With UCLA capturing the national title and the 2025-26 women's college basketball season officially in the books, the offseason is now in full swing. For Michigan State, that means the transfer portal is open and the focus shifts to building the roster for the 2026-27 campaign.
Head coach Robyn Fralick faces a significant roster transition for the second consecutive year. The Spartans are set to lose a core group of graduating seniors, including key contributors Grace VanSlooten, Emma Shumate, Abbey Kimball, Marah Dykstra, and Jalyn Brown, who has declared for the WNBA draft.
The turnover doesn't stop there. Starter Ines Sotelo, along with reserves Juliann Woodard and Jordan Ode, have entered the transfer portal to explore their options. Additionally, the status of Theryn Hallock remains a major question mark. The former All-Big Ten guard, who was limited to just eight games this season due to a foot injury, went through senior day festivities. Whether she is granted a medical redshirt and returns for another season is still undecided.
All told, Michigan State could see up to nine players depart from this year's squad. As the rebuild begins, let's examine the current roster landscape and the players expected to form the foundation for next season.
Among the key returnees is forward Tory Ozment, whose presence will be vital. Ozment started all 32 games this past season and earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors, leading the Spartans in rebounding with 7.1 boards per game. Her versatility and leadership will be crucial for a team integrating new pieces.
Another important piece is center/forward Taiyier Parks. The 6-foot-3 post player battled injuries but worked her way back to contribute late in the year. As the lone returning player with significant size, her ability to protect the rim and score efficiently—she shot 60.7% from the field while averaging 7.6 points—will be a major asset for Coach Fralick's system.
This offseason will be defined by strategic additions through the transfer portal and player development. How Fralick fills the voids left by graduation and transfers will shape the Spartans' identity and competitiveness in a tough Big Ten conference next winter.