AP Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Poll: UConn Remains Atop After Shifting Landscape

January 6, 2026

The latest AP Top 25 women’s college basketball poll reflects a dynamic start to the new year, with several teams experiencing shifts in ranking following unexpected losses. UConn remains firmly at No. 1, maintaining a perfect 15-0 record, but the landscape below has seen meaningful movement. LSU, Maryland, and Iowa State all suffered their frist losses of the season, leading to a reshuffling of the top 10.

Top 10 Shakeup

The most notable changes see Kentucky and Vanderbilt making significant gains. Kentucky jumps five spots to no. 11, while Vanderbilt climbs five positions to break into the top 10 at No. 9. Louisville also moves up, securing a spot in the top 10 at No. 7. LSU, after a second consecutive loss, has fallen to No. 12.

Current Top 25 Rankings

Here’s a breakdown of the current AP Top 25 rankings as of January 6, 2026:

1. UConn (15-0) – The Huskies are off to their best start as the 2017-18 season, when they began the year with a 36-0 record. UConn faces St. John’s on Wednesday.
2. Texas (17-0) – madison Booker continues to lead the longhorns, scoring at least 20 points in five of her last seven games. Texas will host Auburn on Thursday.
3. South Carolina (15-1) – Despite a season-high 21 turnovers in their recent win against Florida, the Gamecocks remain a force. South Carolina travels to Arkansas on Thursday.
4. UCLA (14-1) – The Bruins boast a balanced scoring attack with five players averaging double-digit points. UCLA will play at Nebraska on Sunday.
5. NC State (14-1)
6. Michigan (11-2)
7. Louisville (14-3) – The Cardinals have won seven straight games since their loss to South Carolina in the ACC/SEC Women’s challenge. Louisville will be at Miami on Thursday.
8. Kentucky (15-1) – The Wildcats are riding high after handing LSU their first loss of the season and securing a victory over Missouri. Kentucky will play at Alabama on Thursday.
9. Vanderbilt (15-0) – Mikayla Blakes’ 32-point performance led the Commodores to a significant win over LSU. Vanderbilt hosts Missouri on Thursday.
10. Maryland (15-1) – Oluchi Okananwa led the Terrapins with a career-high 34 points in their recent victory.Maryland will play at Rutgers on Thursday.
11. Iowa State (14-1) – Despite a recent loss to Baylor, the Cyclones remain a strong contender. Iowa State‘s next game is to be determined.
12. Michigan State (14-1)
13. LSU (14-2)
14. Oklahoma (13-2)
15. North Carolina (13-4)
16. Baylor (13-3) – Taliah Scott’s game-winning shot propelled the Bears to a victory over Iowa State. Baylor will host Colorado on Thursday.
17. Princeton (13-1)
18. Nebraska (13-2)
19. Oregon (12-2)
20. Notre Dame (12-2)
21. Tennessee (10-3)
22. USC (10-4)
23. Washington (10-3)
24. Indiana (12-2)
25. Florida State (11-3)
26. Kansas State (11-3)

Looking Ahead

The college basketball season is heating up, and these rankings are sure to evolve as teams navigate conference play. Key matchups in the coming weeks will undoubtedly reshape the landscape and provide further insight into the contenders for the national championship.