The time of preparation and strategy in college basketball is over. Now, it’s go time. Multiple teams spent their non-conference schedules in their own styles. Some opted for tougher schedules like NC State and Duke, while others took it easy like LSU. As the conference schedule begins, teams will need to get in line. They won’t get any breather games.

Let’s look at how the heavyweights and dark horses in the Power 5 conferences look, along with some spicy rivalries. 

SEC (NET Rank:1)

Heavyweight: South Carolina

South Carolina was picked to finish first in the media’s preseason poll but slipped to second in the coaches’ rankings, a sign of both respect and the challenges ahead. The Gamecocks have lost six squad players, including three WNBA Draft picks (Te-Hina Paopao, Bree Hall, and Sania Feagin), and are without starter Chloe Kitts, who tore her ACL. 

However, their thin squad doesn’t mean they are weak. Dawn Staley’s side has gone 13-1 in non-conference play, with its only loss coming against Texas by just 2 points. And the loss can be attributed to three missed free throws with seconds left on the clock.

So, they are still the bigwigs in the SEC because of their title-laden history and proven experience. Dawn Staley is the ultimate master of the SEC and can steer a slightly underwhelming team to a title. However, they could face some issues with Ta’Niya Latson’s possible absence due to a leg injury. 

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Dark Horse: Texas 

The title race in the SEC couldn’t be closer. Last season, the Longhorns navigated their inaugural SEC season with incredible expertise, posting the third-most wins in program history and reaching the NCAA Final Four for the first time in 22 years. This year, they have already beaten South Carolina once and have an undefeated 15-0 record under Vic Schaefer. Madison Booker is looking like one of the best players in the country. 

Rivalry To Watch Out For: LSU vs Texas

LSU and Texas would face each other twice, both at home and away. And there couldn’t be a juicier clash. LSU has been the best offensive team so far (but in an easier schedule). On the other hand, Texas has the best defense among SEC teams so far and the 3rd best nationally (per BartTorvik). It will be a battle of styles that could even decide the title race if South Carolina somehow falters.

 Big Ten (NET Rank: 2)

Heavyweight: UCLA

UCLA enters the season with expectations to challenge for the NCAA title. They are led by a projected 2026 top pick in Lauren Betts, but it has not always been smooth sailing for the center. She has been figured out by some teams and is averaging 15.4 points, down from 20.1 points last year.

Still, she is a force to be reckoned with and will likely push the accelerator in conference play. With a 12-1 record, the team has been nearly perfect, with their only loss coming against Texas, who have beaten teams by an average of 30.4 points.

Dark Horse: Michigan 

Michigan almost beat UConn. That is enough to explain how good this team can be. And apart from that UConn game in which Syla Swords went crazy, they have been pretty perfect, beating the likes of Oregon in double overtime and Notre Dame by 39 points.

Their offense has been elite, with Olivia Olson averaging 18.4 points and Swords pitching in 14.4 points. Their defense has been top-notch as well, with an adjusted defensive efficiency of 74.4 (5th nationally) on Barttorvik. 

Rivalry To Watch Out For: UCLA vs USC

While Michigan is a notable challenger, let’s not forget USC as well. The 10-3 USC has historically challenged UCLA in multiple tight conference games, and the geographical proximity gives this matchup extra intrigue. UCLA leads the tracked series 34–26, with a 19–9 home record and a 12–16 away record in the matchup history.

Big 12 (NET Rank: 3)

Heavyweight: TCU 

The 2024-25 season was a historic one for TCU, as they won their first-ever Big 12 regular-season title, first-ever Big 12 postseason tournament title, and made a run to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament. This year, they are looking even better with the addition of Olivia Miles.

Miles has dazzled so far, averaging 18.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game while chipping in with 2.2 steals. She is followed closely by Marta Suarez, who is averaging 18.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. This dynamic duo makes this side a force to be reckoned with. It has shown so far with an unblemished 13-0 record.  

Dark Horses: Iowa State

Iowa State is a big problem. So far, they are unbeaten in 13 games, and Audi Crooks is destroying everyone. She is averaging 28.9 points and 5.9 rebounds while being the paint dominator. She is a puzzle that hasn’t been solved.

And while Crooks commands the paint, Addy Brown gives them long-range shooting. She is shooting 45% from 3 while averaging 114.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. They are the second-best offense in the country per Basketball-Reference with an offensive rating of 126.4. Crooks and Co. will be coming for that silverware as well. 

Rivalry To Watch Out For: TCU vs Iowa State

TCU and Iowa State are two distinctly different teams, and their rivalry dates back to 1986. Currently, Iowa State is trailing 11-15 overall and 13-11 in conference play. Last match up between them resulted in a lopsided TCU victory with the scoreline of 89-62. Now, with Audi Crooks already playing like a WNBA-level player, they will come for revenge in a possible title-deciding clash. 

ACC (NET Rank: 4)

Heavyweight: Duke

Yes, Duke hasn’t been the best team in nonconference play. They are 7-6 so far with their ACC play starting with a win over Syracuse. Kara Lawson and her squad have also dropped out of the AP Top 25, but that drop comes with an important context.

Just have a look at the teams they have faced. In that 4 game losing streak, they played South Carolina, LSU, UCLA, and South Florida. They have played the fifth toughest schedule so far, according to Warren Nolan. They are sure to have learned from their mistakes against the best teams in the country and will carry their momentum from their recent winning run. 

Dark Horses: North Carolina

All three top contenders in Duke, North Carolina, and NC State have struggled in the preseason, but North Carolina has struggled the least. They are 12-3 so far, with losses against Louisville, Texas, and UCLA. They have a top 20 offense and defense so far, per Barttorvik.

The Tar Heels are currently 17th in the NET rankings. Through 15 games, UNC has a 0-3 record in Quadrant 1 games, but is 12-0 in Quadrants 2-4. With Indya Nivar and Ciera Toomey leading the line, they are a force to be reckoned with. 

Rivalry To Watch Out For: North Carolina vs NC State 

This rivalry is all about location and history. The two schools are just 25 miles apart, with tons of alumni living practically next door to each other. Both are Tobacco Road staples, adding even more fuel to the fire. This season’s matchup will be at Reynolds Coliseum, where the home team has traditionally had the edge, holding a 34–17 advantage.

Big East (NET Rank: 5)

Heavyweight: UConn

There’s a real chance this UConn squad is the best we’ve seen in years, and that’s saying a lot considering Paige Bueckers and company steamrolled their way to the NCAA title just last season.

However, this UConn side now has a more complete Sarah Strong, accompanied by sharpshooter Azzi Fudd. The 13-0 UConn Huskies finished the year at the top thanks to their best start since the 2017-18 season. Freshman Blanca Quinonez has impressed as the third option and an early shout for the Freshman Of The Year.

Dark Horses: Villanova

Villanova might be the team best positioned to exceed expectations. The Wildcats bring back their leading scorer in sophomore Jasmine Bascoe, who’s averaging 17.5 points and 4.1 assists per game. After opening the season with losses to Princeton and Fairfield, they’ve bounced back in a big way, ripping off a nine-game winning streak that includes wins over West Virginia and Seton Hall.

Rivalry To Watch Out For: UConn vs Villanova

If there’s a team in the conference capable of springing an upset this season, it’s Villanova. Their balanced attack on both ends of the floor makes them dangerous, especially if UConn has an off night. Meanwhile, the Marquette–DePaul rivalry still carries plenty of history and edge, but this matchup also comes with real title implications at the top of the conference.