The NCAA transfer portal has officially closed, and the dust is finally starting to settle. While the window for player movement may be shut, the aftershocks are still being felt—and two powerhouse programs are now in position to capitalize: South Carolina and UConn.

Both schools are coming off deep NCAA Tournament runs, but with some roster turnover and new dynamics at play, the next chapter of their dominance hinges on what happens next. The big names may have already made their moves, but there are still key pieces out there—unsigned, undecided, and undeniably important.

Transfer Portal: Closed But Not Over

While the portal itself is now closed to new entries, players who entered before the deadline still have time to commit to new programs. That means coaches can still recruit, rosters can still shift, and programs can still reload.

This late phase of the portal period is often where championship contenders separate themselves from the rest. And for Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks and Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies, there’s still plenty to gain.

South Carolina: Reloading, Not Rebuilding

Despite losing key veterans, South Carolina remains one of the most dangerous teams in the country. The return of standout talent like MiLaysia Fulwiley and Ashlyn Watkins gives the Gamecocks a strong foundation. But behind the scenes, Coach Staley has been carefully evaluating portal talent to fill specific gaps—particularly in the backcourt and wing depth.

They’ve already landed some size, but it’s the right two-way guard or stretch wing that could elevate this team from great to unstoppable. South Carolina doesn’t need a rebuild—they need a closer, someone who can knock down shots late and guard the opponent’s best player.

Insiders say they’re still in quiet talks with undecided portal players, and there’s growing optimism that a commitment could happen before summer workouts.

“South Carolina isn’t panicking. They’re being strategic,” said one anonymous assistant coach. “If they land one more experienced scorer, it’s over.”UConn: The Paige Window Is Now

For UConn, the mission is simple: Win now while Paige Bueckers is still here.

Bueckers’ return for the 2025 season shocked some who expected her to declare for the WNBA Draft. But with unfinished business and the Huskies still searching for that elusive next national title, she’s all in. And UConn is doing everything they can to build the perfect team around her.

Geno Auriemma has already brought in a top-tier freshman class and returns key players like KK Arnold, Azzi Fudd (pending full health), and Aaliyah Edwards. But like South Carolina, UConn is still missing one or two critical pieces: ideally, a high-IQ forward who can stretch the floor, and a veteran presence off the bench.

One name that keeps popping up? [Insert Name Here if a notable undecided player remains], a player with the experience and composure to thrive in UConn’s system—and someone who could be the final link in a championship chain.

“With Bueckers at the helm, this is the window,” a Big East scout said. “You have to surround her with shooters and leaders. One more portal pickup could be the difference between Final Four and trophy.”

Key Players Still Out There

Even though the big splashes have happened, there are still some major names on the board—players who entered the portal early but haven’t committed:

[Player Name], elite two-way wing from a mid-major powerhouse

[Player Name], senior point guard with NCAA Tournament experience

[Player Name], stretch four known for floor spacing and leadership

Programs like South Carolina and UConn don’t just go after volume—they go after fit. And right now, fit is everything.

Time Is Ticking, Pressure Is Rising

With summer workouts approaching and team chemistry beginning to take shape, coaches are under pressure to finalize their rosters. The stakes are high: one wrong decision could mean another year of “almost,” while the right addition could mean a national title.

The portal might be closed, but the race to build a championship team is still wide open.

Final Takeaway

South Carolina and UConn are staring at golden opportunities. They have the coaching, the culture, and the talent—but they still need that one missing piece.

The portal is closed—but the chessboard is still active.