Big West 2025-26 Season Preview: A Turning Point Before Major Changes
The upcoming 2025-26 Big West season stands as a critical juncture for the conference, as it represents the last year before a significant realignment in 2026-27. That year, the Big West will bid farewell to three member institutions—UC San Diego moving to the West Coast Conference, and Hawaii along with UC Davis heading to the Mountain West Conference. In their place, the conference will welcome Cal Baptist, Utah Valley, and Sacramento State, marking a new era.
But before all these changes take effect, the 2025-26 season will feature the current lineup of teams, promising an exciting and competitive year. Given the rising influence of the transfer portal reshaping college basketball rosters, this preview dives into how each team could perform in the months ahead.
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Coach: Shanele Stires
2024-25 Record: 14-18 (8-12 Big West)
The Mustangs face a steep challenge in replacing their top three scorers who either graduated—Annika Shah and Sierra Litchie—or transferred—Mary Carter. Along with the loss of senior leaders Sydney Bourland and Sidney Richards, Cal Poly might experience a rebuilding year. However, the arrival of key transfers Vanessa McManus (a potent scorer from Division II Saint Leo University) and Arissa Garcia (a junior college standout from Murray State College) bolsters optimism for the backcourt. Both have shown impressive shooting efficiency and could become major contributors if they adjust well to Division I play.
Returning guards like redshirt sophomore Alana Goosby and sophomore Ana Moleón Hidalgo, previously limited in minutes, will be called upon to step up, alongside sophomore Gabby Kay Robinson who was more regularly involved last season.
In the frontcourt, the outlook is less certain but promising. Sophomore Gillian Bears, standing 6’3", has shown efficient shooting and could emerge as a key player, combining paint presence with a reliable midrange shot. Nora Perez and Avery Knapp, also sophomores with limited previous playing time, bring defensive grit, rebounding skills, and finishing ability that could stabilize the team’s front.
Cal State Bakersfield
Coach: Ari Wideman
2024-25 Record: 2-28 (2-18 Big West)
Following a harsh season, the Roadrunners enter 2025-26 almost with a blank slate. Only two players return: senior wing Marley Langi and junior guard Alli Dioli, both of whom contributed off the bench last year. This season’s roster heavily features transfers and freshmen, giving Coach Wideman a refreshed foundation.
Dioli and Langi may compete for starting roles, but the team’s success hinges on their newcomers, including sophomore guard Chrishawn Coleman from Morehead State and fifth-year guard Maria Dias from Idaho State—both capable scorers needing to bring consistency. Division II transfer Morgan Hawkins from Hawaii Pacific adds defensive strength and leadership qualities to the backcourt.
Upfront, the team gains size and potential in junior forward Zalissa Finley, who escalated from Division III to Division I play, and senior center Tena Ikidi, who offers a strong physical presence though limited past playing time. Junior college transfers Dae’Jaidence Kincaid and Adrienne Puletasi add to the frontcourt, with Kincaid standing out as a defensive specialist and versatile scorer, while Puletasi offers efficient scoring near the basket.
Cal State Fullerton
Coach: John Bonner
2024-25 Record: 7-23 (5-15 Big West)
With a coaching change from Jeff Harada to John Bonner, Cal State Fullerton embarks on a fresh chapter. Bonner’s success at Division II Cal State Dominguez, where he recently led the Toros to the national championship game, has created high hopes. The roster features many newcomers and promising freshmen, signaling a rebuild.
Sophomore guards Maddy Tauro and Jana Falsdottir, who made early impacts, are expected to increase their roles significantly. To be competitive, the Titans will rely on four local California freshmen guards (Mimi Moon, Dylan Swindle, Maxine Sutisna, and Nyemah King) to contribute quickly. Graduate transfer Kya Pearson, an experienced guard known for defense and playmaking, adds much-needed composure to the backcourt.
In the frontcourt, highly touted freshman Nicole Steiner stands out as a potential double-double threat with her scoring and defensive abilities. Sophomore Lilliana Peterson and junior Talia Maxwell (transferred from Stanislaus State) add shooting range and rebounding. Sophomore Cristina Jones brings versatility and playmaking, positioning her as an impactful all-around frontcourt piece.
