West Virginia women's basketball makes ESPN early Top 25 rankings

West Virginia women's basketball was a Big 12 contender and an NCAA Tournament squad last season before bowing out to Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Round of 32.

Now, the Mountaineers are chomping at the bit to return to the hardwood this winter. And it seems plenty of folks, including those at ESPN, have some high expectations for the Mountaineers.

ESPN released a Way-Too-Early Top 25 poll this past week, and the Mountaineers slid in with an appearance at No. 16, signifying that many eyes will be on the team this year.

The Mountaineers were the fourth highest ranked Big 12 team on the list, coming in behind Iowa State (No. 8), Baylor (No. 11), and Kansas State (No. 15). The Mountaineers finished last season with a record of 25-8. They will kick the upcoming season off just over a month from now on November 5th when they host Towson in Morgantown.