The women’s college basketball transfer portal opened shortly after UCLA clinched its first NCAA national championship, sparking a flurry of player movement and recruitment activity. Among the most sought-after players is Audi Crooks, a standout center from Iowa State. Crooks, a two-time All-American and three-time All-Big 12 honoree, averaged an impressive 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last season. Her scoring prowess and experience make her one of the most valuable transfers available for the upcoming season.
UCLA faces a significant rebuilding challenge after losing six seniors and graduate students who played major roles in their championship run. Head coach Cori Close has expressed a strong commitment to leveraging the transfer portal to fill those gaps, aiming to sign around five transfers. Crooks is considered a prime candidate for UCLA as they look to sustain their national title momentum. Despite her Midwestern roots, a move to the West Coast could appeal to Crooks, especially with UCLA’s recent success and the opportunity to contribute immediately.
However, UCLA is not alone in pursuing Crooks. South Carolina’s head coach Dawn Staley also sees Crooks as a key piece to strengthen her roster following their loss in the national championship game. The Gamecocks have several returning players but lack a dominant center like Crooks who can elevate their offense. Other programs such as Texas, Iowa, Notre Dame, and UConn have also shown interest in acquiring her talents. Each offers different advantages, from geographic proximity to system fit and championship aspirations.
The transfer portal window is brief this year, closing on April 20th, which intensifies the recruiting battle for top players like Crooks. Coaches are balancing roster needs with system compatibility since Crooks’ unique skill set may require adjustments in playing style. This has led to cautious consideration among teams eager to add her impact for just one season before she graduates.
Beyond Crooks, the portal has seen over 1,000 entries including other notable players such as Kymora Johnson from Virginia and Talaysia Cooper from Tennessee. The upheaval across programs like Tennessee and Georgia reflects broader changes in women’s college basketball as teams rebuild or reshape rosters rapidly through transfers.
As the recruitment period unfolds, programs with strong resources and clear visions stand to benefit most from these high-profile transfers. Audi Crooks’ decision will be closely watched as it could shift competitive balance for the 2026-27 season. With several powerhouse schools vying for her commitment, this offseason promises to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory for women’s college basketball.
