Big Ten and SEC Dominate AP Top 25: UCLA Leads Women’s College Basketball Rankings

Big Ten and SEC Dominate Women’s Basketball Rankings

In a display of conference strength, the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC) have emerged as the powerhouses of women’s college basketball, each boasting seven teams in the latest AP Top 25 poll. The rankings, released Monday, showcase the depth and competitiveness of both conferences, with four teams each claiming spots in the coveted top 10.

Recent conference realignment has further bolstered these leagues, with UCLA and USC set to join the Big Ten, while Texas and Oklahoma are slated to become part of the SEC. These moves are expected to intensify the competition and elevate the overall quality of play in both conferences.

UCLA currently holds the No. 1 position, receiving an overwhelming 30 out of 32 first-place votes. The Bruins have maintained their top ranking since their victory over South Carolina earlier in the season. South Carolina remains a close second, preparing for a highly anticipated matchup against No. 5 Texas.

Notre Dame secured the third spot in the rankings, garnering the remaining two first-place votes. LSU, UConn, Maryland, Ohio State, and Oklahoma round out the top 10, underscoring the competitive landscape of women’s college basketball.

In other notable developments, Utah, ranked No. 22, is navigating a coaching transition with Gavin Petersen at the helm. The Utes, marking their third consecutive season in the poll, are coming off a significant win over Notre Dame and are set to face No. 12 Kansas State in their next challenge.

Alabama, ranked 18th, is making waves with its best start in SEC play in 21 years. The Crimson Tide, boasting a 2-0 conference record, recently defeated Missouri and is preparing for a tough test against No. 5 Texas.

While the SEC and Big Ten lead with seven ranked teams each, the ACC follows closely with six teams in the Top 25. The Big 12 contributes four ranked teams, and the Big East has one representative in the poll.

Basketball enthusiasts can look forward to several high-stakes matchups in the coming week. No. 4 USC will travel to face No. 8 Maryland in a top-10 Big Ten clash, while No. 14 Duke and No. 19 North Carolina will reignite their ACC rivalry. Perhaps the most anticipated game of the week will see No. 5 Texas visiting No. 2 South Carolina, as the Longhorns take on the defending national champions.

As the season progresses, these rankings and upcoming games promise to shape the landscape of women’s college basketball, with the Big Ten and SEC at the forefront of the competition.