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NC State women’s basketball is expected to be an improved team in 2026-27 compared to the 21-11 squad from last season. While they lost some key contributors, the additions in the portal and a strong recruiting class should give them better depth, more scoring options on the perimeter, and improved frontcourt balance.

Losses vs. Gains

Notable Losses:

• Tilda Trygger (So., 6-6 F): The biggest loss. She was a starter who averaged 10.6 points and 7.0 rebounds while providing size and rim protection.
• Zam Jones (So., G): A starter who averaged 14.9 points and was one of the team’s better perimeter scorers and playmakers.
• Devyn Quigley and Mallory Collier: Depth pieces.

Key Additions:

• Desiree Wooten (Jr., G from Colorado): High-impact addition. She averaged 13.4 points and shot 35% from three while creating her own shot. This is a major upgrade in backcourt scoring.
• Khady Leye (So., F from Auburn): Solid frontcourt addition who averaged 9.5 points and 5.3 rebounds. She brings experience and athleticism inside.
• Audrey Ericksen (Sr., G from Boston University): Veteran guard who adds depth, leadership, and perimeter experience.

2026 Recruiting Class:

• Kamora Pruitt (6-2 F/W) — Highly rated prospect
• Annsley Trivette (6-3 F)
• Favour Chinoye (6-1 F)

These three freshmen should help replenish some of the frontcourt size and athleticism lost with Trygger.

Areas Where NC State Should Improve

Area	2025-26 Situation	2026-27 Outlook	Expected Change
Backcourt Scoring	Relied heavily on Zam Jones	Stronger with Wooten + Ericksen	Improved
Frontcourt Depth	Limited after Trygger	Better with Leye + 3 freshmen	Improved
Perimeter Shooting	Average (31.4% as a team)	Should be better with Wooten	Improved
Overall Depth	Thin in spots	Much better with transfers + recruits	Improved
Interior Size/Defense	Strong with Trygger	Slightly weaker initially	Slight Decline

Summary of Outlook

• Biggest Improvements: Backcourt scoring and shooting (thanks to Desiree Wooten), plus much better guard depth with Audrey Ericksen. The frontcourt should also be deeper once the freshmen develop.
• Biggest Challenge: Replacing Tilda Trygger’s size, rebounding, and rim protection. The new frontcourt group (Leye + freshmen) are talented but younger and less proven together.
• Returning Core: Zoe Brooks and Khamil Pierre remain the foundation. Having these two star-level players back gives NC State a very good chance to be competitive right away.

Final Verdict:

NC State should be a noticeably improved team in 2026-27 and has a realistic chance to finish in the top 4–5 of the ACC and return to the NCAA Tournament as a 5–8 seed.

The addition of Desiree Wooten represents the biggest upgrade for NC State. She brings the high-usage perimeter scoring and shot creation that the Wolfpack lost with Zam Jones, while also adding reliable three-point shooting. When combined with the return of All-ACC guard Zoe Brooks and dominant forward Khamil Pierre, NC State should have a much more dynamic and dependable backcourt than last season. Veteran transfer Audrey Ericksen further strengthens the perimeter by adding experience and depth, while highly rated freshman stretch wing player Kamora Pruitt is expected to contribute right away.

In the frontcourt, Khady Leye plus the 2026 recruiting class (Annsley Trivette, and Favour Chinoye) should eventually replace the production lost with Tilda Trygger. While the new frontcourt group may not immediately match Trygger’s size and rim protection, the overall roster is deeper and more balanced than it was in 2025-26.

Projected Outlook:

• Record range: 23–26 wins
• ACC standing: Top 3
• Postseason: Strong favorite to make the NCAA Tournament, with a realistic chance at a sweet sixteen appearance if the freshmen adjust quickly.

Bottom line:

This is a better-constructed roster than last year’s. The perimeter has improved significantly with Wooten, and the frontcourt depth should be stronger once the new players settle in. NC State looks like a clear step up from the 21-11 team of 2025-26.