The world of women’s college basketball never sleeps, and the latest AP poll results have once again reshuffled the deck for title contenders. Leading the charge, the UCLA Bruins continue to stake their claim on the #1 spot, while the Alabama Crimson Tide took a slight tumble after a hard-fought week. As conference play kicks into high gear, let’s dive into what these rankings reveal about each top 25 team’s trajectory and title dreams.
UCLA Bruins Reign Supreme
Firmly entrenched atop the rankings, the UCLA Bruins show no signs of relinquishing their crown. Coach Cori Close’s squad put an exclamation point on their undefeated record with an emphatic 91-54 thrashing of Nebraska. The scary part? This Bruins roster is only getting better, with freshman phenom JuJu Watkins elevating her game to unguardable levels. Circle your calendars for their upcoming tilt against #24 Michigan, a chance for UCLA to further cement their status as title favorites.
No Wintry Mix for Gamecocks, Irish Rolling
Nipping at UCLA’s heels, the South Carolina Gamecocks and Notre Dame Fighting Irish rounded out the unchanged top 3. While the Gamecocks dismantled Wofford with their signature suffocating defense, Olivia Miles was busy etching her name in the record books:
With 11 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists against Virginia, Olivia Miles became the first major conference player with consecutive triple-doubles since Caitlin Clark.
Both squads have tantalizing matchups ahead to prove their championship mettle. South Carolina battles SEC foe Missouri on Thursday, while Notre Dame visits resurgent North Carolina in a top 25 showdown on Sunday. If the Bruins falter, one of these two could seize the #1 mantle.
Trojans Rise, Longhorns Eye Revenge
The USC Trojans continue their relentless march up the polls, landing at #4 thanks largely to the sensational play of freshman guard JuJu Watkins. Her string of 25-point, 5-assist, 2-block games is the stuff of legend. They’ll look to keep it rolling against Nebraska before a marquee matchup with UCLA looms. Right behind them, the Texas Longhorns are licking their chops for a shot at redemption against Oklahoma on Thursday after falling to the Sooners earlier this season. Rori Harmon and company have been on a mission since that lone blemish.
Huskies Hope for New Year’s Magic
Mired in a rare “slump” by their lofty standards, UConn held steady at #7 after bouncing back from their USC loss with a routine win against Providence. While the talent is undeniable, chemistry and consistency have eluded Geno Auriemma’s bunch. A trip to Marquette to ring in 2025 could be just the tune-up the Huskies need before a grueling Big East slate. Sophomore sensation Azzi Fudd’s anticipated return should provide a much-needed spark for a team still searching for its identity.
Wolverines Tested, Wildcats Lurking
Sliding a few spots to #24, the Michigan Wolverines have hit a bit of a rough patch, dropping contests to ranked opponents Louisville, Ohio State, and USC. A trip to Westwood to face #1 UCLA is a tall task, but also an opportunity to right the ship and bolster their postseason resume. On the flip side, Kansas State continues to quietly take care of business, sitting pretty at #12. The Wildcats’ balanced attack and stingy defense make them a dark horse come March.
Conference Clashes Await
As the calendar flips to 2025, the real meat of the women’s college basketball schedule begins. League play separates contenders from pretenders, with rivalries reignited and unexpected upsets looming. Some tantalizing conference clashes ahead:
- ACC: #14 Duke at Boston College, #13 Georgia Tech vs Syracuse, #17 North Carolina vs #3 Notre Dame
- Big Ten: #21 Michigan State vs Purdue, #23 Iowa at Penn State, #24 Michigan at #1 UCLA
- SEC: #2 South Carolina at Missouri, #15 Tennessee at Texas A&M, #19 Alabama vs Florida
- Big 12: #5 Texas at #9 Oklahoma, #11 TCU vs Colorado
The table is set for a wild start to 2025 in women’s hoops. Will the Bruins tighten their grip on the top spot, or can the Gamecocks, Irish or another contender unseat them? How will the Huskies respond to adversity? Can Michigan or Alabama get back on track against stiff competition? We’ll soon find out as the road to Dallas for the Final Four heats up. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
