The UConn Huskies returned to the top of NCAAW basketball in a mighty way this April when they soundly defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 82-59 in a match that unnerved even Dawn Staley, who was captured having (justified) emotional reactions throughout the game. And while it's extremely logical to anticipate the Huskies and the Gamecocks will meet again in the Final Four in 2026, there's another team that's threatening to topple them both: the Texas Longhorns.
The lore with Texas is deep. Coach Vic Schaefer made the move to Austin during the 2019-20 season after leading Mississippi State on a fantastical run that included five NCAA tournaments, four appearances in the Sweet Sixteen, three appearances in the Elite Eight, two appearances in the Final Four, and two second-place Championship finishes — but never the NCAA trophy.
Similarly, Texas hasn't tasted ultimate victory since the 1985-86 season (40 years ago), when the Longhorns also enjoyed an undefeated season. And though Schaefer has brought the team close to the Championship before, nothing has felt quite as focused and strong as the way the Longhorns are playing this season.
This, obviously, poses a huge threat to UConn and what the team is undoubtedly hoping to pull off: a repeat Championship after the 2024-25 win, and hopefully a run in the tournament that helps push graduating seniors straight into the WNBA. And, honestly, the Huskies have an excellent shot at doing exactly that... but they will need to keep a mighty close eye on Texas every step of the way.
It's not exaggerating to say Texas is hoping to become the best team in the country, and it's also not unlikely they'll pull that off at some point or another this season. The Longhorns haven't had an easy schedule so far this season, and they're managing to knock everyone of note out of contention — easily.
Of course, UConn will not make it easy for the Longhorns to pull that dream off. As it stands, the Huskies are pretty unstoppable, and they're equally showing very few signs, if any, of relenting anytime soon.
But the Longhorns are bringing defense, that all-important championship winning factor, to the table night after night. The team's future likely lies with how well Madison Booker and Rori Harmon continue to play, and if Texas can up their 3-point shooting, they will be able to shut down anyone — even UConn — if that's really what they want to do.