It may only be July, but which teams should NCAA fans keep a keen eye on when the season finally commences?

The basketball offseason is no joke. Fortunately, the WNBA and the World Cup are currently whetting the appetite, but NCAA fans will be struggling without their fix of aspiring stars vying for a place in the NCAA Tournament.

Luckily for you, Britsdontjump is here to jump the gun and highlight what teams should be of interest when action finally resumes.

USC

Finally, the return of JuJu Watkins. This changes the entire landscape of USC’s ambition, and they will have their sights firmly set on competing with the biggest programmes in the NCAA.

Before her devastating torn ACL injury in March 2025, Watkins established herself as one of the most recognisable talents in all of college. However, questions will remain if the young star can return to the peak of her powers after such a significant period out of action.

Additionally, Watkins is not returning to an identical situation; the emergence of the spectacular two-way freshman Jazzy Davidson will pose USC a tactical dilemma. JuJu will undoubtedly take the ball out of Davidson’s hands, but how will head coach Lindsay Gottlieb re-arrange her system to get the best out of her star duo?

Jazzy Davidson stunned during her first year in college — averaging 17.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and four stocks per game.

Gottlieb can’t afford to lose this level of production if she wishes to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament come March time, so can JuJu Watkins rediscover her dominance alongside a second future lottery pick?

Tennessee

Irene Oboavwoduo is ready to fly the British flag in Tennessee, so the United Kingdom better be watching as we have a future GB star on our hands.

At just 17 years of age, Oboavwoduo has flown Manchester’s nest in an attempt to reach her true potential after an impressive debut season in Super League Basketball Women (SLBW).

Throughout the 2025-26 season, Irene recorded 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting 35% from deep.

From a team perspective, the Lady Volunteers will be desperate to re-establish themselves as one of the top programmes in the country.

Head coach Kim Caldwell oversaw a poor campaign in which her team finished 6th overall in the SEC with a 16-14 record, and then crashed out in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament to NC State.

However, there is a fresh feel surrounding this team for the upcoming season after the team has performed open-heart surgery on the roster this offseason, and Kim Caldwell will be optimistic that their fortunes are set to change.

Oklahoma Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners were a fascinating watch during the 2025-26 season, with the outstanding freshman, Aaliyah Chavez, stirring excitement throughout the programme’s fanbase.

Chavez was electric during her first year in college. The dazzling guard recorded 18.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.

Despite performing at such a high level, Chavez still has a long way to go before reaching her true potential. Efficiency was an issue as a rookie (37.7 FG%); if she can elevate this area of her game, Chavez could become one of the most sought-after talents when she eventually graduates from college.

Again, this is a programme that British fans must keep tabs on as Isi Ozzy-Momodu announced she will be taking her talents to Oklahoma for the upcoming season.

Ozzy-Momodu is an upcoming British star who is looking to continue her two-way development in the NCAA.

After the Sooners’ star center, Raegan Beers, graduated and landed a contract with the Connecticut Sun in the WNBA, Isi could be granted a vital role in the rotation to partner Chavez as the team looks to compete at the highest level.