The MidMajors

Tacarra and Courtney react to the way-too-early women’s college basketball Top 25 rankings and debate which teams deserve the hype heading into the 2026-27 season.

Is South Carolina the clear No. 1 team? Are Duke and Michigan ranked too high? Where should LSU actually be ranked? And which teams like Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Ole Miss and Oklahoma could surprise people this season?

The Mid Majors break down Post Her Hoops’ early Top 25 and compare it with another women’s college basketball rankings list. Instead of just looking at the numbers, Tacarra and Courtney dig into roster construction, transfer portal additions, freshmen, returning players, depth and player development to determine which programs actually have the pieces to justify their rankings.

WAY-TOO-EARLY WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 25 REACTIONS

Key Topics

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Tacarra and Courtney break down the way-too-early women’s college basketball Top 10, including South Carolina, UConn, Duke, Michigan, USC, Iowa, Louisville, Texas, North Carolina and LSU. Which teams are legitimate national championship contenders — and which teams might already be overrated?

The Mid-Majors dive into the biggest questions heading into the 2026-27 women’s college basketball season, including South Carolina’s loaded roster, UConn’s depth, Duke’s transfers, Texas’ young talent, LSU’s uncertainty, JuJu Watkins and USC, and Hannah Hidalgo leading Notre Dame.

Plus, Tacarra and Courtney preview the Players Era Women’s Showcase, featuring South Carolina, Notre Dame, Duke, Texas, UCLA, USC, LSU and UConn.

WAY-TOO-EARLY TOP 10

South Carolina enters the conversation as the clear No. 1, but the rest of the rankings raise plenty of questions. Is Duke really No. 3? Is Iowa too high? Should Texas and LSU feel disrespected? Could Michigan be a legitimate sleeper?

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina may have the deepest roster in women’s college basketball. Tacarra and Courtney discuss how Dawn Staley could manage the rotation and why the bigger question isn't necessarily who starts — it's who earns the opportunity to finish games.

UCONN

UConn remains firmly in the national championship conversation with another deep roster led by Sarah Strong. How does UConn's depth compare with South Carolina, and are the Huskies positioned for another championship run?

USC & JUJU WATKINS

USC remains one of the biggest storylines in college basketball with JuJu Watkins back in the spotlight. The Trojans should have more talent and balance around their superstar, but will that be enough to contend for a national championship?

️ NOTRE DAME & HANNAH HIDALGO

Hannah Hidalgo remains one of the most compelling players in women’s college basketball. Her relentless style, leadership and chip-on-her-shoulder mentality could make Notre Dame one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

TEXAS, LSU & DUKE

Texas still has superstar Madison Booker, but significant roster turnover and a young roster create questions. Duke’s No. 3 ranking gets plenty of attention after adding transfer talent, while LSU enters the season with questions about roster continuity and leadership.

PLAYERS ERA WOMEN’S SHOWCASE

The Players Era Women’s Showcase could give us an early look at which contenders are for real.

South Carolina vs. UCLA

With South Carolina, UConn, Notre Dame, USC, Duke, Texas and LSU involved, December could provide major answers before conference play heats up.

️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Opening + subscribe or stop lurking

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A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will not participate in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, and Team USA is already making roster changes. Tacarra reacts to the news and breaks down why sitting out could make sense for both WNBA stars as they prioritize rest, recovery, and what comes next.

With Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron reportedly stepping in as replacements, what will the new-look Team USA roster look like on the international stage?

Tacarra discusses Kelsey Plum’s injury-filled WNBA season, A’ja Wilson’s massive workload, the physical toll of travel and international competition, and why giving their bodies time to recover could be the best decision.

IN THIS EPISODE:

A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum sitting out the FIBA World Cup

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The Atlanta Dream made a statement against the Minnesota Lynx, using defense, physicality, pace, and aggression to take control of the game. Tacarra breaks down Atlanta’s impressive win, why Minnesota struggled with the Dream’s physical style, and what the result means for the tightening WNBA playoff race.

Atlanta’s balanced attack was a major factor, while Rhyne Howard’s defense and ability to attack the rim helped set the tone. Tacarra also discusses the impact of Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Angel Reese, and the veteran presence DeWanna Bonner is already bringing to the Dream.

Then it’s time to look at the WNBA standings. Atlanta is fighting for the No. 4 seed and home-court advantage, and the remaining schedules for the Dream and Indiana Fever could have a major impact on the first-round playoff matchups.

