UConn Tops USA TODAY Preseason Women’s Basketball Coaches Poll
The 2025-26 women’s college basketball season is almost here, and fans are buzzing. The University of Connecticut (UConn) Huskies step in as reigning national champs, looking to defend their crown.
The competition? Absolutely fierce. South Carolina, Texas, and a handful of others are itching for a shot at the top.
According to the USA TODAY Sports preseason coaches poll, UConn grabs the No. 1 spot with 772 points and 28 out of 31 first-place votes.
South Carolina isn’t far behind. They pulled in 741 points and the other three first-place votes.
This season’s shaping up to be wild, with powerhouse programs fighting for the spotlight.
Top Contenders for the 2025-26 Season
Table of Contents
The preseason poll lays out a pretty competitive scene. UConn leads, but they’re hardly alone in chasing glory.
South Carolina, Texas, and UCLA all come in strong, each bringing something different to the table.
UConn Huskies
The Huskies finished last season at 37-3. That’s a record that speaks for itself.
Coaches show overwhelming support for UConn. With a deep roster and seasoned coaching, they’re set up for another big tournament run.
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina finished last season 35-4, right on UConn’s heels. They picked up three first-place votes, which says plenty about what people expect from them.
The Gamecocks have been tough for years. They’re definitely not just here to make up the numbers.
Texas Longhorns
Texas, ranked third in the poll, ended last season 35-4. No first-place votes, but their consistency lands them high on the list.
The Longhorns could easily shake things up as the season goes on.
UCLA Bruins
UCLA rounds out the top five and stands as the top Big Ten team. They posted a 34-3 record last season.
The Bruins look ready to compete with anyone and maybe even snag a top spot by the end.
Conference Dominance
The SEC made a big splash in the preseason poll. Three of its teams—South Carolina, Texas, and LSU—sit in the top five.
This shows just how deep and strong the SEC is in women’s hoops.
SEC Teams in the Top 25
LSU lands at fifth, backing up the SEC’s reputation. The conference has eight teams in the top 25, more than any other Power Five group.
That’s a lot of talent packed into one conference.
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Other Power Five Conferences
The ACC and Big Ten each put six teams into the top 25. That says a lot about their competitiveness.
Big 12 isn’t far behind, with five teams ranked, though none cracked the top 10. TCU, at 12th, leads the way for them.
Full Preseason Poll Breakdown
Here’s the full rundown of the top 25 in the USA TODAY Sports preseason women’s basketball coaches poll:
- 1. Connecticut (37-3) – 772 points, 28 first-place votes
- 2. South Carolina (35-4) – 741 points, 3 first-place votes
- 3. Texas (35-4) – 688 points
- 4. UCLA (34-3) – 686 points
- 5. LSU (31-6) – 628 points
- 6. Duke (29-8) – 594 points
- 7. Oklahoma (27-8) – 559 points
- 8. North Carolina State (28-7) – 516 points
- 9. Tennessee (24-10) – 509 points
- 10. Maryland (25-8) – 487 points
- 11. North Carolina (29-8) – 431 points
- 12. TCU (34-4) – 390 points
- 13. Notre Dame (28-6) – 351 points
- 14. Mississippi (22-11) – 346 points
- 15. Michigan (23-11) – 322 points
- 16. Southern California (31-4) – 291 points
- 17. Iowa State (23-12) – 285 points
- 18. Baylor (28-8) – 282 points
- 19. Louisville (22-11) – 198 points
- 20. Kentucky (23-8) – 164 points
- 21. Vanderbilt (22-11) – 148 points
- 22. Oklahoma State (25-7) – 113 points
- 23. Iowa (23-11) – 91 points
- 24. Ohio State (26-7) – 82 points
- 25. Kansas State (28-8) – 76 points
Teams to Watch
A few teams are right on the edge of cracking the top 25. West Virginia, Richmond, Michigan State, and Alabama all picked up some votes.
Any of these squads could shake up the rankings if they get hot.
West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia finished last season 25-8. Their early games this year might decide if they break into the rankings.
Richmond Spiders
Richmond put up a 28-7 record. That kind of performance makes them worth keeping an eye on.
Conclusion
The 2025-26 women’s college basketball season looks like it’ll be one of the most competitive we’ve seen in a while. UConn’s at the front, but plenty of other teams are hungry for that top spot.
There’s just so much talent spread across the conferences this year. If you ask me, every game might feel like a showdown.
Want more details or the latest updates? Check out the USA TODAY Sports preseason women’s basketball coaches poll.