Women’s College basketball top 25 rankings 2026-27: Preseason AP Top 25 poll

Women’s College Basketball is just around the corner, and there’s some major hype around this season. Superstars like USC TrojansJuju Watkins are returning from injury, and many teams could contend for a national title.

People are intrigued to see how the UCLA Bruins defend their national championship.

All eyes will be on the freshman talent gracing the hardwood. North Carolina‘s Kate Harpering, USC’s Saniyah Hall, and South Carolina’s Jerzy Robinson are just a few of the talented first-year players who will be showcasing their skills. Women’s college basketball talent keeps improving and every year the basketball is awesome.

The Associated Press released its preseason top 25 rankings. A familiar team tops the list.

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South Carolina Gamecocks are the AP preseason #1 team

Jan 15, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) celebrates a play with guard Ta’niya Latson (00) against the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Dawn Staley’s squad gets voted #1 and looks like the team to beat. They have returning vets and a deep roster that will create problems for any opponent. UCLA Bruins begin their championship defense as the #11 team, and it will be interesting to see how quickly their transfers can make a positive impact.

Full AP Preseason Poll:
1. South Carolina (23)
2. UConn (6)
3. USC (2)
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

These are the other teams that received votes:

Others receiving votes: Baylor 44; Arizona State 42; Nebraska 40; Tennessee 20; Michigan State 18; Gonzaga 15; South Dakota State 11; Oregon 9; Oregon State 8; Rice 5; Villanova 5; Princeton 4; Florida 3; James Madison 3; Texas Tech 3; Clemson 2; Fairfield 2; Kansas 2; Virginia 2.

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