STORRS, Conn. — UConn opens the 2026-27 women’s basketball season ranked second in the preseason poll, trying to turn the page on a national semifinal loss to South Carolina that ended an unbeaten run and left a bitter coaching exchange in its wake.
The Huskies had not lost all season before that night, and their offense sputtered badly. Afterward, Auriemma and Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley had a heated exchange that he started over the postgame handshake, and he later said he regretted not holding back for a few more seconds.
Auriemma has said this offseason that last year’s team had flaws it hid for most of the season but could not cover up in the Final Four.
Sarah Strong, last season’s national player of the year, is back as the centerpiece, joined by guards KK Arnold and Ashlynn Shade and Blanca Quinonez, last season’s top freshman. Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft, and Serah Williams are gone, but the roster may be deeper. Freshman Jovana Popovic stood out in exhibitions against Syracuse and Texas, fellow freshmen Olivia Vukosa and Marine Dursus are expected to help, and Morgan Cheli is healthy after missing all of last season.
The NCAA’s preseason Power 10 rankings also put South Carolina first and UConn second, crediting Auriemma’s championship system and noting that most of the roster is back. The same rankings call the Gamecocks loaded with returning talent, transfers and top recruits.
The two programs meet again Nov. 24 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
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