and 6-3 Kennedy Hall provides a post option who can stretch the floor. 

This Boston College team doesn’t look like a major improvement from last season at first glance, but this year should provide ample opportunity to develop their two promising freshmen. I’d look at Carmody to provide a spark, but would expect the Eagles to remain in the bottom half of the league. 

X-FACTOR: Amirah Anderson, Lily Carmody

18. Wake Forest

The Wake Forest Demon Deacons are going to be young this year, with five freshmen and three sophomores on roster. While they bring in Elon transfer Raven Preston and return Emily Johns after she redshirted last season due to injury, the Demon Deacons lost much of their core from a year ago. 

Their frontcourt should be improved with Johns’ return and the addition of 6-3 post player Mary Carter from Cal Poly. Sophomore transfer Grace Oliver from Colorado adds more size and versatility, while freshmen Savannah Metcalfe (6-5) and Opal Bird (6-3) bring length and depth. 

With balance between experienced transfers and a large freshman class, Wake Forest has some pieces to be excited about, but their outlook is largely dependent on how quickly this team can build chemistry. 

X-FACTOR: Emily Johns