In the latest shake-up of the women's college basketball landscape, Baylor and USC have surged into the top 10 of the Associated Press Top 25 poll following impressive opening-week victories, while perennial powerhouse UConn holds firm at No. 1. The Bears climbed nine spots to seventh after defeating then-No. 7 Duke in Paris, and the Trojans jumped 10 places to eighth with a narrow win over then-No. 9 NC State, according to the poll released on Monday.
This movement highlights the early-season volatility in women's basketball, where upsets and standout performances can quickly reshape rankings. Baylor's victory over Duke was particularly notable, as it propelled the Bears from outside the top 15 directly into the elite tier. USC's one-point triumph on Sunday showcased their resilience, even without star player JuJu Watkins, who is sidelined for the entire season recovering from an ACL tear suffered in March.
According to ESPN's coverage of the poll, USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb praised the team's new young talent, noting that freshman Jazzy Davidson hit the go-ahead shot with 8.2 seconds remaining in the game against NC State. Davidson's clutch performance has already drawn attention, positioning her as a potential breakout star for the Trojans.
At the top of the poll, UConn, South Carolina, UCLA, and Texas maintained their positions from one to four after straightforward wins in their opening games. The Huskies, as defending national champions, received 30 first-place votes from a national media panel, while the Gamecocks garnered the remaining two. This dominance underscores UConn's continued excellence, especially as they unveiled their 12th championship banner during Sunday's game against Florida State.
Players took to the court in custom white-and-gold tracksuits emblazoned with 'National Champions XII' on the back, a ceremonial nod to their storied history. LSU and Oklahoma held steady at fifth and sixth, respectively. The Sooners were set to face UCLA on Monday night in Sacramento, California—a location that will host one of the NCAA regionals next spring, adding extra intrigue to the matchup.
Maryland inched up one spot to ninth, benefiting from the reshuffling caused by losses from higher-ranked teams. NC State, despite their defeat to USC, managed to stay in the top 10 at No. 10 after an earlier three-point win over Tennessee in their opener. The Lady Vols dropped to 12th, and Duke fell to 15th following their loss to Baylor.
A new entrant to the poll is No. 25 Washington, marking the Huskies' first appearance in the Top 25 in two years. They were hosting Montana on Monday night before traveling to Utah on Saturday. Conversely, Richmond exited the rankings after a loss to Texas, illustrating how quickly fortunes can change in the early season.
The AP women's basketball poll itself is celebrating a milestone this month—its 50th anniversary. Founded by Mel Greenberg, the poll debuted in late November 1976 as a coaches' poll before transitioning to a media-voted format in the 1994-95 season. This historical context adds depth to the current rankings, reminding fans of the sport's evolution over decades.
Looking ahead, several high-profile games could further influence the poll. On Saturday, No. 2 South Carolina will face No. 9 USC—wait, no, the poll has USC at eighth, but the source mentions No. 9 in the upcoming game context; according to ESPN, it's No. 2 South Carolina at No. 9 USC, but that might reflect a pre-update ranking. The matchup is part of a home-and-home series dubbed 'The Real SC,' with Saturday's game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and next year's in Greenville, South Carolina.
Another key contest is No. 17 TCU at No. 10 NC State on Sunday. The Wolfpack are navigating a tough nonconference schedule, while TCU has bolstered its roster with transfer Olivia Miles from Notre Dame. These games could lead to more shifts in the rankings, as teams like Baylor and USC look to solidify their positions.
Providing broader context, women's college basketball has seen increased parity in recent years, with teams like USC overcoming significant injuries to remain competitive. Watkins' absence is a blow, but as Gottlieb's squad demonstrated, depth and emerging talent can compensate. Similarly, Baylor's win in Paris against Duke not only boosted their ranking but also highlighted the global appeal of the sport, with international venues becoming more common for high-stakes games.
UConn's banner-raising ceremony serves as a reminder of their dynasty, having secured 12 national titles. Coach Geno Auriemma's program continues to set the standard, with players embracing the legacy through symbolic gestures like the championship tracksuits. South Carolina, under Dawn Staley, remains a formidable challenger, as evidenced by their first-place votes.
As the season progresses, polls like this AP Top 25 will be crucial barometers for NCAA tournament seeding. With Washington re-entering the fray and teams like NC State facing rigorous tests, the coming weeks promise more excitement. Analysts note that early-season polls, while influential, often fluctuate as conference play intensifies.
In terms of implications, these rankings could affect recruiting, fan engagement, and even television scheduling. For instance, the South Carolina-USC series is already generating buzz, potentially drawing large audiences to Crypto.com Arena. Meanwhile, teams on the bubble, like the newly ranked Washington, will aim to build momentum ahead of March Madness.
Overall, this week's poll reflects the dynamic nature of women's college basketball, where one victory can catapult a team into contention. As more games unfold, including Monday's Oklahoma-UCLA clash, expect further adjustments that could reshape the top tier once again.