Cal State Northridge
Coach: Angie Ned
2024-25 Record: 4-25 (2-18 Big West)
Entering her second season, coach Angie Ned blends returning players and newcomers with hopes to restore the Matadors’ past competitive stature. Senior guard Erika Aspajo, last season’s leading scorer, will take on a leadership role alongside senior guards Morgan Edwards and Kelly Tumlin, both top three-point shooters expected to increase their contributions.
New additions like sophomore guard Rita Nazario with international experience and junior Saray White from junior college add depth and scoring threat in the backcourt.
Junior forward Alondra Lizama is poised for growth in the frontcourt, bringing scoring and ball-handling abilities. Sophomore forward Maya Contreras offers height and potential, while junior Nadia Bernard, previously limited at St. Mary’s, looks to revitalize her career and impact Northridge’s frontcourt.
Hawaii
Coach: Laura Beeman
2024-25 Record: 22-10 (16-4 Big West)
Hawaii remains a traditional Big West powerhouse under Coach Laura Beeman, boasting a strong postseason record. With many key upperclassmen departed, the team integrates freshmen and leans on returning players to sustain competitiveness.
Senior transfer Izzy Forsyth, a proven scorer from UC San Diego, and redshirt junior Jovi Lefotu, a dependable reserve, form the backbone of the backcourt. Junior Jade Peacock and sophomore Kira-May Filemu provide additional depth, but competition from five freshman guards may create surprises in playing time.
The frontcourt boasts promising performers Ritorya Tamilo and Imani Perez, two of last year’s top scorers known for defensive prowess and scoring ability. Senior transfer Saniyah Neverson from Northern Colorado adds rebounding strength and is a dark horse candidate for Sixth Player of the Year. Redshirt freshman Danijela Kujovic showed defensive promise before injury last year and could contribute upon return.
Long Beach State
Coach: Amy Wright
2024-25 Record: 16-14 (12-8 Big West)
Coach Amy Wright’s second season yielded significant progress, with the Beach rising as a formidable team. However, they face the challenge of replacing top scorers Savanna Tucker, Patricia Chung, Rachel Loobie (all graduated), and Jada Crawshaw (transferred).
Sophomore guards Christy Reynoso, Lauren Cummings, and JaQuoia Jones-Brown are expected to elevate their roles, with Jones-Brown already showing scoring and shooting prowess. Senior Khylee Pepe, a transfer from San Diego State and LA-area star, brings size, rebounding, and scoring ability, and could vie for a starting spot.
Frontcourt players like sophomore Mykelle Richards, who led field goal percentage last year, look primed for breakout performances. Hayes Wright and Brelynn Brice, previously untested in rotation, along with injured-but-returning junior Kennan Ka, will round out the Beach’s frontcourt depth.
UC Davis
Coach: Jennifer Gross
2024-25 Record: 21-12 (13-7 Big West)
A powerhouse under Jennifer Gross, UC Davis has a history of strong performance, including three NCAA Tournament appearances and consistent winning seasons. Coming off a Big West championship game appearance but losing two top scorers, the Aggies may settle into a more middle-tier finish.
Veteran senior guard Nya Epps and breakout sophomore Ryann Bennett—last year's All-Freshman Team member—anchor the backcourt, with Bennett expected to move into a starting role. Graduate transfer Helen Matthews adds a pass-first dynamic, while returning guard Victoria Baker provides bench scoring and three-point efficiency.
In the frontcourt, redshirt senior center Megan Norris, the team’s second-leading scorer and rebounder, could contend for top conference honors. Senior Ally Fitzgerald’s versatility and defense make her an asset, and redshirt sophomore Theoni Tsami, recovering from injury with international experience, could be a game-changer if healthy.
UC Irvine
Coach: Tamara Inoue
2024-25 Record: 21-10 (15-5 Big West)
Despite losing key scorers Deja Lee and floor leader Nikki Tom, the Anteaters under Tamara Inoue boast a strong roster and coaching savvy. Senior Hunter Hernandez returns as a leading scorer and rebounder and is a likely All-Conference candidate.
