Every other week, the DII women's basketball Power 10 takes a look at the top teams, true contenders for the 2026 national championship. However, there are quite a few teams that fly under the radar. Some are having breakout seasons, while others are red hot at the right time.
As the second half of the season begins, let's take a look at five of these teams outside the top 20 that may shake things up and disrupt the DII women's basketball championship in 2026.
🔮 5 bold DII women’s basketball predictions for 2026
5 DII women's basketball teams to watch in 2026
Winston-Salem State
The Rams went 16-41 over the past two seasons but 2025-26 has been quite different. WSSU sits at 13-1, but the Rams are actually undefeated in DII play, having only lost their opening night game to Division I North Carolina A&T. They most recently defeated Elizabeth City State by 29 points to extend their winning streak to 13, setting a new program record, cruising past the original record set last century in the 1997-98 season. The Rams haven't played the toughest schedule, and they have the toughest stretch remaining with a big one against Virginia State this week. They'll have to find some more offense as the schedule gets stronger, but, powered by one of the better scoring defenses in DII, WSSU looks to use this momentum to propel itself back to the tournament for the first time in program history.
Northwest Oklahoma State
The Rangers are three wins shy of their 2024-25 finish of 15-15. Sitting at 12-2 this year with the , the Rangers are proving they belong in the tournament conversation. They are off to arguably the best start in program history, and they have done it against the 22nd toughest schedule in all DII. NWOSU has big wins against Minnesota Duluth, Harding and Henderson State, and their two losses have come by a total of eight combined points. They have a legit player-of-the-year candidate in Kira Bass who is averaging 19.1 points per game on 52 percent shooting, while ripping down 9.1 rebounds per game. The Rangers are also fueled by the top scoring defense in the GAC (53.5 points per game), which is top 10 in DII. This is another team that should make their DII tournament debut in 2026.
Thomas More
The Saints were 11-18 a year ago and currently sit at 13-1, yet for some inexplicable reason didn't get any recognition in the last WBCA poll. Now, they haven't played the roughest schedule, but they have big resume building wins against Ashland and Northwood in the G-MAC, which has them at No. 6 in the Midwest Region RPI. That makes them tournament bound as of today, but of course, much can change. Sereniti Webb, Rylee Turner and Izzy Rotert are a strong trio that can score and rebound and cause havoc as the schedule gets tougher down the road. The Saints are definitely worth watching as a potential spoiler in 2026.
Lincoln Memorial
It has been a little while since the Railsplitters have been a tournament-relevant team in the SAC. Unlike the first three teams on the list, they do have tournament experience; however, the Railsplitters have not made the bracket since 2017. They already have big wins against North Georgia and Lenoir-Rhyne which would get them in the bracket should the season end today. Unfortunately, the season has a way to go, and the Railsplitters have a very tough stretch in the next two weeks. Kamil Collier is on fire lately, registering six double doubles in a row. Plus, Lincoln Memorial only allows a hair over 56 points per game. Pair those two together, and the Railsplitters should make some noise down the stretch.
Florida Southern
The Mocs are a year removed from an 11-16 record. They are also four years removed from their last tournament appearance. However, at 12-2, they are certainly turning some heads. They have the hardest part of their schedule ahead of them, and reside in the same conference as undefeated Nova Southeastern, but there is a path back to the tournament if they stay hot. Sydney Gomes is one of DII's best players, leading the Mocs with 18.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game with a team-high 65 assists and 41 steals. Carlota Gomez Alonso (14.6 points, 7.2 rebounds per game) make for a dangerous duo that should help the Mocs reach 20 wins and beyond.
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