UConn's Geno Auriemma makes record 655th AP Top 25 appearance - ESPN
ESPN
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Geno Auriemma made history by breaking a tie with Tara VanDerveer to become the coach with the most AP Top 25 appearances, reaching 655, as UConn was ranked No. 1 for the 655th time. The Huskies remained at the top of the rankings, receiving all 31 first-place votes and maintaining an undefeated record (29-0) with a 45-game winning streak. This achievement underscores Auriemma's unparalleled dominance in women's college basketball.
The rest of the top five stayed unchanged, with UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and Vanderbilt following UConn. However, changes occurred further down the rankings due to recent game outcomes. Michigan dropped two spots to eighth after losing to Iowa, which moved up four places. LSU climbed one spot to sixth, while Oklahoma rose four positions to seventh. Louisville rounded out the top 10 at No. 10.
The SEC continued to dominate with nine teams in the poll, followed by the Big Ten with seven. Other conferences saw fewer representations, with the ACC and Ivy League each contributing one team. The rankings reflect how conference dynamics and game results shape the landscape of women's basketball.
Teams like Duke and Ohio State faced setbacks, with Duke ending a 17-game winning streak and dropping to No. 12, while Ohio State fell to No.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/23/2026