Development from juniors Shirel Nahum, Haley Hernandez, and sophomore Reece Noa, all with limited prior playing time, is crucial. Nahum’s experience with the Israeli U20 team signals potential. Senior transfer Jada Wynn, a big guard from Texas Tech, adds shooting and wing depth.
Freshman forward Nohe’alani Stores may immediately contribute size and skill. Sophomore Daniela Falcón Hernandez, who debuted last year, offers floor spacing and playmaking. Summah Hanson, named Sixth Player of the Year last season, is expected to secure a starting role and approach near double-double averages.
UC Riverside
Coach: Brad Langston
2024-25 Record: 17-15 (12-8 Big West)
Coaching turnaround specialist Brad Langston has transformed the Highlanders, improving their wins significantly and securing a WNIT spot last year. With three of last season’s top scorers returning, UC Riverside is expected to maintain its status as a top Big West contender.
Backcourt leaders include graduate Seneca Hackley, a scoring threat, and sophomore Hannah Wickstrom, a defensive standout and top three-point shooter. Senior point guard Zoe Tillery is the team’s floor general and key playmaker. Junior guard Aaliyah Stanton and sophomore Kaylani Polk provide additional depth, with Stanton being an impactful newcomer.
Senior wing Shelley Duchemin stands out as a scoring and defensive force likely to contend for All-Conference accolades, while incoming transfer Bria Shine adds versatility and rebounding strength. Senior forwards TT Hill-Brown and Dieynaba Sylla, previously unnoticed, might emerge for bigger roles.
UC San Diego
Coach: Heidi VanDerveer
2024-25 Record: 20-16 (13-7 Big West)
Emerging as the conference’s top team last season and earning their first NCAA Tournament berth upon eligibility, the Tritons led by Coach Heidi VanDerveer, are poised to remain competitive despite upcoming conference changes.
The backcourt must compensate for the loss of All-Conference guard Sumayah Sugapong, who transferred to Arizona. Senior Sabrina Ma, last year’s Newcomer of the Year, and redshirt junior Gracie Gallegos, a strong scoring and rebounding guard, will assume primary roles. Senior transfer Makayla Rose brings defensive prowess from UC Riverside.
Junior Erin Condron spearheads the frontcourt, capable of near double-double outputs, while graduate Damilola Sule brings scoring and rebounding depth. Sophomore wing Nicki Polocheck is expected to see a greater role as a small forward.
UC Santa Barbara
Coach: Renee Jimenez
2024-25 Record: 18-13 (12-8 Big West)
In Renee Jimenez’s first year, the Gauchos performed admirably and return a strong core with three of their top four scorers back. Despite other conference teams improving, UCSB looks positioned to compete at the upper level once again.
Senior Skylar Burke has the opportunity to increase her scoring significantly after being the team’s second-leading scorer last season. Senior Jessica Grant aims to solidify a starting role with her sharpshooting. Sophomore Bojana Radnjic, a FIBA-experienced playmaker making her NCAA debut this year, could spark the backcourt. Junior transfer Maddie Naro and senior Martha Pietsch add depth.
Frontcourt mainstay Zoe Borter is expected to surpass double-digit scoring, with newcomer Julia Puente-Valverde and redshirt sophomore Olivia Bradley pushing for expanded roles, the latter returning from injury and recognized for her efficient scoring and rebounding.
But here's where it gets controversial: With so many roster changes across the conference, how will team chemistry and experience weigh against pure talent and fresh recruits? Will coaching shifts and transfer additions lead to unexpected breakthroughs—or expose deeper challenges? Are traditional powers truly on the rise again, or are we witnessing a transitional phase that reshuffles the Big West hierarchy for years to come?
Which team do you think will defy expectations in 2025-26? Do you believe the incoming schools in 2026-27 will shake up the conference or struggle to find footing? Share your thoughts and predictions below—this could be the most intriguing Big West season in recent memory!
