Get ready for an exciting season of women's basketball as the Lady Vols gear up for their return to the court! With just a few weeks left until the 2025-26 season, the anticipation is building, and the rankings are in. ESPN's Charlie Creme has placed the Lady Vols in a highly coveted position, ranking them as the nation's seventh-best team. This is a testament to the hard work and talent within the program, especially considering the elite recruiting class they've assembled.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Lady Vols are not only ranked highly, but they also hold the distinction of being the SEC's fifth-best team. With defending champions UConn at the top spot, followed by South Carolina and UCLA, the competition is fierce. Texas, LSU, and Oklahoma round out the top six, setting the stage for an intense battle for the top rankings.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of transfers. Creme highlighted Janiah Barker, a former Texas A&M and UCLA forward, as a key addition to the Lady Vols' roster. With her experience and skills, Barker could be a game-changer, especially with her deep rotation capabilities.
The Lady Vols' schedule is packed with exciting matchups, including season-opening games against NC State and ETSU. They'll also face tough opponents like UCLA, Stanford, and Louisville. The SEC schedule is particularly challenging, with games against top-ranked teams like UConn, South Carolina, and Texas.
So, what do you think? Are the Lady Vols ready to take on the nation's best and make a run for the championship? The season promises to be full of surprises and intense competition. Don't miss out on the action!
[Schedule details as per the original content]
