Early Transfer Portal Moves Shaking Up NCAA Women’s Basketball
With the 2025-26 college basketball season winding down, the transfer portal is officially open and busy. Athletes use this time to seek new experiences and opportunities, find a happier environment for themselves, and grow their game. Every year, we see players move to a new team and make a huge impact. For example, Olivia Miles transferred to TCU last season and led them to their second Elite Eight in program history. Who, from those currently in the portal, could be the next impactful transfer?
Transfer Controversy Out of Iowa State
Following the elimination of Iowa State in the first round of the NCAA tournament, the transfer announcements started coming in hot. First was point guard Jada Williams, an impactful starter who averaged just over 15 points per game. Next came the announcement from Addy Brown, a forward who also put up big numbers for the Cyclones. However, the biggest shock came when Audi Crooks, a big-time power forward, announced her departure from Iowa State. There has been speculation as to why everyone is suddenly leaving this team, and coach Bill Fennelly has expressed his sadness over these departures. This now begs the question, where will Audi Crooks end up? Crooks put up massive numbers at Iowa State; she averaged 25.8 points per game, including a 37-point performance against Syracuse in the first round. Any team would be lucky to house such a solid player. Programs across the country will be watching closely as she prepares to announce her next destination, where she will finish out her impressive college career.
Star Freshman to Transfer Out of Iowa
Freshman guard Addie Deal made a huge impact for Iowa this season. Although she only averaged five points per game, Deal provided a spark for the Hawkeyes when they needed it. This former five-star recruit committed to Iowa in 2025 and made the move from Irvine, California, to play for the Hawks. The highly recruited guard had a few breakout games this season, most notably putting up 20 points against Ohio State and 18 points against Oregon. Now, she’s looking to bring her talents elsewhere for the 2026-27 season. Will Addie stay in the Midwest, travel East, or maybe head back home towards the West Coast? Any program that lands her will be gaining a difference-maker.
Other Notable NCAA Transfer Announcements
With the conclusion of the NCAA championship tournament, more players will enter the transfer portal. Here are a few other players who will make big impacts wherever they go: Mallory Heyer, a guard out of Minnesota, has announced her transfer to Oregon. She was a great offensive help for the Gophers and should see big minutes with the Ducks. Tennessee is losing a lot of players, the most notable being Mia and Mya Pauldo. These freshmen spent the past year playing at Tennessee but are looking for somewhere else to take their talents. Penn State, Alabama, Pittsburgh, and Arizona are some of the teams with the most players transferring out. This offseason should be an intriguing one as teams rebuild, reload, and adjust their rosters.
