AP Top 25 poll discussion: No. 1 South Carolina, No. 2 UConn and No. 3 USC are women’s college basketball’s elite

Less than two weeks from the official start of the 2026-27 women’s college basketball season, the AP released its Top 25 preseason poll, with 31 voters providing an initial prognostication about how teams will stack up in the season ahead.

Defending national championship UCLA, after seeing the departure of their six seniors, sit outside the top 10, ranked at No. 11. The top spot, instead, was claimed by South Carolina, with the Gamecocks garnering 23 of 31 possible first-place votes.

The remaining first-place votes were given to UConn, with the No. 2-ranked Huskies receiving six first-place votes, and USC. The Trojans, welcoming another No. 1 recruit in Saniyah Hall in addition to anticipating the return of JuJu Watkins, took the final two first-place votes as they start the season at No. 3 in the nation.

Asked about earning the preseason No. 1 ranking for the fifth time in the past seven seasons, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley said:

It’s a gift and curse. I tend to not look at the number, but our players do. They look at it and feel like there’s a sense of respect to being No. 1. They also know that it’s pressure-packed. With the type of nonconference schedule we have, we’re going to be challenged. If we stand there at No. 1 at the end of our nonconference season that’s something to be truly to be proud of.

Staley’s Gamecocks are one of seven SEC teams that will begin the season ranked. The Big Ten, however, has the most ranked teams, totaling nine in the top 25.

Here’s how the whole top 25 shook out:

1. South Carolina
2. UConn
3. USC
4. Duke
5. Michigan
6. Texas
7. Louisville
8. Vanderbilt
9. LSU
10. Iowa
11. UCLA
12. North Carolina
13. Notre Dame
14. Kentucky
15. TCU
16. Washington
17. Minnesota
18. Ohio State
19. Ole Miss
20. Maryland
21. Oklahoma
22. Oklahoma State
23. Illinois
24. West Virginia
25. NC State

I have my eye on some of the teams ranked around and in the 20s.

While both No. 20 Maryland and No. 25 NC State didn’t meet their usual expectations last season, I predict they’ll both work their way into the top 15. The return of Bri McDaniel will make a big difference for the Terrapins, while Ky’She Lunan could be a breakout player for the Wolfpack, with her scoring sauce complementing the power game of Khmail Pierre.

I also like the talent and upside of No. 19 Ole Miss and No. 21 Oklahoma more than teams ranked above them, as the Rebels’ new arrival Talaysia Cooper and the Sooners’ Aaliyah Chavez are two of the most talented players in the nation.

In contrast, I’m skeptical Oklahoma State’s star gamble is going to work. How will Audi Crooks look outside of an Iowa State system that was organized around her, especially playing alongside a high-usage scoring guard in fellow transfer Liv McGill?

In comments, share your agreements, disagreements and analysis.

Which teams are being underestimated and will exceed preseason expectations? Which teams do you think will disappointment, struggling to live up to hype or hopes?