The landscape of women’s college basketball has reached a new milestone, one that underscores a dramatic shift in competitive balance and conference strength. In the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has set a historic record by placing ten of its member institutions among the nation’s ranked teams. This achievement, unprecedented in the 50-year history of the women’s poll, signals the SEC’s profound depth and raises compelling questions about the path to the NCAA Tournament. As the 2025-26 season enters its critical second half, this week’s rankings offer a definitive snapshot of a sport where parity and elite performance are increasingly intertwined.
The Historic SEC Record: A Conference Redefining Depth
The SEC’s placement of ten teams in the AP Top 25 is a feat that transcends typical seasonal fluctuations. It represents a consolidation of talent, coaching, and resources across the league. The previous record for a single conference was nine teams. This new benchmark was clinched by the Georgia Lady Bulldogs, who entered the poll at No. 23 following a pivotal victory over then-No. 11 Kentucky. This marks Georgia’s first appearance in the rankings since 2022, heralding a return to prominence under their current coaching staff. The record echoes a similar accomplishment by the SEC in men’s basketball just a season prior, highlighting the conference’s overall athletic investment. This depth ensures that the SEC schedule is arguably the most grueling in the country, with ranked matchups becoming a weekly norm rather than a marquee event.
Unanimous at the Summit: UConn’s Continued Dominance
Amidst the conference-wide accolades, the University of Connecticut remains the undisputed focal point at the national level. The Huskies retained their position as the unanimous No. 1 selection, receiving every first-place vote from the 31-member national media panel. With a perfect 21-0 record, UConn is the last remaining undefeated team in Division I, extending its winning streak to 37 games dating back to the previous championship season. Their consistent excellence sets a high bar, but the historic depth seen in the polls below them suggests the road to a repeat title will be more contested than ever.
Top 10 Turmoil and SEC Supremacy
The upper tier of the poll experienced significant reshuffling following a weekend of upsets. UCLA ascended to the No. 2 spot after then-No. 2 South Carolina suffered an overtime road loss to Oklahoma. The Gamecocks fell to No. 3, leading a formidable contingent of SEC teams that now dominate the top ten. The University of Texas holds firm at No. 4, while Vanderbilt (No. 5) and LSU (No. 6) round out a powerful SEC trio. Vanderbilt’s first loss of the season to South Carolina did little to diminish their status as a national contender. The Big Ten and ACC are also represented in the top ten by Iowa (No. 8), Michigan (No. 9), and Louisville (No. 7), demonstrating the national spread of elite programs, albeit overshadowed by the SEC’s collective might.
Conference-by-Conference Breakdown: The Power Balance
Beyond the SEC’s record-setting ten teams, the power distribution across the collegiate landscape is revealing. The Big Ten Conference claims the second-most ranked teams with seven, including Michigan State, Ohio State, and Maryland, showcasing its own impressive depth from top to middle. The Big 12 conference follows with four ranked programs, led by Texas and including Baylor and TCU. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has two representatives, while the Big East (UConn) and Ivy League (Princeton) each have one. This breakdown illustrates a competitive hierarchy where a few power conferences are accumulating talent at an extraordinary rate, potentially reshaping the at-large bid calculus for the NCAA selection committee.
Notable Movers: Georgia’s Resurgence and Duke’s Return
Individual team narratives within the poll are equally compelling. Georgia’s re-entry at No. 23 is a story of resurgence. Starting the season 14-0 in non-conference play for the first time in 16 years, the Lady Bulldogs have secured key wins over ranked SEC opponents to reclaim a spot they once frequently held under legendary coach Andy Landers. Similarly, the Duke Blue Devils have engineered a remarkable turnaround, vaulting back into the poll after a ten-game winning streak reversed a troubling 3-6 start. These stories highlight the season-long volatility and the importance of peaking at the right time.
Marquee Matchups on the Horizon
The immediate schedule promises to test the poll’s new order with several high-stakes confrontations. The spotlight will shine on a non-conference clash between No. 15 Tennessee and the undefeated No. 1 UConn Huskies. This matchup represents one of the final opportunities for a ranked opponent to challenge UConn before tournament play. Equally consequential is a top-ten battle in the Big Ten, where No. 8 Iowa travels to face No. 2 UCLA. With first place in the nation’s second-strongest conference potentially on the line, this game carries major implications for seeding and national perception. These contests will serve as critical stress tests for the rankings’ legitimacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the SEC having 10 ranked teams?
It is a historic first in the 50-year history of the AP women’s basketball poll, indicating unprecedented depth and competitive balance within the conference. It means the SEC schedule is brutally difficult and could lead to a large number of NCAA Tournament bids.
Who is the current No. 1 team?
The University of Connecticut Huskies are the unanimous No. 1 team, holding a perfect 21-0 record and a 37-game winning streak dating back to last season.
Why did South Carolina drop to No. 3?
South Carolina fell from No. 2 after losing an overtime game on the road to Oklahoma. UCLA’s strong record and performance facilitated their move up to the No. 2 spot.
Which team is new to the Top 25 this week?
The Georgia Lady Bulldogs entered the poll at No. 23 following their win over Kentucky, marking their first ranking since 2022.
How many ranked teams do other major conferences have?
Following the SEC’s 10, the Big Ten has 7 ranked teams, the Big 12 has 4, the ACC has 2, and the Big East and Ivy League each have 1.
Is UConn the only undefeated team left?
Yes, the UConn Huskies are the sole remaining undefeated team in NCAA Division I women’s basketball.
What was the biggest game that influenced this poll?
Oklahoma’s overtime upset of then-No. 2 South Carolina was the most impactful result, directly causing a shuffle in the top three and boosting Oklahoma’s ranking.
Did any previously ranked team fall out?
Yes, Nebraska fell out of the rankings to make room for Georgia’s entry.
What does this mean for the NCAA Tournament?
This depth suggests the SEC could receive a record number of at-large bids, and the overall quality across conferences will make the selection committee’s job exceptionally challenging, potentially elevating the importance of strength of schedule.
Which upcoming game is the most critical?
The No. 8 Iowa at No. 2 UCLA matchup is critically important for Big Ten supremacy and national seeding, while No. 15 Tennessee at No. 1 UConn offers a final major test for the Huskies.
Verdict
The record-setting presence of ten SEC teams in the AP Top 25 is more than a statistical novelty; it is a defining moment for the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season. It confirms the SEC’s status as a powerhouse league of unparalleled depth, where even middle-tier teams are of national ranking quality. While UConn maintains its solitary reign at the top, the congestion of elite teams just below creates a fascinating and unpredictable landscape. For fans, this promises a thrilling stretch run filled with meaningful games. For the selection committee, it foretells a complex and debated bracket process. Ultimately, this historic poll reflects a sport in a golden age of competitiveness, where conference pride and national ambition collide with greater force than ever before.
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