The 2025-26 college basketball season has officially commenced, with teams across the United States preparing for an intense competition. Among them, the Bay Area schools are looking to make a significant impact, each with their unique strengths and challenges ahead. The five teams to watch this season are the Cal Bears, Stanford Cardinal, San Jose State Spartans, Santa Clara Broncos, and Saint Mary’s Gaels.
Cal Bears: Navigating a New Era
Last season, the Cal Bears finished with an impressive record of 25-9, placing 7th in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and qualifying for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019. Head coach Charmin Smith enters her seventh season with a record of 81-89. Their season opener is scheduled for November 3 in Paris against Vanderbilt as part of the Oui-Play event.
Key players include junior guard Lulu Twidale, who averaged 13.2 points and 3.03 assists last season, and sophomore forward Naya Ojukwu, a transfer from Morgan State who brings an average of 17.1 points and 9 rebounds. Despite these strengths, the Bears face challenges with only Twidale returning as a starter, and a significant number of freshmen and sophomores on the roster. The team’s projected finish is 12th in the ACC according to preseason polls.
Stanford Cardinal: Rebuilding for Success
The Stanford Cardinal concluded last season at 16-15, tying for 10th in the ACC and exiting early in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament. Under the leadership of second-year head coach Kate Paye, who has a record of 16-15, the team is eager for a fresh start. The season opener is also on November 3 against UNC Greensboro.
Key returners include junior forward Nunu Agara, who averaged 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds, and junior guard Chloe Clardy, who contributed 10.2 points and 2.58 assists. The team has bolstered its roster with three five-star recruits, enhancing their competitive edge. Despite this, the Cardinal must address the lack of proven scoring threats beyond Agara and Clardy. They are projected to finish 6th in the ACC.
San Jose State Spartans: A New Beginning
The San Jose State Spartans faced a challenging season, ending with a record of 10-22 and finishing 10th in the Mountain West Conference. With Jonas Chatterton taking over as head coach for his first season, the Spartans are looking to rebuild. Their season begins on November 8 against BYU.
The Spartans have retained senior guard Amira Brown and junior guard Rylei Waugh, both of whom averaged 7.1 points last season. However, the team lost their top five scorers and lacks size, posing significant challenges in a competitive conference. The preseason poll forecasts a last-place finish for San Jose State.
Santa Clara Broncos: Fresh Leadership and Talent
Last season, the Santa Clara Broncos recorded a 14-17 finish, placing 8th in the West Coast Conference (WCC). With Loree Payne stepping in as head coach, the team is poised for transformation. Their opener is on November 3 against Stanislaus State.
The Broncos will rely heavily on graduate student forward Sophie Glancey, who averaged 18.1 points and 9.6 rebounds at Northern Arizona. The roster also includes junior guard Maia Jones, who contributed 12.2 points at Saint Mary’s. While the starting lineup shows promise, the bench lacks experience, which could hinder their performance in tight games. Santa Clara is projected to finish 5th in the WCC.
Saint Mary’s Gaels: Aiming for Improvement
The Saint Mary’s Gaels concluded their previous season at 14-17, with a 10-10 record in the WCC, placing 6th. Head coach Jeff Cammon is entering his third season, with hopes of building on last year’s progress. Their season opener is set for November 4 at Wyoming.
Key players include graduate student guard Malia Latu and junior guard Emily Foy, who averaged 10.7 points and 8.3 points respectively. The Gaels aim to leverage their size and athleticism, but they face challenges in developing additional scoring options beyond their top players. The team is projected to finish 7th in the WCC.
As the season unfolds, each of these Bay Area teams will strive to navigate their respective challenges and seize the opportunities for growth and success in the highly competitive landscape of women’s college basketball.
