The reigning champions, UConn Huskies, have once again claimed the top spot in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason women’s basketball poll, signaling their intent for another dominant season. With familiar powerhouses South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas hot on their heels, the stage is set for an epic collegiate basketball year filled with high expectations and compelling storylines.
The highly anticipated Associated Press Top 25 preseason women’s basketball poll has been released, and it’s no surprise to see the UConn Huskies firmly entrenched as the No. 1 team in the nation. As defending champions, Geno Auriemma’s squad picked up exactly where they left off, securing 27 first-place votes from a 31-member national media panel.
Trailing closely behind are familiar contenders. Last season’s runner-up, South Carolina, led by coach Dawn Staley, garnered the remaining four first-place votes, settling into the No. 2 position. This marks the fifth time in the last six years that the Gamecocks have earned a top-five preseason ranking, a testament to their consistent elite status. Rounding out the top five are UCLA at third, Texas at fourth, and LSU at fifth, highlighting a formidable group poised to challenge UConn’s supremacy.
A Legacy of Dominance and the Weight of Expectation
For the Huskies, this No. 1 preseason ranking is not just a title; it’s a continuation of an unparalleled legacy. This is the 13th time since 1995 that UConn has been picked first in the preseason poll, and their first such ranking since 2017. Their history suggests this is a good omen: eight of the 12 previous times UConn started the season at No. 1, they went on to win the national championship, as detailed by the Associated Press.
Coach Auriemma acknowledges the significance but also the pitfalls of such high expectations. He expressed his hope that the ranking serves as a “confidence builder” rather than an overwhelming burden. “We talk a lot about how we’re not out here to prove that we’re defending national champions or we’re preseason number one in the country, and we have to beat everybody by 40,” Auriemma stated. “We don’t want to get caught in that trap. You tend to finish the year where you’re predicted. So I like being in this position.”
UConn’s roster is bolstered by key talent, including sensational sophomore Sarah Strong and super senior Azzi Fudd, both expected to be pivotal in their championship pursuit. Auriemma believes his team has a strong chance this year, emphasizing the need for “great leadership,” “a little bit of luck,” and players “rising to the occasion.” He also candidly reflected on past instances where they fell short despite high rankings, attributing those four times to a lack of luck or health.
This year’s poll also makes history: for the first time in the 50-year history of the women’s poll, the top four teams from last season’s final poll maintained their exact rankings in the subsequent preseason Top 25. This remarkable consistency underscores the established hierarchy at the very top of women’s college basketball.
Conference Supremacy: A Battle of Power Conferences
Beyond the individual teams, the preseason poll also offers a glimpse into the landscape of conference power. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) stands out with an impressive eight teams making it into the Top 25, including five powerhouse programs in the top 10. The Big Ten follows with six schools ranked, while the ACC has five and the Big 12 four. The Atlantic-10 and Big East each boast one team in the prestigious poll.
This distribution sets the stage for fierce inter-conference rivalries and showcases the depth of talent across collegiate women’s basketball.
Rising Programs and Unprecedented Rankings
While the top spots are dominated by perennial favorites, several teams are generating significant buzz with their highest or first-ever preseason rankings, reflecting exciting shifts and growing programs in the sport.
- Oklahoma’s Ascent: The Sooners, ranked sixth, achieve their highest preseason ranking since they were fourth in 2008, signaling a strong resurgence.
- High Expectations in Ann Arbor: Michigan checks in at No. 13, its highest preseason ranking since 2021. The Wolverines, who went 23-11 last year and won an NCAA Tournament game with three freshmen, are banking on the continued growth of their talented trio: Syla Swords, Mila Holloway, and Olivia Olson.
- Resurgent ‘Dores: No. 19 Vanderbilt makes its first appearance in the preseason poll since 2012. Led by sophomore Mikayla Blakes, who had an exceptional freshman season averaging 23.3 points and twice scoring over 50, coach Shea Ralph’s team is one to watch.
- Ranked Richmond Makes History: Perhaps one of the most exciting stories comes from No. 24 Richmond, which earns its first ranking in school history. After winning their first NCAA Tournament game last season and returning senior standouts Maggie Doogan and Rachel Ullstrom, expectations are soaring for the Spiders. They also added transfer Tierra Simon from Saint Louis. This achievement marks Richmond as the first team from the Atlantic-10 to earn a Top 25 ranking in a decade, a feat last accomplished by George Washington in 2015. Coach Aaron Roussell expressed his pride, stating, “It says a lot about where the program is right now. I don’t think it was ever a goal, we just wanted to keep putting this program on the map. We talk about that a lot.”
The 2025-2026 women’s college basketball season promises to be a thrilling journey, with established giants like UConn and South Carolina facing challenges from a strong supporting cast of rising teams and talented individuals. Fans can look forward to intense competition and memorable performances as teams vie for national glory.
