
Mon Jan 12 18:00:00 UTC 2026: Headline: UConn Dominates AP Women’s Basketball Poll; South Carolina Ascends, LSU Jumps into Top 10
The Story:
The Associated Press (AP) Women’s Basketball Top 25 poll witnessed significant shifts this week, with UConn securing the unanimous No. 1 position. Several top teams experienced losses, leading to a reshuffling of the rankings. South Carolina climbed to No. 2, while LSU and TCU made notable leaps into the top 10. The SEC boasts a strong presence with nine teams in the Top 25.
Key Points:
- UConn is the unanimous No. 1, receiving all 32 first-place votes.
- South Carolina moved up to No. 2.
- LSU jumped six spots to No. 6 after defeating Texas.
- Vanderbilt is ranked No. 5, their highest since 2002.
- Texas fell two spots to No. 4 after their first loss of the season to LSU.
- Alabama, Notre Dame, and Illinois entered the poll.
- Washington, Southern Cal, and North Carolina dropped out.
- The SEC has nine teams in the Top 25.
Key Takeaways:
- UConn’s dominance in the Big East solidifies their position as the team to beat.
- Upsets among top teams create volatility in the rankings and demonstrate increased parity in women’s college basketball.
- The SEC’s strong representation in the Top 25 highlights the conference’s overall strength.
- Early-season losses can significantly impact a team’s ranking and trajectory.
- Teams previously ranked high can quickly fall out of contention given increased competition.