The Big Ten women’s basketball preseason polls signal a transformative season ahead, with new entrants from Los Angeles poised to make a significant impact. USC and UCLA have stormed to the forefront, claiming first and second positions, respectively, in both the coaches’ and media’s preseason rankings. This heralds an exciting debut for these teams in the Big Ten, as their top-tier talent has already caught the league’s attention.

Both USC and UCLA had two players each named to the prestigious All-Big Ten team, showcasing their depth and skill. The honors, revealed on Thursday, highlight the anticipated influence of these West Coast powerhouses. Rounding out the top five in the polls were Ohio State, Maryland, and Indiana, signaling a competitive season ahead. The poll included projections for all 18 Big Ten teams but only released the top five publicly.

Interestingly, neither Michigan nor Michigan State secured any spots on the preseason All-Big Ten team. This marks a shift in the conference dynamics, especially given their historical presence. Both USC and UCLA are new to the Big Ten this season, joining from the Pac-12 alongside Oregon and Washington, indicating a significant realignment in collegiate athletics.

A standout highlight is USC sophomore guard JuJu Watkins, who was unanimously chosen as the preseason Player of the Year by both coaches and a select media panel. Watkins had an extraordinary freshman year, averaging 27.1 points per game—second only to Caitlin Clark—and amassing 920 points, setting an all-time single-season record for a freshman. Her accolades include being a first-team All-American, underscoring her formidable presence on the court.

Additionally, USC’s Kiki Iriafen, a transfer from Stanford, earned a spot on the All-Big Ten team. UCLA’s Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice were also honored, highlighting the strength of their rosters. Other notable players selected by the media include Iowa’s Hannah Stuelke and Lucy Olsen (a high-scoring transfer from Villanova), Maryland’s Shyanne Sellers, Nebraska’s Alexis Markowski, Ohio State’s Cotie McMahon, and Wisconsin’s Serah Williams. The coaches’ selections mirrored these choices but also included Illinois’ Makira Cook due to a voting tie.

Reflecting on last season, Michigan State finished fourth in the Big Ten with a 12-6 record, while Michigan ended with a 9-9 record, tying for sixth place. Both teams earned a 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament but faced early exits with close first-round losses. This season’s shake-up with new teams entering promises to reshape the competitive landscape of Big Ten women’s basketball.