Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies once again claim the top spot in the Big East preseason poll, a unanimous decision by conference coaches, solidifying their status as the dominant force in women’s college basketball coming off an unprecedented 12th national title.
The landscape of women’s college basketball in the Big East remains as familiar as ever: the UConn Huskies, guided by coaching legend Geno Auriemma, sit comfortably at the summit. Following a dominant 2024-2025 season that culminated in their historic 12th national championship, the Huskies were a unanimous selection by conference coaches to win the Big East title once again. This perennial placement atop the preseason rankings underscores UConn’s unparalleled consistency and the enduring strength of their program.
The Reign Continues: UConn’s Unmatched Dominance in the Big East
Since re-entering the Big East Conference in 2020, UConn has established a remarkable legacy of supremacy. Under Auriemma’s leadership, the Huskies have captured 24 regular-season titles and 23 Big East Tournament championships. What’s even more impressive is their perfect record in the current iteration of the conference, having won both the regular-season and tournament titles every single year since their return.
This unbroken streak highlights a program designed for sustained excellence, consistently developing talent and executing at the highest level. The recent 12th national championship, secured in the 2024-2025 season, further cements UConn’s status as a dominant force not just within their conference, but across the entire NCAA women’s basketball landscape.
Navigating Transitions: New Stars Emerge After WNBA Departures
The Huskies’ continued success is particularly noteworthy given the significant roster changes they faced heading into the WNBA. The program bid farewell to two monumental talents: Paige Bueckers, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft to the Dallas Wings, and Kaitlyn Chen, who joined the new Golden State Valkyries. These departures would be crippling for most programs, but UConn’s depth and recruiting prowess ensure a seamless transition.
The new squad is spearheaded by an impressive array of talent, signaling a strong foundation for the future. The team is led by Sarah Strong, a sophomore who has already earned the prestigious title of Preseason Player of the Year. Her presence ensures continuity at an elite level.
Key Players and Preseason Honors:
- Sarah Strong: Preseason Player of the Year (sophomore)
- Kellis Fisher: Preseason Freshman of the Year
- Azzi Fudd: All-Big East selection
- Serah Williams: All-Big East selection
- KK Arnold: All-Big East selection
- Ashlynn Shade: All-Big East selection
The Huskies’ deep and talented roster, combined with their recent national title, has also earned them the prestigious No. 1 ranking in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, further cementing expectations for another championship-contending season. The WNBA’s official draft records show the high caliber of talent UConn consistently produces, making their ongoing ability to reload truly remarkable.
Big East Landscape: Who’s Chasing the Huskies?
While UConn stands alone at the top, the rest of the Big East conference is gearing up for a competitive season. Following the Huskies in the preseason predictions were Marquette and Seton Hall. Interestingly, Coach Auriemma himself cast his first-place vote for the Seton Hall Pirates, perhaps a nod to their potential or a strategic move to motivate his own squad.
The subsequent spots in the poll were filled by traditional contenders and rising programs:
- UConn (unanimous)
- Marquette
- Seton Hall
- Villanova
- Creighton
- St. John’s
- Georgetown
- DePaul
- Butler
- Providence
- Xavier
It’s also worth noting that on the men’s side of the Big East, UConn ranked second in their preseason coaches poll, trailing only St. John’s. This indicates a strong overall athletic program for the university across both basketball fronts.
Fan Perspectives and the Road Ahead
For the loyal UConn fan base, the preseason poll results are both expected and exciting. The departure of stars like Bueckers and Chen always sparks discussion about how the team will adapt, but the influx of talent like Sarah Strong and Kellis Fisher offers new narratives and fresh excitement. Fans will be eager to see how the new and returning players coalesce under Auriemma’s expert guidance, aiming for an unprecedented 13th national title.
The Huskies’ journey through the 2025-2026 season promises to be another captivating chapter in their storied history. With a target on their back and a legacy to uphold, Geno Auriemma and his squad are ready to prove once again why they are considered one of the most dominant dynasties in all of sports.
