Top SEC Teams Shine in Women’s College Basketball Bracketology
The 2026 women’s college basketball season is shaping up to be one for the history books. The SEC is making headlines by becoming the first conference to have 10 teams ranked simultaneously in the AP Poll.
This wild achievement really shows off the SEC’s depth and competitiveness. But it also makes you wonder—who’s actually got what it takes to go all the way?
South Carolina, Texas, and LSU have already proven their mettle in recent years. Oklahoma and Tennessee are making strong cases for themselves this season.
Meanwhile, Iowa and UCLA are dominating the Big Ten. Duke’s making a remarkable comeback in the ACC.
Let’s dive into the key storylines and teams to watch as the season heats up.
SEC’s Historic Achievement
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The SEC has always been a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. This season, though, they’ve outdone themselves.
The conference is the first ever to have 10 teams ranked at the same time in the AP Poll. Each of these schools is a No. 7 seed or better in this week’s bracketology.
That really says a lot about the talent spread across the SEC. It’s not just the same old names at the top anymore.
South Carolina’s Resilience
South Carolina still looks like a force, even after a tough overtime loss to Oklahoma. The Gamecocks bounced back with a 29-point win over an undefeated Vanderbilt—actually their largest victory ever against an AP top-5 team.
That kind of bounce-back shows off their championship DNA. You can’t count them out, not for a second.
Vanderbilt and Kentucky
Vanderbilt, despite falling to South Carolina, is still in a strong spot after a notable win against LSU earlier this month. Kentucky’s had a rough patch, dropping three straight games.
But, hey, they also beat LSU, so it’s clear they can hang with the best when things click.
Tennessee’s Undefeated Streak
Tennessee stands alone as the only SEC team still undefeated in conference play. They’ve got a 14-3 overall record and a 6-0 mark in the SEC.
They’re missing a true statement win, though. Upcoming games against UConn, South Carolina, and Texas will really test them.
Big Ten Powerhouses: Iowa and UCLA
Iowa Hawkeyes have had a monster two weeks. Four straight Quad-1 wins—Oregon, Michigan State, Maryland, and Ohio State—have vaulted them to the top No. 2 seed.
They’re now serious contenders for the top spot. That’s not something anyone expected a month ago.
Iowa’s Quad-1 Dominance
Iowa has six Quad-1 wins this season, tied for second-most in the country. Only UCLA has more, with ten.
The Hawkeyes are also 9-0 in Big Ten play, which they never even managed during the Caitlin Clark era. Still, losing starting guard Taylor McCabe to a torn ACL is a big blow.
UCLA’s Impressive Record
UCLA is right there too, 9-0 in the conference and leading the nation with ten Quad-1 wins. Their upcoming showdown with Iowa is can’t-miss stuff.
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The outcome could shake up NCAA Tournament seeding. It’s one of those games you’ll want to circle on your calendar.
Duke’s Remarkable Comeback
Duke’s season started rough. They lost four straight and fell to 3-6.
But since losing to LSU in the ACC/SEC Challenge, the Blue Devils have rattled off 11 straight wins. It’s been a total turnaround.
Strength of Schedule
Duke’s early struggles came against a brutal schedule—only one loss outside of Quad-1. Among multi-bid conference teams, only UConn faced a tougher non-conference slate.
All that adversity has definitely toughened them up for the rest of the season.
Defensive Resurgence
During their current streak, Duke’s defense has stepped up big time. They’ve allowed more than 60 points just twice over those 11 games.
With seven Quad 1/2 wins and seven road wins, they’re not a team anyone wants to see right now.
Key Players to Watch
Several players have stepped up as major contributors this season. Here are a few worth keeping an eye on:
- Aaliyah Chavez (Oklahoma): Chavez’s huge performance in Oklahoma’s overtime win against South Carolina pushed her team up to a No. 4 seed.
- Addy Deal (Iowa): The freshman guard really stepped up after Taylor McCabe’s injury, putting up career highs in points and minutes against Ohio State.
- Kim Caldwell (Tennessee): Caldwell’s leadership will be key as Tennessee faces a tough stretch against top-tier opponents.
Looking Ahead
The season’s only going to get more interesting from here. Key matchups in the SEC will test the depth of teams like Tennessee, South Carolina, and Vanderbilt.
In the Big Ten, Iowa vs. UCLA could be a real turning point. And Duke’s resurgence in the ACC adds another twist to a season that’s already full of surprises.
Upcoming Games to Watch
Mark your calendars for these must-watch games:
- Tennessee vs. UConn: Tennessee faces a serious challenge as they try to prove they’re championship material.
- Iowa vs. UCLA: Two Big Ten heavyweights clash, and honestly, this one could really shake up the seeding picture.
- South Carolina vs. Texas: High stakes here—both teams will get pushed to their limits.
The 2026 women’s college basketball season looks like it could be one of the wildest we’ve seen in a while.
Historic moments, wild comebacks, and players stepping up everywhere—fans have a lot to get excited about as the road to the NCAA Tournament heats up.