The WNBA playoff race is heating up as the regular season reaches its final stretch. Tacarra breaks down the latest standings, the teams fighting for postseason positioning, and why Angel Reese deserves serious All-WNBA consideration after her breakout season.

Before getting into basketball, Tacarra shares a personal update following the passing of her grandmother and thanks the Mid-Rangers for all of the love and support during a difficult week.

She also talks about major season milestones from Rhyne Howard and Kelsey Mitchell, why teams are beginning to manage minutes ahead of the postseason, and some of the potential playoff matchups she’s most excited to see.

Then it’s time for the All-WNBA conversation. Tacarra makes her case for Angel Reese, shares her First Team picks, and explains why Angel deserves at least Second Team recognition.

Plus, the Mid Majors Podcast is getting ready to go all-in for the postseason with a playoff pre-show, game recaps, live streams and more coverage throughout the WNBA Playoffs.

Subscribe and follow The Mid Majors Podcast so you don’t miss the postseason coverage.

Where the real hoop talk happens — unfiltered and unapologetic.

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Talia Goodman joins The Mid Majors to break down the transfer portal, NIL chaos, roster movement, and the rapidly changing landscape of women’s college basketball.

Tacarra and Courtney sit down with one of the sharpest reporters covering women’s college basketball to discuss how NIL and revenue sharing have transformed the transfer portal, how agents are influencing the market, what happens when players enter the portal and don’t find a new home, and why mid-major programs still have an important place in the sport.

Talia also explains how the transfer portal market is actually being set behind the scenes — including how a single program entering the race can dramatically change a player’s value. The conversation gets into whether NIL has gone too far, why the old amateurism model no longer works, and whether college basketball eventually needs a salary cap, collective bargaining agreement, or another system to create structure.

The crew also discusses the Colorado ruling, NCAA Tournament expansion to 76 teams in 2027, and whether additional tournament bids will actually benefit mid-majors or simply create more opportunities for power-conference programs.

Plus, Talia gives her mid-major teams to watch, including Grand Canyon, Murray State, Fairfield, Colorado State, Toledo, Miami (Ohio), and UNLV.

If you follow women’s college basketball, the transfer portal, NIL, or mid-major hoops, this conversation gives you a look at where the sport is now — and where it could be headed next.

IN THIS EPISODE

• How Talia Goodman became a women’s basketball reporter
• Building credibility through transfer portal coverage
• How NIL changed the transfer portal
• Why money now plays such a major role in player movement
• Agents, lawyers, and representation in the portal
• What happens when portal players don't find another school
• How the transfer portal market is actually set
• Why NIL needs more structure
• How mid-majors can compete in the NIL era
• Why development can become a major selling point for mid-majors
• The Colorado ruling and player eligibility
• NCAA Tournament expansion to 76 teams
• Why expansion could favor power conferences
• Mid-major teams to watch
• Advice for aspiring women’s basketball journalists
• The future of women’s college basketball

️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Intro: Why Talia Goodman is one of the reporters to watch in women’s college basketball
1:14 – From theater kid to women’s basketball reporter
2:55 – Building her own lane in sports journalism
3:26 – Accuracy, relationships, and doing reporting the right way
4:58 – How NIL money changed the transfer portal
6:04 – Money, fit, playing time, and coaching changes
6:44 – Agents, lawyers, and portal representation
9:15 – What happens when portal players don't find another school
11:12 – How the transfer portal market is really set
12:12 – Is NIL officially out of control?
13:36 – Where NIL money comes from
14:14 – Why Talia loves mid-major basketball
15:20 – How mid-majors can sell player development
16:46 – Building women’s portal coverage
18:39 – What portal season is really like for a reporter
19:58 – Talia’s process for tracking player movement
20:21 – The Colorado ruling and player eligibility
24:28 – Why Talia doesn't like NCAA Tournament expansion
25:19 – Will 76 teams actually help mid-majors?
27:35 – Mid-major teams to watch next season
31:03 – Advice for aspiring journalists
31:46 – Where women’s basketball could be in five years

THE MID MAJORS

Where the real hoop talk happens — unfiltered and unapologetic.

