UConn and coach Geno Auriemma received a major boost for their title defense Tuesday when former USC guard Kayleigh Heckel announced she has committed to the Huskies out of the transfer portal. A little over a month ago, UConn knocked USC out of the 2025 Women's NCAA Tournament in the Elite Eight.

Fresh off their 2025 national championship, the UConn Huskies are continuing to reload. Former USC guard Kayleigh Heckel announced Tuesday she has committed to UConn out of the transfer portal, helping shore up the Huskies' backcourt following the graduation of star Paige Bueckers.

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are among the three remaining finalists for USC transfer guard Desmond Claude, according to a report from Isaac Trotter and Travis Branham of 247Sports. Alabama and Washington are the other two.