AP women's college basketball Top 25 poll breakdown - ESPN

ESPN

by ESPN

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The latest AP Top 25 poll for women's college basketball reveals a mostly unchanged top five, with Oklahoma and Iowa making significant jumps into the top 10. The University of Connecticut (UConn) continues to dominate at No. 1, boasting an impressive 45-game winning streak, the seventh-longest in NCAA history. UCLA holds steady at No. 2 after clinching the Big Ten title, while South Carolina remains third despite a challenging schedule. Notably, Oklahoma and Iowa each surged four spots, landing at No. 7 and No. 9 respectively. Michigan, Louisville, Duke, and Ohio State experienced drops of two or more positions due to recent losses. Tennessee's exit from the rankings highlights the competitive nature of the season, as other teams like Texas and LSU showcase strong performances. UConn's streak underscores their dominance, with a upcoming game against Georgetown expected to maintain their momentum. UCLA aims to build on their conference success, while Michigan faces challenges after a low-scoring loss to Iowa, which solidified their rise in the rankings. These shifts reflect the dynamic landscape of women's college basketball, keeping fans and analysts alike engaged as the season progresses. The poll's movements reveal key trends: consistent excellence from top teams, rising stars like Oklahoma and Iowa, and competitive battles further down the list. For sports enthusiasts, this snapshot highlights the evolving dynamics and performances shaping the season, offering insights into which teams are contenders for the championship.

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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026