Women’s College Basketball 2025–26 Season: Analyzing the Top 25
The first in-season AP Top 25 women’s college basketball (NCAAW) poll of 2025–26 has been released, and it’s already delivering the kind of buzz, dominance, and stat-fueled mayhem that makes women’s college basketball fans excited.
If you’re the type who tracks win streaks like stock prices and lives for early-season shakeups, this poll is your candy store. From UConn’s throne room to USC’s turbo-charged climb, the landscape is shifting fast, and we’re only one week in.
UConn Still Owns the Throne
Let’s start at the top of women’s college basketball, because of course, we’re talking about UConn. The Huskies remain the undisputed No. 1, and honestly, it’s not even close. They’ve now won 30 consecutive season openers, which at this point feels less like a streak and more like a rite of passage. UConn’s dominance runs deeper than just having talent.
Their ability to maintain system, culture, and a level of consistency that borders on perfection. With Azzi Fudd, KK Arnold, and Serah Williams leading the charge, UConn is doing more than just sitting at No. 1 on the women’s college basketball AP Top 25 list. They are setting the tempo for the entire sport. Every possession feels like a masterclass in spacing, timing, and ruthless execution.
Baylor and USC Hit the Turbo Button
The real fireworks this week came from the climbers in women’s college basketball. Baylor made the biggest leap, vaulting from No. 16 to No. 7 after dismantling then-No. 7 Duke in Paris. Yes, Paris. Apparently, the Bears thrive on croissants and international hardwood, because they’re now 16–1 in games played outside the U.S. Their defense was suffocating, their offense was surgical, and their confidence? Sky-high.
Meanwhile, USC rocketed up 10 spots to No. 8, and they did it without their star JuJu Watkins, who’s out for the season with an ACL tear. This shows not just resilience, but the depth of their team as a whole. Their win over NC State was a one-point thriller that showed they’re adapting and thriving.
Duke and Tennessee Take a Tumble
However, not everyone in women’s college basketball is enjoying the ride of the AP Top 25. Duke took a hard tumble, dropping eight spots after that Parisian beatdown. It wasn’t just the loss; it was the way they lost. Turnovers, missed rotations, and a general lack of rhythm made it clear they’ve got work to do.
Tennessee’s struggles in top-10 matchups also continued, extending their losing streak in those games to six. It’s starting to feel like a mental block as much as a tactical one. The talent is there, but is the execution under pressure?
On the flip side, Washington made a splashy entrance into the Top 25 at No. 25 after a 47-point demolition of Seattle U. That’s how you announce your presence. Their offense was explosive, their defense was locked in, and their bench looked deeper than expected. It’s early, but they’ve got the kind of energy that could make them a bracket buster come March.
Nuggets For the Stat-Hungry
Hungry to know what is going on and how it might show, here are just a few factoids for you. Iowa State now holds the longest active streak for season opener wins at 31. Michigan forced 45 turnovers in a single game, which isn’t just defense—it’s digital erasure. Their press was so aggressive that it might need its own area code. And then there’s Michigan State, which dropped 125 points in its opener against Mercyhurst. This win is a statement, a flex, and a warning all rolled into one.
Looking Ahead
The schedule is stacked with matchups that could flip the poll again. USC’s upcoming clash with South Carolina is the headline grabber. It is a clash of styles, systems, and star power that could redefine the top tier. Baylor’s next test will show whether its Paris performance was a one-off or the start of a top-five campaign. And Washington? They’ve got momentum, but the real test is consistency. Was their opener a fluke or a forecast?
Final Take: Buckle Up
The AP Top 25 poll may show rankings, but it is also a snapshot of women’s college basketball in motion. The 2025–26 season is already delivering, and we’re barely out of the gate. Whether you’re tracking dynasties, scouting underdogs, or just here for the chaos, women’s college basketball is serving up a buffet of brilliance. So grab your bracket notes, fire up your stat trackers, and get ready, because if this week is any indication, the season’s going to be a rollercoaster. Let’s see how this list plays out!
