Top to bottom, it’s tough to argue against the ACC as the premier women’s basketball conference in the country in terms of its depth, individual talent and the number of high-quality teams.
Last spring, the ACC sent a record nine teams to the NCAA Tournament (with five advancing to the Sweet 16) and a total of 12 teams in the postseason. Duke, Notre Dame and Virginia tied the ACC’s record for most Elite Eight teams in a single NCAA tournament.
“I mean, the talent is just spectacular, right?” Cal coach Charmin Smith said. “We consistently have players that are up for national player of the year; we have great coaches…You look at what we did this past year in the NCAA Tournament.”
That kind of success has made the ACC a destination for some of the nation’s top transfers as well as recruits. ACC teams have six teams among the top 20 recruiting classes in the nation.
“I looked it up the other day,” said Miami head coach Tricia Cullop. “We had the second most players on the rosters in the WNBA, so it’s a great training ground. It also means for our players that you’re going to get great, competitive games every night. We are going to see teams deep in the tournament as well, which we saw this past season.”
The ACC enters the 2026–27 season with a clear group of championship favorites. Duke is the preseason pick to win another conference title, with Louisville and North Carolina each receiving first-place votes, as all three teams have the returning talent, roster depth and recent success to begin as the teams to beat. Notre Dame, Virginia, Virginia Tech and NC State form a formidable second tier, giving the league several experienced challengers capable of disrupting the conference race.
Boston College | California | Clemson | Duke | Florida State | Georgia Tech | Louisville | Miami | Notre Dame | North Carolina | North Carolina State | Pittsburgh | SMU | Stanford | Syracuse | Virginia | Virginia Tech | Wake Forest
Boston College
2025-26: 5-26, 1-17
Coach: Kate Popovec-Goss (second season)
After finishing 1–17 in conference play last season, and being picked to finish last in the preseason poll, the Eagles face an uphill climb with two returners and nine new players, including six freshmen under first-year head coach Kate Popovec-Goss.
Grace Oliver, the junior Wake Forest transfer, adds an efficient scorer, rebounder and physical interior presence. Popovec-Goss went international to rebuild the Eagles’ roster, adding Lithuanian Daniele Paunksnyte, Paraguayan center Gabriela Bernal Ortellado, Spanish forward Nuria Asuaverri, and Canadian forward Eunicia Salgado.
California
2025-26: 21-15, 9-9
Coach: Charmin Smith, 8th season
The Bears are in a position to be dangerous with four returning starters and seven returners overall. Cal went 9–9 in its last ACC season and reached the WBIT. Lulu Twidale, one of the country’s best three-point shooters and a preseason All-ACC selection, remains the Bears’ best offensive weapon. Her range stretches defenses, creates driving lanes and opens opportunities inside. Shannon Dowell, a scoring guard from Illinois State, adds production and the ability to take over games after posting multiple 20- and 30-point performances last season.
Clemson
2025-26: 21-12, 11-7
Coach: Shawn Poppie, 2nd season
New and exciting things happened at Clemson last season. Clemson returned to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019, won more games than it had in 25 years, and won more ACC games than the Tigers had in 27 years. On the way, Poppie’s team established itself as physical and defense-oriented. Five transfers will shake up the roster, including Mackenzie Nelson, an experienced ACC transfer from Virginia Tech. The top returner is senior guard Rusne Augustinaite, who averaged more than 10 points a game. Clemson’s freshman class is led by Trinity Jones, a top-15 recruit and McDonald’s All-American, and Kimora Fields, the Tennessee State Player of the Year.
This is a team that could surprise in the ACC, provided the pieces can come together quickly.
Duke
2025-26: 27-9, 16-2
Coach: Kara Lawson, 7th season
The defending regular-season and ACC Tournament champion still looks like the team to beat after last year’s second consecutive Elite Eight run. The Blue Devils, who have registered four straight 20-win seasons, return nine players with enough size, athleticism and defensive versatility to be a top conference title contender.
Junior forward Toby Fournier, an All-American candidate (17.3 ppg and 7.9 rpg), gives Duke a powerful interior presence and a dependable scoring option around the basket alongside senior Delaney Thomas, who averaged 11.0 points and 6.3 rebounds a game last year. Aaliyah Crump, the talented sophomore transfer from Texas, adds both athleticism and perimeter scoring. And Lawson brings in guards Autumn Flery and Bella Flemings as top recruits in the Class of 2026 to provide potential in the backcourt.
Duke’s ceiling in the ACC and beyond will depend on their offensive consistency, particularly against the ACC’s best defenses.
Florida State
2025-26: 10-21, 5-13
Coach: Brooke Wyckoff, 5th season
Florida State struggled to a 5–13 ACC record last season, with its lowest winning percentage since 1998-99, and looks to bounce back with 11 newcomers, including six transfers, to remake this program.
Defense will be the key to the Seminoles’ success, says Wyckoff, but senior guard Sole Williams, who made a decision to return to Tallahassee after entering the transfer portal, is the key to the offense after averaging 15.1 points a game a year ago.
