The reigning national champions open the 2025–26 season as preseason favorites for the first time since 2017
The University of Connecticut Huskies are back on top of women’s college basketball. Six months after capturing the NCAA Tournament title, UConn enters the 2025–26 season ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press (AP) Top 25 preseason poll, signaling the program’s return to dominance under longtime head coach Geno Auriemma.
This marks the 252nd time in program history that UConn has held the top ranking — the most by any women’s college basketball team — and the first preseason No. 1 appearance since 2017. Despite the departure of star guard Paige Bueckers to the WNBA, the Huskies appear loaded once again with elite talent, including Azzi Fudd and freshman standout Sarah Strong.
Auriemma praised his team’s depth heading into the season, saying, “We’ve got experience, leadership, and a group that understands how to win. It’s going to be exciting to see what this team can accomplish.”
South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas Round Out the Top Four
Sitting just behind UConn at No. 2 are the South Carolina Gamecocks, who reached last season’s national championship game. Coach Dawn Staley’s squad remains stacked with talent, led by forward Joyce Edwards and transfer star Ta’Niya Latson, the NCAA’s leading scorer last year.
At No. 3, the UCLA Bruins bring back a strong core of Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, and Lauren Betts, while welcoming Utah transfer Gianna Kneepkens to bolster their offense.
The Texas Longhorns claim the No. 4 position, led by guards Rori Harmon and Madison Booker, both of whom were instrumental in last season’s Elite Eight run.
Defending SEC champion LSU, coached by Kim Mulkey, rounds out the top five. The Tigers will debut an exciting new addition in MiLaysia Fulwiley, one of the most athletic guards in college basketball.
SEC, Big 12, and ACC Powerhouse Presence
The SEC continues to dominate the women’s basketball landscape, placing eight teams in the Top 25 — including South Carolina, LSU, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Vanderbilt. The Big 12 also made a strong showing, with Texas, Baylor, Oklahoma, TCU, and Oklahoma State all earning preseason recognition.
Among ACC programs, Duke, NC State, and North Carolina each secured top-15 rankings, showcasing the depth of talent across conferences this year.
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Injuries and Rebuilds Shape Early Storylines
Some teams will start the season facing adversity. USC landed at No. 18 despite losing star guard JuJu Watkins to a season-ending ACL injury. Meanwhile, Notre Dame (No. 15) enters a rebuilding phase, returning only a few key players but led by dynamic sophomore Hannah Hidalgo, who is expected to take on a major leadership role.
Full AP Women’s Basketball Top 25 (Preseason 2025–26)
| Rank | Team | Record | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UConn | 0-0 | 771 (27) |
| 2 | South Carolina | 0-0 | 740 (4) |
| 3 | UCLA | 0-0 | 705 |
| 4 | Texas | 0-0 | 672 |
| 5 | LSU | 0-0 | 647 |
| 6 | Oklahoma | 0-0 | 593 |
| 7 | Duke | 0-0 | 578 |
| 8 | Tennessee | 0-0 | 559 |
| 9 | NC State | 0-0 | 510 |
| 10 | Maryland | 0-0 | 461 |
| 11 | North Carolina | 0-0 | 440 |
| 12 | Ole Miss | 0-0 | 382 |
| 13 | Michigan | 0-0 | 375 |
| 14 | Iowa State | 0-0 | 363 |
| 15 | Notre Dame | 0-0 | 289 |
| 16 | Baylor | 0-0 | 280 |
| 17 | TCU | 0-0 | 262 |
| 18 | USC | 0-0 | 235 |
| 19 | Vanderbilt | 0-0 | 229 |
| 20 | Louisville | 0-0 | 228 |
| 21 | Iowa | 0-0 | 130 |
| 22 | Oklahoma State | 0-0 | 128 |
| 23 | Michigan State | 0-0 | 103 |
| 24 | Kentucky | 0-0 | 93 |
| 25 | Richmond | 0-0 | 93 |
Looking Ahead
With powerhouse programs healthy and hungry, the 2025–26 women’s college basketball season promises thrilling matchups, breakout stars, and fierce competition. The first games tip off in early November, and fans can expect early-season tests that will shake up the rankings before conference play begins.