Subscribe for women’s college basketball, WNBA coverage, transfer portal news, mid-major hoops, interviews, reactions, and more.

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Team USA survived an ugly matchup against Italy, but the performance raised some serious questions about the U.S. offense moving forward.

Tacarra breaks down USA vs. Italy and reacts to a rough shooting night, struggles against Italy’s 2-3 zone, missed opportunities around the rim, and the lack of a consistent go-to scorer when the game tightened up.

The U.S. shot just 28.6% from the field, went 1-for-12 from three, made only 16 field goals, and committed 14 turnovers. Italy struggled offensively too, but this was the type of performance that could cost Team USA against a stronger opponent.

Caitlin Clark finished 0-for-6 from the field after the conversation surrounding her usage in the previous game, while A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum also struggled to establish themselves offensively. Tacarra discusses who Team USA can trust to create a bucket when the offense stalls and whether this roster has enough reliable three-point shooting.

There were positives. Angel Reese made an impact defensively, Breanna Stewart helped on the glass, and Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray made important winning plays late. But overall, Team USA never established a consistent half-court rhythm.

This isn’t a panic game — it’s a film-session game.

With France up next and the ultimate goal of winning gold in Berlin, Team USA has to reset, adjust to the physicality of international basketball, and find its offensive identity.

TIMESTAMPS

0:20 – Opening reaction to a messy game
1:14 – Offensive numbers that explain the struggles
1:43 – Trouble with Italy’s 2-3 zone and transition offense
1:57 – A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum missing from the offense
2:26 – Who can be the reliable shooter when the game tightens?
3:18 – Italy’s poor shooting and how close USA came to losing
3:47 – Defense, rebounding and missed opportunities
4:17 – Caitlin Clark’s quiet night after the usage debate
5:04 – No half-court rhythm and late contributions from Aces players
6:06 – Why this should be a film-session game, not a panic game
6:34 – Physical overseas officiating isn't an excuse
7:27 – Jackie Young leads the scoring in a low-output performance
8:16 – Looking ahead to France and the gold-medal standard
9:10 – Closing thoughts

Subscribe to The Mid Majors for unfiltered women’s basketball conversations, reactions, breakdowns and more.

#TeamUSA #USABasketball #CaitlinClark #WomensBasketball #FIBA

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Cathy Engelbert’s time leading the WNBA included historic league growth, expansion, increased franchise valuations, and a massive $3 billion media rights deal. But as the WNBA enters its next era, Tacarra believes the league needs leadership that can rebuild trust with players, protect the WNBA’s identity, control its own narrative, and be visible when difficult issues arise. In this episode, Tacarra explains why she believes Engelbert’s departure comes at the right time and what qualities should define the next WNBA commissioner. She also makes the case for Nneka Ogwumike, pointing to her experience as a player, advocate, and longtime WNBPA leader. Key Topics Cathy Engelbert retiring as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s legacy and accomplishments WNBA growth and league expansion The $3 billion WNBA media rights deal What the WNBA needs from its next commissioner Rebuilding trust between WNBA leadership and players Why the league needs stronger control of its narrative The importance of visibility and accountability from WNBA leadership Could Nneka Ogwumike become WNBA Commissioner? What comes next for the WNBA Timestamps 00:00 - Cathy Engelbert’s retirement announcement and opening reaction 00:47 - Why Tacarra thinks the move is the right one 01:13 - What Cathy Engelbert accomplished during her tenure 01:42 - The $3 billion media rights deal and CBA impact 02:13 - Why the next commissioner must protect the WNBA’s identity 02:41 - Chaos, drama, and controlling the league narrative 03:11 - Rebuilding trust with WNBA players 03:37 - Why visibility and accountability matter 04:04 - Why Tacarra wants Nneka Ogwumike as commissioner

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Kate Koval has spoken out about her decision to withdraw from LSU women’s basketball, and her statement makes it clear that this situation goes far beyond what happens on the court.

In this episode, Tacarra reacts to Kate Koval’s statement and breaks down the circumstances surrounding her decision to step away from the LSU program. With Koval’s personal connection to the ongoing war in Ukraine through her family, Tacarra discusses why athletes sometimes have to make decisions based on their values, family and personal circumstances — not simply basketball.