Key addition Savannah Henderson, a former highly rated prospect from Georgia, adds size, athleticism and frontcourt versatility. Freshman Missy Odom, a five-star prospect ranked among ESPN’s national top 25, gives Florida State a reason to be hopeful about the immediate future.
Georgia Tech
2025-26: 14-19, 8-10
Coach: Karen Blair, 2nd season
Georgia Tech finished 8–10 in conference play and reached the WBIT last season under Blair. In her second season, Blair fields a team with four returning starters and six transfers and knows she needs to upgrade her backcourt to compete in a guard-forward conference. A junior guard, Talayah Walker earned 2026 All-ACC First Team honors, starting in 33 games and impressing with back-to-back 30-point games against Notre Dame and SMU.
La’Nya Foster started in the final 22 games last season and played a pivotal role in Tech’s push to the ACC tournament and WBIT.
Listen now to The IX Sports Podcast and Women’s Sports Daily
We are excited to announce the launch of TWO new podcasts for all the women’s sports fans out there looking for a daily dose of women’s sports news and analysis. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or anywhere you listen to podcasts, and make sure to subscribe!
Louisville
2025-26: 29-8, 15-3
Coach: Jeff Walz, 20th season
Louisville, a No. 3 seed in last spring’s NCAA Tournament, looks primed to hold its spot at the top of the league standings with four of its top five scorers back. Senior forward Elif İstanbulluoğlu brings international experience after being selected to Türkiye’s national team for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Tajianna Roberts, who led Louisville in scoring and assists in the ACC title game, provides stability in the backcourt and Imari Berry is the reigning ACC 6th Player of the Year. The addition of Carys Baker, an All-ACC forward from Virginia Tech, gives Louisville another versatile scorer and rebounder. Jeff Walz’s team has the talent to challenge Duke for the ACC championship and make some NCAA noise. The Cardinals will be defined early by a Nov. 15 matchup against Connecticut and a Dec. 2 showdown with Texas.
Miami
2025-26: 18-15, 8-10
Coach: Tricia Cullop, 3rd season
Miami, picked to finish 11th in the preseason poll, is a potential breakout team after finishing 8–10 in ACC play last season, advancing to the second round of the WBIT. The Hurricanes have four starters returning to the floor, giving the ‘Canes a head start on a new season with the goal of getting to the NCAA Tournament.
Junior guard Gal Reviv is the team’s leading returning scorer at 16.0 points per game. The Hurricanes have a freshman from France in Jess-Mine Zodia, and a trio of transfers to incorporate Dayana Mendes (from USC), Mya Herman (Southeastern) and Gianna Corbitt (Chattanooga).
Notre Dame
2025-26: 25-11, 12-6
Coach: Niele Ivey, 7th season
Having one of the best players in the country on your roster always makes the start of a new season seem bright. All-American guard Hannah Hidalgo, a national player of the year candidate and the ACC Preseason Player of the Year for the second straight year, became the first player in ACC history to win both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons, and her presence gives the Irish an elite foundation.
Hidalgo, who averaged 25.7 points a game last season and collected 200 steals, will command significant attention, but the Irish need a dependable second in terms of scoring and playmaking. Sophomore Lea Macy is back after missing last season with an injury. Graduate transfer Maddie St. Rose, arriving from Arizona, provides veteran experience and perimeter depth. Forward Anaya Hardy comes in from Louisville. Notre Dame also signed five players ranked among the top 100 players in the nation, including top-10 prospect Jacy Abii, Jenica Lewis, Amari Byles, Bella Ragone and Isabella Sangha.
The freshman class gives Notre Dame long-term promise, but the immediate challenge is integrating young players into a team with big postseason expectations.
North Carolina
2025-26: 28-8, 14-4
Coach: Courtney Banghart, 8th season
The Tar Heels, winners of 25 games in each of the past three seasons, bring top-ranked recruits and depth to the 2026-27 season.
Dynamic scoring guard Reniya Kelly, one of nine returners, will be the leader on the perimeter. Ciera Toomey is the team’s top returning rebounder, with 15 double-doubles last season. Sophie Burrows, a 6’2 two-way guard from Syracuse, adds size, rebounding and defensive versatility. The lineup includes three transfer guards, including Gabby White from Virginia and Chloe Clardy from Stanford. The Tar Heels also welcome a pair of impact freshmen in five-star point guard Kate Harpring and interior prospect Noelle Bofia.
North Carolina opens the season against South Carolina, an early test of its ability to compete nationally.
North Carolina State
2025-26: 21-11, 13-5
Coach: Wes Moore, 14th season
With three of its top five scorers back – including senior forward and first-team All-ACC performer Khamil Pierre inside and veteran guard Zoe Brooks on the perimeter – Wes Moore’s team will have experience and chemistry as they integrate a top-rated recruiting class and Khady Leye, a 6’2 forward from Auburn, who can help out on the boards.
Over the past six years, the Wolfpack, picked to finish fifth in the ACC preseason poll, have won five ACC titles between the regular season and the tournament with a trip to the Elite Eight and the Final Four. This is a team that will always make its presence felt in the ACC.
