We only know what’s on paper, but let’s have a little fun and break down my preseason Power 10 rankings.

1. South Carolina

Dawn Staley has another championship ready roster loaded with returning talent, major transfer portal additions, top recruits and the return of Chloe Kitts. Depth, versatility, size and experience are all there in Columbia, South Carolina.

2. UConn

No Azzi Fudd, but one thing that hasn’t changed is Geno Auriemma’s championship system. The Huskies return the majority of their roster, led by reigning National Player of the Year, Sarah Strong.

3. Southern California

Juju Watkins returns to lead the Trojans alongside a more experienced Jazzy Davidson, plus the No. 1 recruiting class. USC has all the ingredients to make a championship run.

4. Duke

The Blue Devils return the majority of their Elite Eight squad from last year. A different backcourt, but Toby Fournier leads a talented group that adds Aaliyah Crump to the mix. Excited to see this squad’s next step under Kara Lawson.

5. Michigan

It’ll be interesting to see how this squad navigates life without Brooke Quarles-Daniels, but this is a young core who’s grown up together, now entering into their third year as a unit with experience under their belts.

6. LSU 

Showtime basketball never lacks in Baton Rouge. Say hello to the new big three, Mikaylah Williams, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and the newest edition, Jada Williams.

7. Texas

As long as Madison Booker is wearing burnt orange, the Longhorns are in good hands. We saw her take the reins as a freshman, and now she’ll look to do the same in her senior year as the lone starter.

8. Louisville

Jeff Walz has plenty to be excited about returning a strong foundation in the production of a dynamic playmaker in Zam Jones.

9. Vanderbilt

Reigning Coach of the Year, Shea Ralph is looking to build on a historic Sweet 16 run with one of the most exciting backcourts, Aubrey Galvan, running the point in Year 2 alongside the nation’s leading scorer, Mikayla Blakes.

10. Iowa

Don’t sleep on the Hawkeyes. Iowa adds Dani Carnegie, alongside Chit-Chat Wright for an explosive backcourt, and the No. 6 recruit to join Ava Heiden in the front court. 

Teams I’m keeping on my radar: 

UCLA, I mean, of course, the defending national champs. But what does this new-look roster look like off of paper? What will the connection between Liv McGill and Audi Crooks look like at Oklahoma State? Any team with Hannah Hidalgo on it is a problem, but what will Notre Dame’s supporting cast look like? The talent is in Ole Miss, but how quickly can it all come together?