Northwestern University athletic programs undergo roster rebuilding

Northwestern University is undergoing significant roster changes across its basketball programs heading into the 2026 season.

In women’s basketball, head coach Carla Berube is focusing on establishing a defensive foundation following an underwhelming 2025 season. The team faces a transition period after the graduation of star players Grace Sullivan and Caroline Lau, as well as the transfer of Tayla Thomas to Minnesota. To bolster the roster, the program has added seven new players, including transfers Lexi Blue from Kentucky and Lily Carmody from Boston College.

In men’s basketball, head coach Chris Collins has implemented an offseason rebuild, returning only three players from the previous season. The roster has been restocked with eight incoming transfers to fill the void left by Nick Martinelli, who departed for the Los Angeles Clippers. Notable additions include graduate transfer Ryan Karasinski from Bellarmine, a high-scoring forward, and guard Jalen Pratt from Northeastern.