Mississippi State women’s basketball announced on Apr. 24 the addition of Arianny Francisco de Oliveira, who has been ranked as the top junior college transfer for the 2026 class by Collegiate Girls Basketball Report.
Francisco de Oliveira, a 6-foot-4 forward from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, played two seasons at Gulf Coast State and was recognized for her versatility on the court. Last season, she led her team with averages of 18.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game and earned NJCAA Third Team All-American honors.
She also demonstrated strong shooting skills by making a team-high 50 three-pointers and leading in free throw percentage at 83.2 percent. Internationally, Francisco de Oliveira has represented Brazil in several competitions, including the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup in 2023 as well as previous appearances in the FIBA U18 and U16 Women’s Americas Championships.
Francisco de Oliveira is now one of five players joining Mississippi State through the transfer portal this offseason, alongside Reese Beaty, Aryss Macktoon, Cali Smallwood, and Macie Phifer. The Bulldogs will also return their two leading scorers from last season: Madison Francis—who was named to both SEC All-Defensive and All-Freshman teams—and Favour Nwaedozi, one of only four Southeastern Conference players to average a double-double last year.
Additional returning talent includes midseason addition Melissa Guillet. The program will welcome two incoming freshmen: Alabama’s Gatorade Girl’s Player of the Year Lani Smallwood and Tennessee’s Miss Basketball Andrea Flores.
