UC San Diego opens the 2026-27 women’s basketball season ranked No. 5 in the CollegeInsider.com Preseason Mid-Major Top 25, with one first-place vote. The defending Big West champions return six players from last season’s NCAA Tournament team and were picked to finish first in the conference.

By the Numbers
  • No. 5 in the preseason mid-major poll; one first-place vote.
  • Last season: 24-9 overall and 17-3 in Big West play.
  • Six players return from the 2025-26 team.
  • Season opener: Monday at Washington, with tipoff at 11 a.m.
Yes, But

The Tritons have earned high expectations after consecutive Big West tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances, but six returning players means the roster must replace the rest of a championship group.

What's Next

UC San Diego begins its season Monday at Washington, then will look to turn its preseason standing into another successful Big West campaign.

Bottom Line

The No. 5 ranking reflects UC San Diego’s rapid rise; sustaining that momentum will depend on whether its returning core can deliver another title-caliber season.