This conversation also raises bigger questions about college athletics, coaching decisions, player empowerment and the expectations placed on student-athletes.

KEY TOPICS
Kate Koval’s statement about leaving LSU
Why Koval decided to withdraw from the LSU program
The personal and family circumstances behind her decision
Why this situation is bigger than basketball
Coaching decisions vs. the experiences of players
How personal values can outweigh athletic opportunities
Why younger athletes are becoming more comfortable setting boundaries
The pressure placed on college athletes
Why fans rarely know the full story behind player and coaching decisions
Whether the NCAA should make an exception for Kate Koval to continue her college basketball career elsewhere

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Skylar Diggins’ postgame comments have sparked a major conversation around the Chicago Sky, player health, rehab resources and WNBA facilities. Tacarra reacts to the viral discussion surrounding Diggins and breaks down why her decision to return to Notre Dame for rehab may say more about trust and resources than people realize.

Was Skylar Diggins really “crashing out,” or was she being honest about the realities players face when trying to stay healthy during a difficult WNBA season?

In this episode of the Mid Majors Podcast, Tacarra breaks down Skylar Diggins’ comments, the Chicago Sky’s injury-plagued season and the larger conversation surrounding WNBA facilities, medical staffs, rehabilitation and player development.

Tacarra explains why Diggins choosing to rehab at Notre Dame stood out and why professional players need access to elite physical therapy, recovery, training and medical resources without having to travel significant distances to receive them.

The conversation also turns to the Chicago Sky organization. With injuries impacting the roster throughout the season and numerous close losses, how much blame should fall on the coaching staff? Should Chicago make changes, or does the current staff deserve another opportunity with a healthier roster?

Tacarra also pushes back against the idea that Skylar Diggins quit on her team. When a season is effectively over, should veteran players prioritize their long-term health instead of pushing through injuries?

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TOPICS DISCUSSED

• Skylar Diggins’ viral postgame comments
• Chicago Sky facilities and player resources
• Why Diggins returned to Notre Dame for rehab
• WNBA medical staffs, physical therapy and recovery resources
• Whether players should have to travel for quality rehab
• Chicago’s injury-plagued season
• The Chicago Sky’s close losses
• Whether Chicago should make coaching changes
• Why injuries make evaluating coaches difficult
• Load management and minute restrictions in the WNBA
• Why Tacarra disagrees with the “Skylar quit on the team” narrative
• What the situation says about WNBA infrastructure and player health

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Tacarra and Courtney react to the way-too-early women’s college basketball Top 25 rankings and debate which teams deserve the hype heading into the 2026-27 season.

Is South Carolina the clear No. 1 team? Are Duke and Michigan ranked too high? Where should LSU actually be ranked? And which teams like Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, Notre Dame, Ole Miss and Oklahoma could surprise people this season?

The Mid Majors break down Post Her Hoops’ early Top 25 and compare it with another women’s college basketball rankings list. Instead of just looking at the numbers, Tacarra and Courtney dig into roster construction, transfer portal additions, freshmen, returning players, depth and player development to determine which programs actually have the pieces to justify their rankings.

WAY-TOO-EARLY WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TOP 25 REACTIONS

Key Topics
South Carolina at No. 1 and why the Gamecocks remain the team to beat
Where UConn and Duke belong among the top national championship contenders
Why Duke at No. 3 and Michigan at No. 4 deserve a closer roster evaluation
The debate over LSU at No. 6 versus No. 10
LSU's young talent, transfers and potential starting lineup
Why Vanderbilt could be one of the most underrated teams in women's college basketball
Vanderbilt's young talent and potential breakout players
The ceiling for Oklahoma State, especially with Audi Crooks and Liv McGill
Why UCLA could be ranked too high after significant roster turnover
Washington and Avery Howell's breakout potential
Notre Dame's roster depth, experience, size and young talent
Iowa State's freshman class and overall depth
Ohio State's defense and guard play
TCU's roster and how its personnel fits Mark Campbell's system
Why Ole Miss at No. 22 could be much too low
Jada Richard's development and potential impact at Ole Miss
Oklahoma and Aaliyah Chavez, including what comes next in her development
Why talent alone isn't enough for young teams trying to become national contenders
NC State and North Carolina's rosters heading into the 2026-27 season

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Tacarra and Courtney break down the way-too-early women’s college basketball Top 10, including South Carolina, UConn, Duke, Michigan, USC, Iowa, Louisville, Texas, North Carolina and LSU. Which teams are legitimate national championship contenders — and which teams might already be overrated?

