CHARLOTTE, N.C.- The Florida SouthWestern Buccaneers will open the 2025-2026 season ranked 12th in the NJCAA National Poll after slotting themselves in the top dozen in the Preseason Rankings released on Monday.
The Bucs went 25-6 a season ago, dominating Citrus Conference action with a 17-1 record to win their first league title since 2022 and advancing to the NJCAA National Tournament and earning a win for just the second time in program history.
It will be a new look group for the Bucs in 2025-2026 as they return just two players from their Citrus Conference Championship squad. Four transfers will add experience while seven true freshmen will make up the bulk of the Bucs roster this season.
Defending National Champs Northwest Florida took the top spot in the preseason poll while Shelton State, Eastern Arizona, Dodge City, and Chipola rounded out the top five. Gulf Coast State at #10 and FSW at #12 gave Florida four teams in the top 12 of the first rankings.
The Bucs open their season on Halloween night in Jacksonville when they take on Chattehoochee Valley in the FSCJ Classic. Their first showing at home will be November 14th when they host Western Wyoming in the first of a two day classic in Suncoast Arena.
2025-2026 NJCAA DIVISION I WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PRESEASON RANKINGS