Breaking Down the Latest AP Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Poll
The new AP Top 25 women’s college basketball poll is here, and it’s already sparking plenty of conversation. With some major shakeups in the rankings, let’s dive into what’s happening at the top of the women’s college basketball world and what’s next for each team.
1. UCLA Bruins
Previous ranking: 1
2024-25 record: 10-0
Stat to know: Lauren Betts continues to dominate, averaging 19.6 points and 10 rebounds per game. She recorded her seventh double-double of the season on Saturday, adding to her 13 from last year.
What’s next: Monday vs. Cal Poly, 10 p.m., B1G+
2. South Carolina Gamecocks
Previous ranking: 3
2024-25 record: 10-1
Stat to know: Joyce Edwards had a career-high 15 points on Sunday, marking the sixth time this season she’s scored in double figures off the bench. South Carolina’s bench leads Division I with 40.5 points per game.
What’s next: Thursday vs. Charles Southern, noon, SECN+
3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Previous ranking: 8
2024-25 record: 9-2
Stat to know: Injuries haven’t slowed Notre Dame’s bench. Emma Risch and Cassandre Prosper became the first Irish teammates in 25 years to each score 20 points off the bench in the same game. Meanwhile, Hannah Hidalgo made history with multiple games of 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists against UConn.
What’s next: Sunday vs. Loyola Maryland, noon, ACCNX
4. UConn Huskies
Previous ranking: 2
2024-25 record: 9-1
Stat to know: Freshman Sarah Strong is making waves, becoming the only UConn freshman in 25 years to record a game with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists.
What’s next: Tuesday vs. Iowa State, 8:30 p.m., FS1
5. LSU Tigers
Previous ranking: 4
2024-25 record: 12-0
Stat to know: Aneesah Morrow continues to rewrite the record books, tallying her 37th career game with 15 points and 15 rebounds. She also notched her 84th career double-double, breaking a tie with Aliyah Boston for eighth most in Division I history.
What’s next: Tuesday vs. Seton Hall, 6 p.m., FS1
6. Texas Longhorns
Previous ranking: 6
2024-25 record: 10-1
Stat to know: Madison Booker recorded her first career 25-point double-double in Sunday’s win over Richmond.
What’s next: Tuesday vs. LaSalle, 8 p.m., SECN+
7. USC Trojans
Previous ranking: 5
2024-25 record: 10-1
Stat to know: USC tied a program record for fewest points allowed in a game, holding Elon to just 30 points in Sunday’s 88-30 win. JuJu Watkins led the way with 26 points.
What’s next: Saturday at UConn (Hartford, Connecticut), 8 p.m., Fox
8. Maryland Terrapins
Previous ranking: 7
2024-25 record: 10-0
Stat to know: Maryland’s 10-0 start is their best since 2018-19, when they opened the season 12-0. Their all-time best start? An 18-0 run in 2006-07.
What’s next: Thursday vs. William & Mary, 11 a.m., B1G+
9. Duke Blue Devils
Previous ranking: 9
2024-25 record: 9-2
Stat to know: Duke is coming off a 10-day break and will face Wofford on Wednesday.
What’s next: Wednesday vs. Wofford, 7 p.m., ACCN
10. Oklahoma Sooners
Previous ranking: 10
2024-25 record: 9-1
Stat to know: Raegan Beers is shooting a Division I-best 72.5% from the field this season.
What’s next: Tuesday vs. Michigan, 9:30 p.m., ESPN
With so much talent and drama unfolding in the women’s college basketball world, the AP Top 25 is shaping up to be a thrilling race to the top. Stay tuned as these teams battle it out for supremacy!
Originally Written by: Mechelle Voepel
