Women's college basketball rankings: No. 1 UConn completes perfect regular season, UNC rises in AP Top 25
CBS Sports
by
Isabel Gonzalez
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The latest AP Top 25 poll in women's college basketball highlights significant changes ahead of conference tournament week. No. 1 UConn solidified its place at the top with an undefeated regular season, extending its impressive streak to 47 consecutive wins. Meanwhile, North Carolina made a notable jump to No. 16 after defeating Duke, a move that could boost their chances for a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Other teams saw shifts as well, with Baylor dropping to No. 20 following a low-scoring first half against TCU, which secured its second consecutive Big 12 title.
UCLA stayed steady at No. 2 after completing an historic perfect season in the Big Ten, while South Carolina held onto the No. 3 spot despite a close call against Kentucky. In the SEC, Ole Miss fell five spots to No. 24 after losing six of its last eight games, including a key matchup with Texas A&M, a team on the rise with momentum heading into the postseason. The ACC saw Louisville drop out of the top 10 following an upset by Notre Dame, which showcased the Fighting Irish's readiness for March Madness.
Elsewhere, Geno Auriemma's Huskies continued their dominance, finishing an 11th undefeated Big East season and setting a new standard in women's college basketball. Texas maintained its strong performance with a No. 4 ranking, while teams like Iowa and Michigan also remained competitive in the rankings. The upcoming conference tournaments will be crucial for determining seeding and title contenders ahead of Selection Sunday on March 15.
This season's final AP Top 25 reflects the intense competition across major conferences and highlights the unpredictable nature of women's hoops as teams jockey for position in the NCAA Tournament. With key matchups and upsets shaping the rankings, fans can expect more excitement as the postseason approaches. The movement in the polls underscores the importance of conference tournaments and how each team's performance can impact their ultimate chances in March Madness.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/2/2026