The South Carolina Gamecocks have emerged as the clear number one team in CBS Sports' way-too-early women's college basketball power rankings following their second national title in three seasons. Under the leadership of coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks are building a dynasty in Columbia, South Carolina, and their upcoming season promises to be another successful campaign.

South Carolina showcased an incredibly deep roster in the 2023-24 season, losing only one key player as Kamilla Cardoso enters the 2024 WNBA Draft. The 6-foot-7 center played a dominant role inside, leading the team in scoring and rebounding. Yet, even without Cardoso, the Gamecocks demonstrated their resilience and ability to excel in games. Ashlyn Watkins, who started in just nine games, displayed impressive stats, averaging 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and a team-high 91 blocks. With Cardoso's departure, Watkins and Sania Feagin are expected to step up and take on more prominent roles.

The Gamecocks will be buoyed by the return of freshman standout MiLaysia Fulwiley, who averaged 11.7 points per game in limited minutes last season. Furthermore, South Carolina will welcome back six players who averaged at least eight points per game, while also adding top recruits to their roster. Notably, forward Joyce Edwards, ranked third in the 2024 ESPN HoopGurlz rankings, is set to join the team, further bolstering their strong lineup.

In contrast, UConn, who made it to the Final Four despite relying on a limited seven-player rotation due to injuries and inexperience, will face challenges in the upcoming season. The Huskies are losing talent with Aaliyah Edwards and Nika Muhl's departures, but they can still rely on their other top contributors, including All-American Paige Bueckers, Ashlynn Shade, and KK Arnold. For UConn to truly shine, players like Azzi Fudd, Caroline Ducharme, and Aubrey Griffin need to remain healthy. Additionally, the commitment of forward Sarah Strong, the top prospect in the class of 2024, along with guard Allie Ziebell, will provide depth to their roster.

Lindsay Gottlieb's Trojans from the University of Southern California (USC) showed promise with rising star JuJu Watkins, who had an impressive freshman season, setting a new record with 920 points. USC will, however, bid farewell to graduate students McKenzie Forbes, Kaitlyn Davis, and Kayla Padilla, losing valuable experience. Gottlieb is set to compensate for these departures with the addition of a strong recruiting class, led by highly ranked wing Kennedy Smith.

The NC State Wolfpack emerged as "party crashers" in the Final Four and will no longer be overlooked. Led by coach Wes Moore, they will rely on their top guards, Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers, and Zoe Brooks, to drive their success. The addition of point guard Zamareya Jones, ranked 21st in recruitment, will further strengthen their team. Although the Wolfpack will face a setback with the departures of River Baldwin and Mimi Collins, incoming freshman Lorena Awou, a formidable 6-foot-5 rebounder, is expected to fill the void.

Iowa, the national championship runner-up in 2024, secured the 25th spot in the CBS Sports power rankings. Coach Lisa Bluder's team will undergo significant changes without key players such as Kate Martin, Gabbie Marshall, Molly Davis, and the all-time leading scorer in Division I basketball, Caitlin Clark. However, Iowa still earns their spot in the top 25 due to the potential displayed by their younger players. Hannah Stuelke, the team's second-leading scorer, along with Sydney Affolter, who thrived with increased opportunities last season, bring hope to the Hawkeyes. Additionally, the development of players like Taylor McCabe, known for her excellent shooting abilities, can contribute to the team's success. The addition of top recruits, including No. 40-ranked Ava Heiden, a 6-foot-4 big, further strengthens Iowa's chances.

As the new season approaches, the women's college basketball power rankings signal the potential for intense competition and exciting matchups. The South Carolina Gamecocks lead the pack as they aim to continue their dominant reign, while UConn, USC, NC State, and Iowa will be eager to challenge their supremacy. Fans can brace themselves for a thrilling basketball season filled with emerging stars, experienced veterans, and teams striving for glory.