Caitlin Clark elevated Big Ten women’s basketball to unprecedented heights before her transition to the WNBA. The Iowa Hawkeyes, driven by Clark’s star power, sold out every conference game last season, a historic achievement for the program. With her departure, the league enters a new phase, counting on emerging talents to sustain the excitement.
This season brings not only fresh faces but also new teams, as USC, UCLA, Oregon, and Washington join the Big Ten, expanding it to 18 members. Several players stand poised to become the next generation of stars, including JuJu Watkins from USC, Lauren Betts of UCLA, Alexis Markowski from Nebraska, and Shyanne Sellers of Maryland. These athletes aim to keep the league’s momentum rolling. The Big Ten now boasts six teams in the Associated Press preseason Top 25, with USC leading at No. 3 and UCLA following at No. 7. Other ranked members include Ohio State (No. 14), Maryland (No. 18), Nebraska (No. 23), and Indiana (No. 25).
“This league offers unparalleled competition,” said UCLA head coach Cori Close. “It’s the most talented group I’ve ever coached, which makes this an exciting opportunity.” USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb echoed similar sentiments about the sport’s growing popularity. “The visibility for women’s basketball is at an all-time high. We’re part of a movement that’s only gaining momentum,” she said. Both coaches recognize the privilege and challenges of competing on this elevated stage.
The Big Ten will make its global debut on November 4 with the Aflac Oui Play doubleheader in Paris. UCLA will face No. 17 Louisville, while USC takes on No. 20 Mississippi, setting the tone for a high-energy season. A crucial matchup awaits on February 2, when USC visits Iowa. JuJu Watkins, last season’s second-highest scorer nationally, will square off against Iowa’s Lucy Olsen, who averaged 23.3 points per game. Even without Clark, this showdown is expected to draw considerable attention.
The 18-game conference schedule aims to maintain traditional rivalries while balancing travel demands for the league’s new West Coast members. USC and UCLA will play each other twice, ensuring their rivalry remains intact. Additionally, to ease travel burdens, the West Coast teams will consolidate six away games into three road trips across the Eastern and Central time zones, while teams from those regions will only make one trip west for two games over four days.
The Big Ten Tournament, scheduled for March 5-9 in Indianapolis, will feature the league’s top 15 teams, promising fierce competition as programs vie for postseason glory. As the new season unfolds, transfers and fresh talent inject excitement across the board. USC added standout Kiki Iriafen and former Oregon State star Talia von Oelhoffen, while UCLA secured Charlisse Leger-Walker from Washington State and Timea Gardiner from Oregon State. Meanwhile, Ohio State replenished its roster with key additions, including Oregon transfer Chance Gray and top recruit Jaloni Cambridge.
With new talents, established rivalries, and an expanded conference, the Big Ten is ready to embark on a thrilling season that promises to captivate fans and elevate the women’s game to new heights.
