NCAA women's committee’s 1st top 16 reveal: UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, Vanderbilt are No. 1s - AP News
AP News
February 15, 2026
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The NCAA women’s basketball committee has released its first Top 16 rankings for the upcoming season, highlighting four teams as No. 1 seeds: UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt. This initial reveal sets the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive season, with these programs leading the way in early expectations. The rankings reflect the strong performances and consistent excellence of these teams over recent years, positioning them as frontrunners for national titles.
The Top 16 format is a new approach by the NCAA, aiming to provide clarity and structure for the tournament selection process. Unlike previous years, this ranking system allows fans and analysts to track team progress throughout the season. Teams like UConn and South Carolina, who have historically been dominant forces in women’s college basketball, continue to solidify their reputations as top-tier programs. UCLA and Vanderbilt, meanwhile, are emerging as serious contenders, showcasing their ability to compete with established powerhouses.
The release of these rankings has sparked excitement among fans and experts alike. With four No. 1 seeds, the bracket is already shaping up to be one of the most balanced and thrilling in recent memory. The inclusion of teams like UConn and South Carolina,
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Originally published on AP News on 2/15/2026