****

As the 2024-25 women’s college basketball season tips off, much of the anticipation centers on opening day matchups in Paris, where No. 20 Ole Miss meets No. 3 USC, and No. 17 Louisville challenges No. 5 UCLA. This season promises to be one full of excitement, star players, and thrilling contests, with eyes eagerly watching which teams will make it to Tampa for the Final Four in April.

The reigning champions, South Carolina, face a formidable challenge in their quest to repeat last year’s success. Historically, the Gamecocks have had a future WNBA draft lottery pick post player almost every season since 2014-15, featuring stars like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston. However, this season, South Carolina's roster lacks such experienced talent in the paint, posing a new challenge for coach Dawn Staley.

Key players for South Carolina this season include Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin. Freshman Joyce Edwards, the nation’s No. 2 recruit, also shows immense potential, having scored 39 points and secured double-doubles in two exhibition games. Her consistent performance could be pivotal for South Carolina as they aim for consecutive titles. However, the absence of Ashlyn Watkins, suspended after an August arrest, leaves the team with a less proven frontcourt.

UConn stands as a strong contender this season, provided they can maintain their players' health. Led by Paige Bueckers, who is already acclaimed for her efficiency and game-changing performances, UConn has the depth and skill to vie for the national championship.

USC, buoyed by standout talents like JuJu Watkins and Rayah Marshall, also emerges as a formidable force, with transfers Kiki Iriafen and Talia von Oelhoffen adding to their strength. However, the realignment challenges as they join the Big Ten add an extra layer of complexity to their journey.

The competition at the top is expected to be fierce with Notre Dame poised as another potential champion. Should the combination of Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles find synergy, Notre Dame could boast the strongest backcourt in the nation. The team’s success will, however, hinge on staying healthy, given recent injury struggles.

As the season unfolds, players such as Bueckers and Watkins are favorites for National Player of the Year honors. With their teams set to clash in Hartford on December 21, fans can expect an electrifying encounter. Alongside these stars, emerging talents like Joyce Edwards and experienced players like Madison Booker (Texas) and Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame) could shape the season’s outcomes dramatically.

Predictions from analysts and experts are varied, with many tipping UConn and South Carolina to make significant progress, while others see potential breakthroughs for Texas and Notre Dame. The ultimate glory, however, remains up for grabs in what promises to be a captivating season of women's college basketball.