UConn Headlines Preseason Women’s Basketball AP Top 25, SEC Dominates
The University of Connecticut (UConn) has secured the No. 1 spot in the associated Press (AP) Top 25 preseason women’s college basketball poll, poised to defend their national championship title. The Huskies received 27 first-place votes, signaling high expectations for the 2025-26 season. South Carolina, UCLA, Texas, and LSU round out the top five, setting the stage for a competitive year.
SEC leads the Way in Preseason Rankings
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) boasts the most portrayal in the preseason Top 25, with a total of eight teams. This dominance underscores the conference’s growing strength and competitiveness in women’s basketball. The Big Ten follows with six teams, while the ACC claims five spots. The Big 12 and big East each contribute four and one team, respectively, and the Atlantic 10 has one representative.
Full AP Top 25 Rankings
Here’s a complete look at the AP Top 25 preseason rankings:
- UConn (27) – 771 points
- South carolina (4) – 740 points
- UCLA – 705 points
- Texas – 672 points
- LSU – 647 points
Looking back at the history of the AP poll, Tennessee leads all programs with 795 weeks ranked No. 1 since 1977. Stanford follows closely with 646 weeks, while Texas and UConn are not far behind with 644 and 640 weeks, respectively. Maryland, georgia, Duke, NC State, North Carolina, and Our Lady round out the top ten programs with the most weeks at the top spot.
UConn’s path to Repeating
Despite losing star player Paige Bueckers to the WNBA, UConn enters the season as the favorites. “The Huskies have a tradition of excellence and a knack for finding the next generation of stars,” one analyst noted. Senior guard Azzi Fudd is expected to step into a leading role, and sophomore Sarah Strong has the potential to become a dominant force, potentially leading geno Auriemma to his 13th national championship.
South Carolina’s New Look
South carolina,last season’s national runner-up,is poised to challenge for the title with a revamped roster. The addition of Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson, who led the nation in scoring last season with 25.2 points per game, provides a meaningful offensive boost. “latson has the potential to be one of the most dynamic scorers Coach Staley has ever had,” a senior official stated.
UCLA and Texas Aim to Contend
UCLA looks to close the gap between themselves and the top two teams, returning key players Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice, and adding Utah transfer Gianna Kneepkens, a sharpshooter who shot 50% from the field and 44.8% from three-point range last season. Texas, meanwhile, returns SEC player of the Year Madison Booker and starting point guard Rori Harmon, adding Arizona transfer Breya Cunningham to an already strong lineup.
LSU Remains a National Contender
Rounding out the top five, LSU continues to be a team to watch. The Tigers have added MiLaysia fulwiley to a core group of players including Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams. With Kim Mulkey at the helm, LSU is expected to remain a national contender.
Looking Back: Last Season’s Final Poll
Last season’s final AP poll saw UConn claim the top spot, followed by South Carolina, UCLA, Texas, and USC. the landscape of women’s college basketball is constantly evolving, and the 2025-26 season promises to be another exciting chapter.
