Ten opening-week women's college basketball games that could shake up the rankings

The 2026-27 women’s college basketball season is almost here, and several of the nation’s top programs won’t have much time to settle in before facing their first major tests. From UConn’s early matchups against Michigan and Iowa to South Carolina’s meetings with Maryland and North Carolina, opening week features several games that could have an immediate impact on the national rankings. For teams looking to establish themselves as contenders, these matchups offer an early opportunity to make a statement. Here are 10 games to watch during the opening week of the season. Notre Dame vs. Villanova – Nov. 1 (FS1) Notre Dame and Villanova will officially open the 2026-27 season in Rome, with the Irish looking to establish themselves as national contenders following last year’s Elite Eight appearance. Hannah Hidalgo returns as one of the nation’s best players and will once again lead a Notre Dame team with high expectations under Niele Ivey. Villanova, meanwhile, has an opportunity to make an immediate statement against a ranked opponent after earning an NCAA Tournament berth last season. A competitive performance from the Wildcats could help establish their place in the Big East race, while Notre Dame will look to avoid an early setback. Maryland vs. South Carolina – Nov. 2 (ESPN) South Carolina enters the season with national championship expectations after reaching the title game last April and its first test comes against Maryland in Paris. Dawn Staley’s program has established itself as one of the nation’s most consistent contenders, while the Terrapins are looking to remain competitive in a loaded Big Ten. Maryland will have an opportunity to measure itself against one of the country’s top teams, particularly as it adjusts to a new-look roster. For South Carolina, a convincing opening win will only strengthen its position at the top of the rankings. Oklahoma vs. North Carolina – Nov. 2 (ESPN2) Oklahoma and North Carolina will also begin their seasons in Paris, with both programs looking to establish themselves among the nation’s top teams. The Sooners enter another season under Jennie Baranczyk with expectations of competing in the SEC, while Courtney Banghart’s Tar Heels are coming off a Sweet Sixteen appearance. Both teams have undergone significant roster changes, making this an early opportunity to see how their new pieces fit together. With two ranked programs meeting on opening day, the winner could get some early momentum in the rankings. USC vs. UNLV – Nov. 2 (CBSSN) USC begins its season against UNLV in Las Vegas, giving the Trojans an opportunity to show what their revamped roster is capable of. Expectations remain high for Lindsay Gottlieb’s program, which will be looking to compete for a Big Ten title and make a deep NCAA Tournament run. UNLV has established itself as a consistent contender in the Mountain West and will have the advantage of playing at home. The Trojans will be heavily favored, but a strong showing from the Rebels could put them on the national radar early. Harvard vs. Minnesota – Nov. 2 (Big Ten+) Minnesota enters the season looking to build on last year’s NCAA Tournament success and Harvard presents an interesting opening challenge for the Golden Gophers. Dawn Plitzuweit has continued to elevate the program in the Big Ten, with Minnesota hoping to take another step toward becoming a consistent conference contender. Harvard, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the Ivy League’s stronger programs and will look to test itself against Power Four competition. A convincing win would help Minnesota justify its preseason ranking, while an upset could give Harvard an early case for national recognition. UConn vs. Michigan – Nov. 5 (FS1) One of opening week’s biggest matchups will take place in Ann Arbor, where UConn faces Michigan in its first major test of the season. The Huskies enter another year with championship expectations under Geno Auriemma, but the Wolverines have developed into one of the Big Ten’s most dangerous teams under Kim Barnes Arico. Michigan’s talented young core gives them an opportunity to compete with the nation’s best and a home victory over UConn would be one of the biggest early statements of the season. For the Huskies, the matchup begins a challenging nonconference stretch that will test their championship readiness. Iowa vs. UConn – Nov. 8 (FS1) UConn’s challenging opening week continues with a home matchup against Iowa, bringing together two programs with significant expectations entering the season. The Hawkeyes begin their third year under Jan Jensen looking to remain among the Big Ten’s top teams, while the Huskies will already have faced Michigan just three days earlier. Iowa has an opportunity to make a statement against one of the nation’s premier programs, particularly with the game taking place so early in the season. For UConn, wins over both Michigan and Iowa would go a long way toward solidifying its position at the top of the rankings. West Virginia and Georgia Tech will meet in an early nonconference matchup that could provide some clarity about where both programs stand. The Mountaineers enter the season looking to remain competitive in the Big 12, with their defensive pressure continuing to be a defining part of the program’s identity. Georgia Tech, meanwhile, will look to make progress in the ACC and establish itself as a postseason contender. A win over Power Four competition would be valuable for either team, particularly as both look to build momentum before conference play. Kentucky vs. NC State – Nov. 8 (ESPN2) Kentucky and NC State will meet at the Ally Tipoff in Charlotte, with both programs looking to establish themselves among the nation’s top teams. The Wildcats enter another season under Kenny Brooks with expectations of competing near the top of the SEC, while Wes Moore’s Wolfpack will look to remain competitive in the ACC. Both teams have the opportunity to pick up a significant early win against a Top 25 opponent, making this one of the more important matchups of opening weekend. South Carolina vs. North Carolina – Nov. 8 (ESPN) South Carolina and North Carolina will close out the Ally Tipoff in Charlotte, giving both teams another major test before the first full week of the season is complete. The Gamecocks will already have faced Maryland in Paris, while North Carolina opens against Oklahoma, meaning both programs will have opportunities to strengthen their resumes early. South Carolina enters as a national championship favorite, but the Tar Heels have a chance to establish themselves as a legitimate ACC contender with a strong showing. For Dawn Staley’s team, victories over Maryland and North Carolina would provide an impressive start to another season with championship aspirations.