The college basketball transfer portal has been buzzing, and with the 2025-26 women's season officially in the rearview mirror, the dust is just beginning to settle. When the portal closed in mid-April, it held nearly 1,500 names—a staggering number that underscores just how much movement has reshaped the landscape. While no new players can enter, many are still searching for their next destination. So, let's break down where each of the 18 Big Ten teams stands as the offseason heats up.
Penn State has been at the center of the storm, experiencing the most upheaval in the conference. A coaching change in Happy Valley saw alumna take the reins after the previous coach was let go in early March, following a 84-123 record over seven seasons. The new coach, a key player during Penn State's back-to-back Big Ten regular-season title runs, brings WNBA experience from the Chicago Sky. The transition has been rocky: 10 players have left the Nittany Lions' program, but the new leadership has already added five transfers to rebuild the roster.
Rutgers, also under new management with a former LSU assistant taking over, has been the most aggressive in the portal. The Scarlet Knights have brought in a conference-high six transfers to Piscataway, signaling a fresh start for a program looking to climb the standings.
On the other end of the spectrum, reigning national champion UCLA has been remarkably stable. The Bruins lost no players to the portal, though coach had to replace six departing seniors—including top-10 WNBA draft picks—with incoming talent. Meanwhile, Ohio State has yet to add a single transfer, a quiet approach that stands out in a sea of movement.
Intraconference transfers have also made waves, with several Big Ten players switching allegiances within the league. Wisconsin received a major boost when a standout junior—who averaged 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season—decided to return to the Badgers after initially entering the portal and later withdrawing her name.
Here's a closer look at the key departures and arrivals across the conference:
Indiana: OUT: Erica Finney (6-0, G, Fr., TBD); Hayven Smith (6-6, C, Soph., Western Kentucky); Naomi Benson (6-2, F, Fr., Cincinnati).
Iowa: OUT: Faith Wiseman (6-4, F, Soph., Western Michigan); Chloe Spreen (5-10, G, Soph., Illinois State); Jade Ondineme (6-3, F, Jr., TBD); Phoenix Stotijn (5-9, G, Soph., Auburn); Edessa Noyan (6-3, F, Jr., Nebraska); Nevaeh Caffey (5-10, G, Fr., Missouri). IN: Alisa Williams (6-2, F, Jr., Iowa State); Kenzie Hare (5-9, G, Jr., Iowa State); Jessica Petrie (6-2, F, Jr., Nebraska); Malia Samuels (5-6, G, Jr., Southern Cal).
Maryland: OUT: Kennise Johnson (5-4, G, Jr., Delaware); Callie Levin (5-9, G, Soph., Northern Iowa); Teagan Mallegni (6-1, G, Soph., Wisconsin); Addie Deal (6-0, G, Fr., Wisconsin); Emely Rodriguez (6-0, G, Soph., TBD). IN: Jocelyn Faison (6-1, G, Fr., Georgia); Dani Carnegie (5-9, G, Soph., Georgia); Amari Whiting (5-10, G, Jr., Oklahoma State).
Michigan State: OUT: Nicole Fritea (6-2, F, Fr., Eastern Kentucky); Breanna Williams (6-2, F, Fr., Arizona); Kyndal Walker (5-9, G, Fr., Georgia Tech); Isimenme Ozzy-Momodu (6-3, F, Jr., Oklahoma).
As the offseason continues, these moves will shape the Big Ten's competitive balance. Whether you're tracking your favorite team's rebuild or scouting future stars, one thing is clear: the transfer portal has made every roster a work in progress. Stay tuned for more updates as players find their new homes.