The UCLA Bruins currently find themselves sitting at the very top of the Big Ten Conference standings, but their top spot is very much up for grabs. Fourteen of the eighteen total teams in the Big Ten have winning records, most of which with young rosters. The Bruins have the most depth and significant experience out of the entire conference. In fact, four of their five starters are seniors, some of which will be WNBA bound (Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice).
It should also be noted that of the entire Bruins roster of 12 players, eight are seniors. The fourth ranked Bruins have been heavy favorites since preseason to win a national championship in 2026 given their level of experience they had coming back and the off-season transfer portal addition of Gianna Kneepkens, an elite 3-point shooter in her fourth college season.
An undefeated conference record of 5-0 is exactly where head coach Cori Close wants her team to be, but the skill set of Big Ten women's basketball has emerged over the last several years. As week 10 of the season approaches there are currently nine Big Ten teams in the AP top 25 standings. The Bruins will be losing half their roster at the conclusion of the season making the future somewhat concerning. An experienced coaching staff and success should help in bringing in talent and UCLA has already made additions in the transfer portal but with several players either graduating or moving on to the WNBA, the pressure to stack on their current success will be building. But UCLA is focused on this season and with conference tournament lingering they'll have to continue to play their best basketball. Several teams could knock off the Bruins but one team is quickly and quietly moving up in AP and conference standings that UCLA may not want to draw in tournament play.
Jaloni Cambridge makes Ohio State UCLA's biggest future threat
All-American Jaloni Cambridge is quickly becoming the Buckeyes' most talented guard since Kelsey Mitchell's illustrious career in Columbus. In fact, Cambridge became the first player since Mitchell to record a 40-point game in Ohio State's 78-69 win over Illinois. On Sunday she torched No.8 Maryland where she nearly recorded a triple-double after tallying 28 points, nine rebounds and 8 assists against the Terps. What makes all of this so impressive and threatening to other teams is that Cambridge is only in her sophomore season.
Success of an entire team can't fall on one single player, but Jaloni Cambridge is setting herself up to be one of the best players in the Big Ten this season and gives Ohio State a strong foundation of experience and leadership going forward. She has helped fill the gap that was left with the departures of Jacy Sheldon in 2024 to the WNBA and Cotie McMahon who entered the transfer portal last season. Having a sophomore guard who is averaging just over 21 points per game and shooting over 50 percent sets an immediate standard in Columbus for women's basketball.
Despite the Buckeyes losing to top ranked UCLA back on December 28, Cambridge still managed to put on an impressive 28-point performance against a strong Bruins defense. Ohio State is playing their best basketball and even though there are still several more games to be played the Buckeyes still have room to move up. The No.19 ranked Buckeyes still have eight top-25 teams on their remaining schedule. Having only lost one conference game and having an overall record of 15-2, the Buckeyes are expected to be a dangerous team going forward. As long as Cambridge remains in Columbus next season combined with all the departures UCLA will have, Ohio State can very well find themselves fighting for the top spot in the Big Ten in 2027.