Lady Vols Make Triumphant Return to AP Top 25
It’s official: the Tennessee Lady Vols are back in the Associated Press Top 25, landing at No. 19 and ending the longest ranking drought in the program’s storied history. For a school that has been synonymous with women’s basketball excellence, this is a moment worth celebrating. The Lady Vols (7-0) hadn’t cracked the rankings since November 27, 2023, a span of 22 polls. That’s a long time for a program that has been ranked in 779 of the 870 total weeks (a staggering 89.5%) since the poll’s inception in 1976.
Under the leadership of first-year head coach Kim Caldwell, Tennessee has stormed out of the gates with an undefeated start. Caldwell’s pressing, high-energy style has been a game-changer, with fresh players constantly rotating in to keep the tempo up. It’s a new era for the Lady Vols, and so far, it’s paying off in a big way.
Top Three Teams Hold Steady
While Tennessee’s return to the rankings is the headline, the top of the poll remains unchanged. UCLA, UConn, and South Carolina continue to dominate as the top three teams in the nation. UCLA, which received 24 first-place votes from the 32-member national media panel, solidified its position with an 11-point win over Washington last week. Meanwhile, UConn picked up the remaining eight first-place votes after dismantling Louisville 85-52 in the Women’s Champions Classic. South Carolina rounds out the top three, holding steady with its usual dominance.
Elsewhere in the top 10, LSU and USC each climbed one spot after then-No. 4 Texas fell to Notre Dame in a thrilling 80-70 overtime game. The Longhorns dropped to sixth, while the Irish jumped two spots to eighth. Maryland sits at No. 7, with Duke and Oklahoma rounding out the top 10. The Sooners, in particular, are on the rise, moving up one spot this week.
Climbing Spartans Make History
Another team making waves is Michigan State. The Spartans (9-0) surged seven spots to No. 17, marking their best ranking since 2019 when they were ranked 15th. This year’s squad, led by head coach Robyn Fralick, is off to the best start in school history. Their dominant win over DePaul last week only added to the excitement. Next up? A showdown with No. 21 Iowa on Sunday. For a program that has seen its share of ups and downs, this 9-0 start is a milestone worth celebrating, surpassing the previous best 8-0 starts in 2012-13 and 2020-21.
New Faces in the Poll
It’s not just Tennessee and Michigan State making headlines. Georgia Tech (9-0) entered the poll at No. 25, marking its first appearance since February 28, 2022. The Yellow Jackets are off to their best start since the 1977-78 season and have a big week ahead, hosting Louisiana-Monroe before traveling to face No. 14 North Carolina on Sunday. N.C. State also returned to the rankings at No. 22, while Illinois, Alabama, and Louisville fell out. It’s been a tough season for the Cardinals, who have already suffered four losses—all to ranked teams (UCLA, UConn, Kentucky, and Oklahoma).
Conference Breakdown
When it comes to conference representation, the Big Ten leads the way with eight teams in this week’s poll, though that’s down one from the previous week. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) isn’t far behind with seven teams, while the ACC and Big 12 boast five and four teams, respectively. The Big East has just one team in the rankings, but it’s a powerhouse in UConn, which continues to dominate the national conversation.
Game of the Week: UConn vs. Notre Dame
Circle your calendars for Thursday, because this week’s must-watch game is No. 2 UConn taking on No. 8 Notre Dame. These two former Big East rivals are set to clash in what promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the season. Both teams feature All-America talent, with UConn’s Paige Bueckers and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo leading the charge. The Huskies are at full strength, while the Irish are still navigating some injury challenges. Either way, this is a game you won’t want to miss.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee’s Comeback: The Lady Vols are back in the Top 25 for the first time in over a year, signaling a potential return to prominence under Kim Caldwell.
- Michigan State’s Rise: The Spartans are making history with their best start ever and a well-earned No. 17 ranking.
- Game to Watch: UConn vs. Notre Dame on Thursday is shaping up to be a classic battle between two powerhouse programs.
As the season heats up, the storylines are only getting juicier. Can Tennessee maintain its momentum? Will Michigan State continue its historic run? And who will come out on top in the UConn-Notre Dame showdown? Stay tuned, because women’s college basketball is delivering drama, excitement, and plenty of surprises this year.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
