Five high-major women's basketball teams that have exceeded expectations

Preseason rankings are rarely ever correct. Especially with the level of offseason shifts in teams now, it’s hard to predict how good any team will be when the season starts. Here are five high-major teams that have exceeded preseason expectations in women’s college basketball.

1. Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech was predicted to finish 10th in the ACC by the league’s 18 coaches. The Yellow Jackets are currently one of seven undefeated teams in the nation at 15-0 and are ranked 13th in On3’s top 25. 

The Yellow Jackets may have been the surprise of the year so far. They’ve earned wins over North Carolina, Nebraska, Mississippi State, Oregon and South Dakota State – a resume that rivals the best. 

One key reason for Georgia Tech’s success is freshman Dani Carnegie, who leads the team in scoring with 16 points. Carnegie was the 29th-ranked recruit in the 2024 class and one of three top 100 prospects. 

She’s made a case for freshman of the year candidate, averaging 15.2 points in each of their five resume wins and shooting better than 50% from deep in five outings. 

2. and 3. Tennessee and Kentucky

It’s always hard to predict how early a new head coach will find success – especially in a conference like the SEC. That’s why I’ll group Tennessee and Kentucky together, both teams with new coaches at the helm and a roster overhaul.

In On3’s preseason SEC rankings, I had Tennessee and Kentucky at seventh and eighth, respectively. The media echoed that notion in the SEC preseason poll. Now, both teams are ranked in the top 25 and have shown potential to make a real dent in the conference. 

Kentucky’s Clara Strack has been a pleasant surprise for the Wildcats, nearly quadrupling her offensive output from a season ago at Virginia Tech. She’s averaging 15.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.6 blocks. Despite two key preseason injuries, the Wildcats have proven they belong on the national stage, with wins over Illinois, Belmont and Louisville. 

For Tennessee, Talaysia Cooper and a slew of transfers have been wildly impressive. The team’s 3-point shooting has already set program and national records and the team has really bought in to Kim Caldwell’s play style. The Vols are 13-0 with victories over Iowa, Florida State and Richmond. 

4. Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State was picked to finish 11th in the Big 12 preseason poll, but is slowly inching their way toward a top 25 ranking now. This is, in part, due to certain Big 12 teams falling off early, but the Cowgirls have just one close loss to Richmond and a few solid wins. 

They’ve earned victories over Fairfield, Iowa State and Baylor. While each of these teams was expected to be stronger than they currently look, the Cowgirls have done virtually all they could with a schedule that was expected to be fairly solid. 

Seton Hall transfer Micah Gray has transitioned seamlessly to the Big 12, averaging 16.8 points and a steal. The Cowgirls added several players via the transfer portal who are making a strong impact.

5. Seton Hall

Seton Hall was picked to finish 7th in the Big East, according to the Coaches’ Poll. The Pirates have gotten off to a strong start this season, in large part due to Maryland transfer Faith Masonius. 

Masonius is averaging 17.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.5 steals, leading the Pirates in nearly every category. Seton Hall’s three losses are to Top-10 USC and LSU and a one-possession falter to Princeton. They’ve earned road wins over Cincinnati, Butler and Villanova to boost their resume.