In this episode:

Atlanta Dream’s statement win over Minnesota

️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — FIBA schedule update and live coverage

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DeWanna Bonner is officially joining the Atlanta Dream, and Tacarra gives her immediate reaction to the signing and what it could mean for Atlanta heading toward the WNBA Playoffs. After previously breaking down potential landing spots for Bonner, Tacarra reacts to her decision to sign with the Dream and explains why Atlanta could actually be one of the better basketball fits available. The Dream are already playing some of their best basketball, but an inconsistent bench could create an opportunity for Bonner to contribute without being asked to carry a major role. Could Bonner give Atlanta 10–15 productive minutes off the bench? Does her veteran leadership make the Dream more dangerous in the playoffs? And could this move help turn Atlanta into a legitimate WNBA championship threat? Key Topics DeWanna Bonner officially signs with the Atlanta Dream Immediate reaction to Bonner choosing Atlanta Why the Dream could be a strong fit at this stage of Bonner’s career How Bonner could fit into Atlanta’s current rotation Why 10–15 minutes off the bench could be an ideal role Atlanta’s inconsistent bench production The veteran leadership Bonner brings to a playoff contender How Bonner fits alongside Atlanta’s established leaders Why the Dream’s recent momentum matters Atlanta’s chances of making a serious WNBA Playoff run The Dream’s cap situation and the financial side of the signing Whether adding Bonner makes Atlanta a bigger championship threat

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Tacarra breaks down DeWanna Bonner’s buyout with the Phoenix Mercury, what it means for her future, and which WNBA teams could realistically sign the veteran star as the playoff race heats up. With Bonner looking for an opportunity to compete for another championship, the conversation turns to the biggest question: Which WNBA contender has the basketball fit AND cap space to make a deal work? Tacarra examines potential landing spots including the New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, Las Vegas Aces, and Minnesota Lynx, while breaking down roster fit, available cap space, veteran leadership, and what Bonner could bring to a championship contender. Key Topics DeWanna Bonner and the Phoenix Mercury agree to a buyout Why Bonner could prioritize another WNBA championship Which WNBA teams can realistically afford to sign Bonner Could DeWanna Bonner join the Las Vegas Aces? Why the Atlanta Dream could be an intriguing landing spot How Bonner could fit alongside Atlanta’s current roster Whether the Minnesota Lynx actually need another veteran Why the New York Liberty may be Bonner’s best basketball fit How salary-cap space could determine Bonner’s next team Should Bonner join an established contender or help push another team over the top? Tacarra’s preferred landing spot for DeWanna Bonner DeWanna Bonner has not signed with a new team yet, but with the WNBA playoff race taking shape, her decision could have major implications for the championship picture.

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Kate Koval is stepping away from LSU women’s basketball, and the timing has sparked major questions surrounding Kim Mulkey, LSU’s roster decisions, and the addition of Russian player Anna Manivey.

In this episode of The Mid Majors, Tacarra Barnes breaks down the latest LSU women’s basketball news and the complicated circumstances surrounding Koval’s decision. With Koval’s Ukrainian background and her father actively serving in the Ukrainian military, LSU’s decision to bring in a player from Russia has added a deeply personal layer to a situation that goes far beyond basketball.

Did LSU’s latest roster move play a role in Kate Koval stepping away? Was this strictly a personal decision? And what does losing Koval mean for Kim Mulkey and LSU on the court?

Tacarra discusses why multiple things can be true at once: Kim Mulkey can make recruiting decisions she believes are best for LSU women’s basketball, while Kate Koval can make the decision she believes is best for herself and her family.

The conversation also breaks down what LSU loses in the post, Koval’s expected role this season, the adjustment international players can face when transitioning to college basketball in the United States, and why the timing of Koval’s departure makes this such a difficult situation.

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Tacarra and Courtney react to the UConn Dynasty documentary, breaking down Geno Auriemma’s coaching style, accountability, leadership, and the reality of tough coaching in Division I women’s basketball. As two former D1 players, they discuss why some of Geno’s most intense coaching moments may look different from the outside than they feel as an athlete inside a competitive program.

Before getting into UConn, the Mid Majors break down the latest WNBA playoff picture, including the seeding race and standout performances from Kelsey Mitchell, Angel Reese, Shakira Austin, and Caitlin Clark. They also discuss Kelsey Mitchell’s MVP longshot odds and whether there’s still value in the bet after her recent performances.

Then it’s all UConn.

Was the Dynasty documentary long enough to truly tell the story of one of the greatest programs in college basketball history? Tacarra and Courtney discuss Rebecca Lobo’s development under Geno Auriemma, how elite coaches push players beyond what they think they’re capable of, and where the line falls between accountability and humiliation.

They also compare how different personalities respond to demanding coaching, including why Diana Taurasi seemed built for Geno’s style and how that dynamic compares with Paige Bueckers and a newer generation of players.

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What would the WNBA Playoffs look like if the season ended today?

Tacarra and Courtney break down the current WNBA playoff bracket, predict every first-round matchup, and look ahead to potential semifinals and WNBA Finals matchups. From the Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream to the Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty, we debate which teams are actually built for playoff basketball.

Could Caitlin Clark and the Fever make a deep playoff run? Are the Minnesota Lynx still the team to beat? Could the Washington Mystics upset the Golden State Valkyries? And do the Aces have enough to make another run at the WNBA Finals?

We also discuss potential playoff breakout players, including Caitlin Clark, Sonia Citron, Shakira Austin and Paige Bueckers, and which stars could take their game to another level when the pressure rises.

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