The Mid-Majors dive into the biggest questions heading into the 2026-27 women’s college basketball season, including South Carolina’s loaded roster, UConn’s depth, Duke’s transfers, Texas’ young talent, LSU’s uncertainty, JuJu Watkins and USC, and Hannah Hidalgo leading Notre Dame.

Plus, Tacarra and Courtney preview the Players Era Women’s Showcase, featuring South Carolina, Notre Dame, Duke, Texas, UCLA, USC, LSU and UConn.

WAY-TOO-EARLY TOP 10

1. South Carolina
2. UConn
3. Duke
4. Michigan
5. USC
6. Iowa
7. Louisville
8. Texas
9. North Carolina
10. LSU

South Carolina enters the conversation as the clear No. 1, but the rest of the rankings raise plenty of questions. Is Duke really No. 3? Is Iowa too high? Should Texas and LSU feel disrespected? Could Michigan be a legitimate sleeper?

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina may have the deepest roster in women’s college basketball. Tacarra and Courtney discuss how Dawn Staley could manage the rotation and why the bigger question isn't necessarily who starts — it's who earns the opportunity to finish games.

UCONN

UConn remains firmly in the national championship conversation with another deep roster led by Sarah Strong. How does UConn's depth compare with South Carolina, and are the Huskies positioned for another championship run?

USC & JUJU WATKINS

USC remains one of the biggest storylines in college basketball with JuJu Watkins back in the spotlight. The Trojans should have more talent and balance around their superstar, but will that be enough to contend for a national championship?

️ NOTRE DAME & HANNAH HIDALGO

Hannah Hidalgo remains one of the most compelling players in women’s college basketball. Her relentless style, leadership and chip-on-her-shoulder mentality could make Notre Dame one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

TEXAS, LSU & DUKE

Texas still has superstar Madison Booker, but significant roster turnover and a young roster create questions. Duke’s No. 3 ranking gets plenty of attention after adding transfer talent, while LSU enters the season with questions about roster continuity and leadership.

PLAYERS ERA WOMEN’S SHOWCASE

The Players Era Women’s Showcase could give us an early look at which contenders are for real.

South Carolina vs. UCLA
Notre Dame vs. USC
Texas vs. Duke
LSU vs. UConn
Virginia vs. Kentucky

With South Carolina, UConn, Notre Dame, USC, Duke, Texas and LSU involved, December could provide major answers before conference play heats up.

️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Opening + subscribe or stop lurking
02:48 - Way-too-early Top 10
04:12 - LSU and Texas disrespected?
05:36 - Duke at No. 3?!
06:34 - Duke’s roster and transfers
07:31 - Toby’s development
08:43 - Transfer portal chaos
09:11 - Talia Goodman + portal talk
09:38 - Louisville’s roster
10:53 - Skylar Jones roster mix-up
13:21 - Is Iowa overrated?
15:40 - Michigan + South Carolina
17:15 - Dawn Staley’s potential starters
19:53 - McKear’s case to start
21:19 - South Carolina’s depth
22:57 - Starting vs. finishing
24:34 - South Carolina vs. UConn depth
25:50 - USC + JuJu Watkins
27:31 - Why JuJu remains a major storyline
28:42 - UConn + Sarah Strong
33:10 - Texas + Madison Booker
38:39 - Hannah Hidalgo + LSU questions
43:07 - Players Era Women’s Showcase
44:13 - UCLA questions
45:05 - Duke + Notre Dame
46:21 - Hannah Hidalgo leading Notre Dame
47:54 - Texas-Duke, SC-UCLA & ND-USC
49:34 - LSU-UConn + Virginia-Kentucky

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