Preseason polls are, at best, a crapshoot. 

After the Top 10, it’s mostly a guessing game, especially the deeper you get into the poll. That being said, there are always a few teams that feel snubbed for being left out of the conversation. Some of them have a strong argument to be included, and all of them will use the slight as motivation going into the season (even if they claim otherwise). 

The truth is, the transfer portal has scrambled rosters so much, it’s hard to know how teams will jell until we get midway through the season. 

But in the meantime, it’s fun to speculate (and complain) about how preseason polls are ordered. With that in mind, here are five teams that got left out of the USA TODAY Sports preseason women’s basketball poll. Each team can and should make noise this season — don’t be surprised if they do something special come tournament time. 

Gonzaga

Great news for the Zags, arguably the best mid-major program in the country: the Truong twins, Kayleigh and Kaylynne, are back and expected to be healthy. Kayleigh played just 10 games last season after badly injuring her right foot, while Kaylynne was the 2023 WCC Player of the Year. GU also returns All-WCC forward Yvonne Ejim, who led the team with 16.8 points and 8.4 rebounds last season. 

TOP 25:LSU voted No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports women's college basketball preseason poll

Illinois

All five starters return to a team responsible for one of the most impressive turnarounds in women’s college hoops: After winning just seven games in the 2021-22 season, Illinois totaled 22 wins last season and earned a berth to the NCAA tournament, losing in the first round to Mississippi State. Four players averaged double-digits last year, led by Makira Cook (18.3 points). NC State transfer Camille Hobby (8.8 points, 4.2 rebounds at NC State) will give Illinois even more firepower. 

Kansas

Where’s the love for the 2023 WNIT champs? The Jayhawks return four of five starters from last season, including their two leading scorers, led by WNIT MVP Taiyanna Jackson (15.2 ppg, 12.7 rpg). Zakiyah Franklin (15.7 points, team-best 113 assists) and Holly Kersgieter (13.8 points, 66 steals) will help KU contend for the Big 12 title. 

Kansas State

The one reason opposing teams should be wary of the Wildcats: Ayoka Lee. The 6-foot-6 center, who averaged a double-double (22.0 points, 10.3 rebounds) as a junior, is back after sitting out last season following knee surgery. K-State has a terrific inside-outside threat with Lee in the paint and guard Gabby Gregory (18.5 points) roaming the perimeter. 

Washington State

The 2023-24 season could be even better for the Cougars, who now have NCAA tournament experience. Charlisse Leger-Walker returns (17.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists per game) -- a nightmare for anyone to defend. Senior forward Bella Murekatete, from Rwanda, is a force inside and averaged 13.8 points, 7.0 rebounds last season while shooting 49.1% from the field. 

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