Hold onto your seats, basketball fans, because the 2025-26 women's college basketball season is kicking off with a bang! UConn has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, marking their 252nd time at the top—a record that towers over the competition. But here's where it gets intriguing: this is the first time since 2017 that the Huskies start the season as the preseason favorite. With Paige Bueckers now in the WNBA, all eyes are on Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong to lead Geno Auriemma's deepest and healthiest roster in years. Can they live up to the hype? And this is the part most people miss: UConn’s dominance isn’t just about talent—it’s about consistency, a trait that’s earned them nearly double the No. 1 rankings of second-place Tennessee (110).
But the Huskies aren’t the only team making waves. South Carolina, ranked No. 2, is a powerhouse despite key absences, including forward Chloe Kitts’ season-ending ACL injury and Ashlyn Watkins’ leave of absence. (AP votes were in before Kitts’ injury was announced.) Yet, the Gamecocks remain formidable with Joyce Edwards, a standout freshman, and the addition of scoring phenom Ta'Niya Latson from Florida State. Dawn Staley’s squad is stacked, but will their depth be enough to challenge UConn? Controversial take: Could South Carolina’s offensive upgrades actually make them the team to beat?
UCLA, sitting pretty at No. 3, boasts a dynamic trio in Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, and Lauren Betts, whose sister Sienna joins the Bruins as a freshman. The addition of Utah transfer Gianna Kneepkens only sweetens the deal. Meanwhile, Texas (No. 4) is banking on Rori Harmon and Madison Booker to keep their momentum going. But here’s a question for you: With so much talent concentrated in the top 5, are we overlooking the potential dark horses lower in the rankings?
LSU, at No. 5, is a team to watch under Kim Mulkey’s leadership. South Carolina transfer MiLaysia Fulwiley, one of college basketball’s most athletic players, could be the missing piece for the Tigers. The SEC is shaping up to be a battleground, with eight teams in the AP Top 25, including five in the top 10. Bold prediction: This could be the year the SEC dominates like never before.
However, not all stories are rosy. USC, ranked No. 18, faces a major setback with star player JuJu Watkins sidelined by a torn ACL. The Trojans’ championship aspirations are now in question, but their talent keeps them in the rankings—for now. Is this a rebuilding year for USC, or can they defy the odds?
Notre Dame, at No. 15, is in full rebuild mode, returning just three scholarship players from last season. Led by Hannah Hidalgo, the Fighting Irish are relying on expanded roles for Cassandre Prosper and KK Bransford. Could these 'feisty underdogs' surprise everyone with a quicker-than-expected turnaround?
Here’s the full AP Top 25 for your reference:
| Rank | Team | Record | Points | Prev. |
|------|-----------------|---------|---------|-------|
| 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 | -- |
Others receiving votes: Washington (79), Ohio State (46), West Virginia (17), Princeton (17), Minnesota (15), Kansas State (15), Kansas (7), Stanford (3), South Dakota State (3), Illinois (2), Nebraska (2), Columbia (2).
What’s your take? Is UConn’s No. 1 ranking deserved, or is there another team poised to steal the spotlight? Could South Carolina’s offensive firepower make them the real contenders? Let us know in the comments—we want to hear your bold predictions for this thrilling season!
