Syracuse women’s basketball: top storylines heading into the 2026-27 season

The Syracuse Orange women’s basketball team is now less than a month away from beginning its fifth year under head coach Felisha Legette-Jack, and talk about what a season it could be.

The reigning ACC Rookie of the Year, Uche Izoje, returns, but the roster includes plenty of new faces. The Orange also face an intriguing schedule ahead, and there’s plenty to unpack after a busy offseason. With the start of the 2026-27 campaign on the horizon, here is a look at the biggest storylines for Syracuse women’s basketball:

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Izoje’s breakout potential

The sophomore center, by far and away, was the biggest reason for Syracuse’s turnaround last year.

Izoje averaged 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals, and an ACC-high 2.6 blocks per game. That first-year performance earned her a spot on the All-ACC first team.

With Izoje leading the way, Syracuse doubled its overall and conference win total from 2024-25 to 2025-26.

DULUTH, GEORGIA – MARCH 06: Uche Izoje #44 of the Syracuse Orange blocks a shot by Skylar Jones #23 of the Louisville Cardinals during the second quarter of the quarterfinals of the Women’s ACC Tournament between the Syracuse Orange and Louisville Cardinals at Gas South Arena on March 06, 2026 in Duluth, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Heading into the new year, national outlets like ESPN are already labeling her as a breakout candidate. Offensively, she’s got post moves galore and can score with her back to the basket or turning around. Defensively, so long as she stays out of foul trouble, Izoje gives the Orange a good defensive floor.

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Having her back is quite a big deal for the FLJ and the program. She will be the star and the biggest key if Syracuse can get to two straight NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in Legette-Jack’s tenure.

A whole new backcourt

The roster around Izoje will be quite different in 2026-27. Including Izoje, just four other players (Keira Scott, Olivia Schmitt, Angelica Velez,…

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Publish date : 2026-10-05 14:00:00

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