Iowa Hawkeyes Head to UConn Among Top Women's Basketball Matchups

The 2026-27 women's college basketball season is still months away, but the non-conference schedule is already loaded with must-see matchups. For Iowa fans, the biggest early test comes November 8 when the Hawkeyes travel to face UConn. That game headlines a slate of marquee contests featuring national powers, returning stars, and former Iowa State guard Jada Williams, who now suits up for LSU.

When Does Iowa Play UConn This Season?

Iowa travels to Storrs, Connecticut, on November 8 to take on the UConn Huskies in a high-profile road contest. UConn started last season 38-0 before South Carolina handed the Huskies a painful loss at the Final Four in Phoenix. Geno Auriemma's squad returns National Player of the Year Sarah Strong and adds the nation's second-ranked recruit, Olivia Vukosa, making this a formidable early test for the Hawkeyes.

Former Iowa State Guard Jada Williams Joins LSU

Iowa basketball fans will recognize a familiar face in a new uniform this season. Jada Williams, who played at Iowa State, transferred to LSU and joins a talented Tigers backcourt. Kim Mulkey's squad returns Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley as the program moves forward without Flau'Jae Johnson. LSU faces North Carolina in Chapel Hill on December 2 as part of the ACC-SEC Challenge, marking the Tigers' first trip to historic Carmichael Arena and the first meeting between Mulkey and Tar Heels coach Courtney Banghart.

What Are the Other Top Non-Conference Games?

Beyond the Iowa connections, several other matchups demand attention this fall.

Notre Dame vs. Villanova, Rome, Italy, November 1

Hannah Hidalgo leads the Fighting Irish abroad for a game in Rome. Hidalgo is chasing her third consecutive ACC Player of the Year award after powering Notre Dame to the Elite Eight. Villanova counters with Canadian national team guard Jasmine Bascoe, who led the Big East in scoring during conference play at 19.5 points per game.

North Carolina vs. Oklahoma, Paris, France, November 2

Women's college basketball returns to Paris for the fourth straight season with a doubleheader featuring North Carolina against Oklahoma and South Carolina against Maryland. The Tar Heels debut incoming freshman Kate Harpring, the Naismith and Morgan Wooten High School Player of the Year, against an Oklahoma squad led by Aaliyah Chavez in the post-Raegan Beers era.

South Carolina vs. USC, Greenville, South Carolina, November 15

USC's JuJu Watkins returns from the injury that sidelined her all of last season to face the Gamecocks in the second game of a two-game series. South Carolina won comfortably in Los Angeles last season, but Watkins and USBWA National Freshman of the Year Jazzy Davidson give the Trojans a much stronger roster this time. South Carolina counters with returning frontcourt players Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins.

UConn vs. South Carolina, Uncasville, Connecticut, November 24

This is the first meeting since South Carolina upset previously unbeaten UConn at the Final Four. The Huskies return Strong and add Vukosa, while South Carolina looks to reestablish itself as a national contender after falling in the title game.

UConn vs. Duke, Boston, November 28

Kara Lawson brings her Blue Devils to face UConn for the first time since the 2024 Sweet 16. Duke has reached back-to-back Elite Eights under Lawson and returns All-ACC talent Toby Fournier. The frontcourt battle between Fournier and UConn's Strong will be one of the season's best individual matchups.

Notre Dame vs. Vanderbilt, Nashville, December 3

A Sweet 16 rematch features Hidalgo against the nation's leading scorer, Vanderbilt's Mikayla Blakes, who averaged 27 points per game last season. Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph, the National Coach of the Year, also returns SEC Freshman of the Year Aubrey Galvan.

Arizona State vs. Gonzaga, Tempe, Arizona, December 6

Arizona State exceeded expectations in year one under Molly Miller, making the NCAA Tournament. The Sun Devils added a strong transfer class headlined by Ruby Whitehorn and MAC Player of the Year Madi Morson. Gonzaga counters with Allie Turner, who led the nation in free throw percentage at 95.6 percent, and Lauren Whittaker, the only player in the country to average at least 19 points, 10 rebounds and one 3-pointer per game last season.

Louisville vs. Kentucky, Lexington, December 9

The Battle of the Bluegrass returns to Rupp Arena. Kentucky coach Kenny Brooks is 2-0 against Louisville's Jeff Walz and returns two-time All-SEC center Clara Strack, who averaged 16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game last season. Louisville counters with its core of Tajiana Roberts, Mackenly Randolph and ACC Sixth Player of the Year Imari Berry.

What Other Events Should Fans Watch?

The Ally Tipoff returns to Charlotte, North Carolina, in early November with a doubleheader featuring North Carolina vs. South Carolina and NC State vs. Kentucky. Broadcast details and the exact date have not been announced, but the event will air on an ESPN platform.

Tennessee also faces Baylor in Nashville on December 18, and UConn makes a separate trip to Nashville to play LSU at a date to be determined.