Pittsburgh
2025-26: 8-23, 1-17
Coach: Robin Harmony, 1st season
Under new head coach Robin Harmony, the Panthers are starting again after a tough 2025-26 season. With 11 newcomers and just one scholarship returning, Harmony has a chance to put her stamp on the program.
Sisters Taryn Barbot and Taylor Barbot have come with Harmony from the College of Charleston to anchor the backcourt and Alancia Ramsey, a senior forward, has come from Alabama. There is a lot of work to be done here, and a lot of teaching to do, but Harmony envisions a physical, old-school style and a team that won’t be afraid to challenge its ACC foes.
Your business can reach women’s sports fans who share your passion!
Here at The IX Sports, our audience is a collection of the smartest, most passionate women’s sports fans in the world. If your business has a mission to serve these fans, you should reach out to our team at BAlarie@theixsports.com to discuss ways to work together in 2026.
SMU
2025-26: 9-21, 2-16
Coach: Adia Barnes, 3rd season
SMU finished 2–16 in its second ACC season under Adia Barnes, who is hitting the reset button this season with just four returners and nine newcomers. Zahra King gives SMU a scoring guard capable of taking over games, as demonstrated by her 40-point performance last season. Theresa Haggans is also back in the backcourt to provide consistency.
Key addition Kinsea Grimes, a transfer from Coastal Carolina and the Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, adds offensive firepower and backcourt credibility. The Mustangs need Grimes and King to create efficient offense. Their nonconference schedule and ACC stretch will reveal whether SMU can make a meaningful jump.
Stanford
2025-26: 21-14, 8-10
Coach: Kate Paye, 3rd season
A great deal is at stake for Kate Paye in her third season at Stanford as the successor to Tara VanDerveer, having failed to make the NCAA Tournament over the past two seasons (for the first time in 40 years). The Cardinal went 8–10 in ACC play last season but finished 21–14 overall, evidence that the program remains capable of winning games beyond the conference. But the Cardinal need to prove that they can be as strong down the stretch as they are early in the season.
Having lost seven players to the transfer portal and with no seniors on the roster, Stanford is going all in on returners such as guard Hailee Swain, an All-ACC freshman honoree last season, and post Alexandra Eschmeyer. Swain could be primed for a breakout scoring season. Charlotte Tuhy, an all-conference freshman from American, brings size and frontcourt depth and the Cardinal have added a pair of 6’3 international talents in Inés Sotelo Miguez and Ilse De Vries.
Getting out of the ACC’s crowded middle will mean finding a gear they haven’t found in the league’s first two seasons, but getting this program back to the NCAA Tournament is a big incentive.
Syracuse
2025-26: 12-6, 24-9
Coach: Felicia Legette-Jack, 5th season
Syracuse went 12–6 in conference play and reached the NCAA Tournament last season. Felicia Legette-Jack’s team has eight new faces this season, with five returners. ACC Rookie of the Year Uche Izoje, a 6-foot-3 interior standout, averaged approximately 12 points and six rebounds as a freshman and gives Syracuse a presence inside.
Key addition Tyi Skinner, a transfer guard from Arizona, should provide perimeter scoring and stabilize the offense. The Orange added size and experience with 6-3 transfers Sarah Rambus and Jaleesa Molina, along with 6’0 guard Emely Rodriguez.
Virginia
2025-26: 22-12, 11-7
Coach: Aaron Roussell, 1st season
Virginia is one of the ACC’s most intriguing challengers. The Cavaliers returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2026 and reached the Sweet Sixteen for the first time since 2000, but parted ways with head coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton after the season and Aaron Roussell, formerly the coach at Richmond, took over.
With five returners, four freshmen and four transfers, it is a restart for the Cavaliers. Guard Kymora Johnson, a two-time All-ACC pick, is the centerpiece, averaging 19.5 points and 6.3 assists last season. Her ability to create offense gives Virginia a chance against elite teams. Mary-Anna Asare, a scoring guard from VCU, should improve backcourt balance.
Virginia Tech
2025-26: 23-10, 12-6
Coach: Megan Duffy, 10th season
Virginia Tech returns six players this season after earning a No. 9 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Carleigh Wenzel, the team’s leading scorer last season at 15.1 points per game, provides an experienced offensive go-to.
The Hokies also added size and depth, including graduate forward Alyssa Latham from Tennessee. Freshman Kaleo Anderson brings perimeter potential. If Wenzel receives consistent support, Virginia Tech could challenge for a top-six finish and another NCAA Tournament appearance.
Wake Forest
2025-26: 14-18, 4-14
Coach: Megan Gebbia, 5th season
Wake Forest opened last season with nine straight wins before going 4–14 in the ACC and ended the year on a four-game losing streak. Aurora Sørbye leads six returners and will be the Deacons’ lead guard after pacing the team in assists and averaging 7.2 points per game. Her ability to organize the offense will be central to Wake Forest’s progress.
Transfer guard Breauna Ware will be a big contributor immediately. Ramiyah Byrd, a versatile Power Four transfer from Cincinnati, adds wing depth, defensive flexibility and experience. The Demon Deacons face a difficult path in a hyper-competitive ACC.
Enjoyed this story? Read more of our conference previews for the 2026-27 season! (edited)
