AP Top 25 Women’s Basketball Poll: Major Shake-Up at the Top
The latest AP Top 25 women’s college basketball poll has dropped, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The UCLA Bruins have stormed their way to the No. 1 spot, dethroning the South Carolina Gamecocks in a stunning upset that ended the defending champs’ jaw-dropping 43-game winning streak. If you’re a fan of college hoops, this week’s rankings are packed with drama, surprises, and plenty of storylines to keep your eyes glued to the court.
Let’s dive into the rankings and see what’s next for each of the top teams.
1. UCLA Bruins
Previous ranking: 5
2024-25 record: 5-0
Stat to know: UCLA made history by beating then-No. 1 South Carolina on Sunday. It was their first-ever win against a top-ranked team in the AP poll after going 0-20 in such matchups. Talk about rewriting the script!
What’s next: Friday vs. UT Martin, 6 p.m., Rainbow Wahine Showdown, Oahu, Hawaii
2. UConn Huskies
Previous ranking: 2
2024-25 record: 4-0
Stat to know: Azzi Fudd made her long-awaited return from a torn ACL and medial meniscus, logging 4 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal in 13 minutes off the bench. It’s a small step, but a big moment for the Huskies.
What’s next: Monday vs. Oregon State, 7:30 p.m., FloCollege, Baha Mar Women’s Championship, Nassau, Bahamas
3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Previous ranking: 6
2024-25 record: 5-0
Stat to know: Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles put on a show against then-No. 3 USC, becoming just the second pair of teammates in 25 years to each record 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists against an AP top-10 opponent. Legendary stuff.
What’s next: Friday vs. TCU, 5 p.m., Cayman Islands Classic, George Town, Cayman Islands
4. South Carolina Gamecocks
Previous ranking: 1
2024-25 record: 5-1
Stat to know: The Gamecocks’ 77-62 loss to UCLA marked their first defeat in 20 months, dating back to March 31, 2023. It’s the end of an era, but don’t count them out just yet.
What’s next: Thursday vs. Iowa State, 1:30 p.m., FOX, Fort Myers Tip-Off, Fort Myers, Florida
5. Texas Longhorns
Previous ranking: 4
2024-25 record: 4-0
Stat to know: The Longhorns have been dominant, winning all four of their games by at least 30 points. Their opponents? Southeast Missouri State, Lamar, DePaul, and Tarleton State. Texas is making a statement.
What’s next: Friday vs. New Mexico State, 7:30 p.m., Gulf Coast Showcase, Estero, Florida
6. USC Trojans
Previous ranking: 3
2024-25 record: 4-1
Stat to know: USC’s 19-game home win streak against nonconference opponents came to an end with their loss to Notre Dame. Even more shocking? They never led in the game.
What’s next: Wednesday vs. Seton Hall, 7 p.m., truTV, Women’s Acrisure Holiday Invitational, Palm Springs, California
7. LSU Tigers
Previous ranking: 7
2024-25 record: 4-0
Stat to know: LSU has scored 20-plus points in 20 quarters this season, tying Michigan State for the most in Division I. Offensive firepower, anyone?
What’s next: Monday vs. Washington, 1:30 p.m., Baha Mar Hoops Pink Flamingo Championship, Nassau, Bahamas
8. Oklahoma Sooners
Previous ranking: 9
2024-25 record: 5-0
Stat to know: The Sooners have been unstoppable, winning all five of their games by more than 30 points. Their next challenge? DePaul in Las Vegas.
What’s next: Monday vs. DePaul, 5:30 p.m., Ball Dawgs Classic, Las Vegas, Nevada
9. Kansas State Wildcats
Previous ranking: 10
2024-25 record: 5-0
Stat to know: Kansas State dropped 111 points on Milwaukee, the second-most in program history. They shot a blistering 60% from the field. That’s how you make a statement.
What’s next: Monday vs. Duke, 3 p.m., FloCollege, Ball Dawgs Classic, Henderson, Nevada
10. Maryland Terrapins
Previous ranking: 11
2024-25 record: 6-0
Stat to know: Kaylene Smikle is on fire, scoring at least 20 points in five straight games for the first time in her career. She’s the spark Maryland needs to keep climbing the rankings.
What’s next: Saturday vs. George Mason, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+, Navy Classic, Annapolis, Maryland
And that’s just the top 10! The rest of the rankings are filled with teams making moves, from the undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes cracking the Top 25 to the Nebraska Cornhuskers slipping after a tough loss. With so much action on the horizon, this season is shaping up to be one for the books.
Here’s a quick look at what’s next for some other notable teams:
- Notre Dame: A showdown with TCU in the Cayman Islands Classic.
- South Carolina: A bounce-back opportunity against Iowa State in the Fort Myers Tip-Off.
- Texas: A Gulf Coast Showcase matchup against New Mexico State.
Stay tuned, hoops fans. The season is just heating up, and the drama is far from over.
Originally Written by: Mechelle Voepel
