In a new ESPN Women’s College Basketball Preview Show, analysts broke down the preseason top 10 rankings for the 2025 to 2026 season. They focused on the group behind the top three powers—South Carolina, UConn, and Iowa—arguing that teams ranked from 4 through 10 have the pieces to shake up March. This year’s Women’s college basketball dark horse Final Four contenders could include Texas, Oklahoma, and Duke as programs ready to make deep runs, while UCLA at number 4 sits just outside the elite trio but within reach of a Final Four berth. The video felt less like a prediction and more like a warning to the giants on top.
Texas and Oklahoma can turn seeding into leverage
Texas sits at number 5 and feels built for another late March push. The Longhorns reached the Final Four last season and bring back a strong core. Madison Booker remains one of the smoothest scorers in the country, while Rori Harmon runs the offense with poise and grit. Together they give Texas a backcourt that can dictate pace and tempo in any game. The Longhorns also added size through transfers, giving them more ways to win close battles on the boards. Their identity is clear. They guard, they share, and they close out games with confidence, making them a Women’s college basketball dark horse Final Four favorite.
Oklahoma, ranked number 8, carries a different kind of energy. The Sooners landed the nation’s top recruit, Aaliyah Chavez, who joins a lineup already filled with talent. She brings creativity and scoring punch that instantly raises their ceiling. Raegan Beers adds strength inside, while Payton Verhulst provides experience and shooting. Head coach Jennie Baranczyk has built a roster that feels like a mix of youth and maturity, one that can thrive when the pressure turns up in March. Could they be the Women’s college basketball dark horse Final Four contender this year?
“Let’s finish what we started.”— Rori Harmon, on returning to lead Texas for another Final Four push.
Both programs share one thing in common: they believe last season was only the start. Texas plays with purpose. Oklahoma plays with edge. Together, they represent the kind of middle seeds that can turn the bracket upside down when the ball goes up.
Duke and UCLA give the bracket balance and bite
Duke, sitting at number 9, enters the season with the kind of roster depth that wins tournaments. Head coach Kara Lawson continues to build around defense first, with a group that can smother opponents and force mistakes. Emilee Skinner brings freshman flair and scoring confidence, while Ashlon Jackson provides steady leadership. The addition of Toby Fournier gives Duke size and energy in the paint. Could Duke surprise as a Women’s college basketball dark horse Final Four contender? It is not just about being tough. It is about being ready for quick turnarounds and long weekends.
UCLA, ranked number 4, looks like the team most likely to crash the top three. The Bruins have Lauren Betts, who anchors the paint and commands double teams. Kiki Rice sets the tempo and keeps shooters active, while Gianna Kneepkens adds perimeter punch after her transfer from Utah. Add in freshman Sienna Betts, and UCLA suddenly looks like the most complete team outside the traditional power trio. If healthy, they have everything—shooting, rebounding, balance, and trust.
The ESPN panel closed the segment by reminding viewers that March rarely follows the rankings. Behind South Carolina, UConn, and Iowa, the path to Cleveland is wide open. Texas and Oklahoma have the experience and guard play to survive tough matchups. Duke has the structure and defense to wear teams down. UCLA might just have the balance to win it all. These are not long shots. These are real threats, some of whom are strong candidates for Women’s college basketball dark horse Final Four positions.
Calling out bad takes. Living for the game and the post-game drama.
