UConn Secures No. 1 Spot in Women’s AP Top 25 After Close Call; Texas Rises to Highest Ranking Since 2004

UConn Survives Scare to Maintain Top Spot in National Poll

The University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball team retained the No. 1 ranking in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll, released this Monday, following a week that tested their early-season dominance. Despite a narrow victory that saw them hold off a determined opponent, the Huskies secured the top position, reflecting the national media’s continued confidence in their squad.

UConn received 30 of the 32 first-place votes cast by the national media panel. The remaining two first-place votes went to No. 2 South Carolina, which continues to hold firm as the nation’s second-best team.

The top four remained largely consistent, featuring UConn, South Carolina, and No. 3 UCLA. However, the most significant movement within the elite tier came from the Texas Longhorns, who surged two spots to claim the No. 4 ranking—their highest position in the poll since the 2004 season.

The Full AP Top 25 Rankings: Week of [Current Year] Poll

This week’s poll reflects key wins and losses across the country, particularly impacting the middle tier of the rankings. For fans tracking the national championship picture, here is the complete breakdown of the latest AP Top 25:

Significant Movement: Longhorns Surge, Bulldogs Climb

While the top two spots are locked in, the mid-section of the poll saw substantial shifts driven by high-profile conference matchups and upsets. Understanding these movements provides crucial context for the competitive balance of the season.

The Rise of Texas and Gonzaga

Texas (No. 4) was the biggest winner among the top ten, leveraging strong recent performances to leapfrog two teams. This ascent marks a significant milestone for the program, reaching a ranking not seen in over two decades. Their consistent play has solidified their status as a legitimate national title contender out of the Big 12.

Another notable climber was Gonzaga (No. 13), which jumped three spots. This is the highest ranking for the Bulldogs since the 2021 season, demonstrating their strength as a leading mid-major program capable of challenging power conference teams.

Other teams making positive moves include:

• Baylor moved up two spots to No. 10.
• Syracuse made a four-spot jump to No. 18.
• Florida State climbed three spots to No. 20.

Notable Drops and Newcomers

Conversely, several teams experienced setbacks that led to drops in the rankings, primarily due to losses against ranked or highly competitive opponents:

• NC State dropped four spots to No. 14 following a tough loss to conference rival Virginia Tech.
• Creighton also fell four spots, landing at No. 22 after being defeated by Marquette, which subsequently moved up one spot to No. 23.

This week also welcomed a new team into the national conversation: Michigan State entered the poll at No. 25, replacing West Virginia, which dropped out after suffering a loss.

Defining the Top Tier: Vote Distribution and Implications

The distribution of first-place votes—30 for UConn and 2 for South Carolina—highlights the consensus around the top two teams, even as UConn faced a significant challenge in its most recent outing. The narrow margin of victory for the Huskies suggests that while they are still the team to beat, the gap between No. 1 and No. 2 is razor-thin.

South Carolina continues to impress with a perfect record and dominant performances, justifying the two dissenting first-place votes. Their consistency and depth make them a formidable threat, poised to take the top spot should UConn falter.

The stability of the top three (UConn, South Carolina, UCLA) indicates that these programs have established themselves as the primary contenders for the national title, possessing the experience and talent necessary to navigate deep tournament runs.

Key Takeaways

For fans and analysts following the women’s college basketball season, the latest AP Top 25 poll offers several critical insights into the current landscape:

• UConn’s Resilience: Despite a close game, UConn’s status as the overwhelming favorite remains intact, securing 30 of 32 first-place votes.
• Texas’s Momentum: The Longhorns’ rise to No. 4 is a major story, marking their highest ranking in over two decades and confirming their elite status this season.
• Mid-Major Strength: Gonzaga’s climb to No. 13 reinforces the competitiveness of the West Coast Conference and their ability to challenge traditional powerhouses.
• Big Ten Addition: Michigan State’s entry at No. 25 signals the growing depth and parity within the Big Ten conference.
• Volatility in the Teens: Rankings between 10 and 25 remain highly volatile, with teams like NC State and Creighton experiencing significant drops after single losses, emphasizing the importance of consistency.

What’s Next

The coming weeks will feature crucial conference matchups that could dramatically reshape the Top 25, particularly among the ACC and Big 12 teams. With Texas now firmly entrenched in the top five, their upcoming schedule will be heavily scrutinized to see if they can maintain their highest ranking in years. Meanwhile, all eyes will remain on UConn and South Carolina, waiting for any slip-up that could shift the national No. 1 position.