Women’s top 25 NCAA NET rankings released

The NCAA released the first Women’s NET rankings of the 2025-26 season earlier this week, providing a fascinating glimpse into how the committee’s metric currently assesses the national landscape. Unlike traditional polls, the NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) rewards efficiency and the strength of schedule, often giving a significant boost to teams that have faced tough opponents or are winning decisively. This list features several surprising undefeated teams, but established powers dominate the top. Let’s take a look at college football’s top 25 women’s teams as per the NCAA NET rankings.

25. Washington (8-0)Rosemont, Illinois, USA; Washington’s Elle Ladine speaks during Big Ten Women’s Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

The Huskies are riding a perfect 8-0 start, propelled by high efficiency and a recent 80-54 win over San Jose State. Their perfect record gives them a strong foundation, but a major test awaits them this weekend against USC to prove their ranking is sustainable.

24. Oklahoma (8-1)Oklahoma Sooners guard Aaliyah Chavez (2) drives past NC State Wolfpack guard Devyn Quigley (0) during a women’s college basketball game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the NC State Wolfpack at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma won 103-98. Credit: BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Sooners’ strong resume includes a valuable non-conference victory, which is helping to minimize the impact of their single loss. They enter December as a solid SEC contender, backed by overall efficiency metrics, despite tough competition in the conference.

23. Alabama (9-0)Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama guard Karly Weathers (22) is guarded by Kennesaw State forward Latzia Williamson (22) during the 5th Grade Fast Break day as Alabama faced Kennesaw State in Coleman Coliseum. Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Alabama’s flawless 9-0 start is bolstered by a recent 72-48 victory over Clemson in the ACC/SEC Challenge, securing a quality road win. Their metrics are high, but they need to maintain their perfect record until the SEC schedule provides more Quad 1 opportunities.

22. Texas Tech (10-0)Texas Tech’s Sidney Love handles the ball against Mississippi State during a non-conference women’s basketball game at United Supermarkets Arena. Credit: Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Red Raiders are one of the most surprising undefeated teams, leveraging their perfect 10-0 start to earn a top-25 spot in the early NET rankings. Their placement is based on decisive victories and avoiding bad losses, giving them significant momentum heading into Big 12 play.

21. USC (6-2)Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Jazzy Davidson (9) makes a free throw against the NC State Wolfpack during the third quarter of the Ally Tipoff game at Spectrum Center. Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Despite two losses, the Trojans’ victory over a then-ranked opponent, NC State, combined with a high strength of schedule, has earned them a high rating by the NET. USC’s ranking benefits from a star freshman, Jazzy Davidson, who stepped up in JuJu Watkins’ absence and recently put up a massive double-double against Tennessee Tech.

20. Baylor (8-1)Paris, FRA; Baylor Bears guard Taliah Scott (0) drives to the basket past Duke Blue Devils guard Taina Mair (22) during the second half at Adidas Arena. Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Baylor’s 8-1 start is precisely what the metrics like to see from a program with high historical success, indicating they’ve only lost to a quality opponent. Starting their season with an upset win over Duke, they are poised to climb rapidly as the competitive Big 12 schedule allows them to rack up potential high-value victories.

19. Ole Miss (8-0)Spokane, WA, USA; Ole Miss Rebels guard Tameiya Sadler (2) walks through the line during a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game against the UCLA Bruins at Spokane Arena. at Spokane Arena. Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images

The Rebels have maximized their non-conference schedule with an unblemished 8-0 record, including a tough recent win on the road against Notre Dame. This performance demonstrates their ability to win close games in hostile environments, thereby bolstering their NET rating.

18. Iowa State (9-0)Iowa State Cyclones’ center Audi Crooks (55) drives to the basket around Norfolk State Spartans forward Carmen Kweti (15) during the first quarter in the regular season NCAA Women’s basketball at Hilton Coliseum, in Ames, Iowa.

The Cyclones’ perfect 9-0 record and high scoring margins have them ranked as one of the top teams in the Midwest, showcasing their dominant start. They rely on overall statistical efficiency and will be a significant test for the rest of the Big 12.

17. Minnesota (6-2)Rosemont, Illinois, USA; Minnesota’s Amaya Battle speaks during Big Ten Women’s Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

Minnesota’s 6-2 record is strong enough to rank in the top 20, thanks to a tough schedule that has prepared them for the difficult Big Ten slate, which begins this weekend. They will host No. 10 Maryland this Sunday in a huge early conference test.

16. Oregon (10-0)Oregon players help up teammate Oregon guard Katie Fiso after a foul as the Oregon Ducks host the Grand Canyon Antelopes at Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. Credit: Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Ducks are one of the few teams remaining with a perfect 10-0 record, which the NET heavily rewards for avoiding any missteps. They face a massive opportunity this weekend when they travel to Los Angeles to take on No. 5 UCLA.

15. Louisville (7-3)Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Skylar Jones (23) shoots against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

Louisville’s three losses have not hurt their ranking significantly because they have all come against high-quality opponents, including a close loss to No. 6 South Carolina. Their high strength of schedule score keeps them positioned well for an at-large bid.

14. Vanderbilt (9-0)Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) shoots the ball during the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville. Credit: NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Commodores are a surprise undefeated team at 9-0, earning a high spot by consistently winning and avoiding bad losses, which boosts their NET efficiency score. Vandy is the highest-ranked team that relies heavily on a clean slate rather than an elite victory.

13. North Carolina (8-2)Atlanta, GA, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Agot Makeer (44) dribbles the ball against North Carolina Tar Heels guard Taliyah Henderson (3) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

UNC’s resume includes a few decisive wins, but their recent loss to No. 3 Texas is viewed as a high-quality defeat by the NET. They are built for conference play and will be a tough out in the highly competitive ACC this season.

12. Iowa (8-0)Iowa guard Taylor Stremlow (1) brings the ball down court during a women’s basketball game against the Evansville Purple Aces at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. Credit: Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Hawkeyes’ perfect 8-0 The record is a testament to their incredibly dominant offense, consistently posting high-scoring margins that the NET rewards. Iowa will be looking to carry that perfect record into a challenging Big Ten opener on the road against Rutgers this Saturday.

11. Nebraska (8-0)Nebraska’s Hailey Weaver (1) guards Virginia’s Kymora Johnson (21) during the Emerald Coast Classic game at Raider Arena in Niceville, Fla. Credit: Tyler Orsburn/News Herald

The Huskers are one of the best-performing teams in the nation, achieving a perfect 8-0 record that includes a quality neutral-site win over Virginia. Their high ranking reflects their overall statistical dominance, ranking No. 1 in winning percentage and No. 3 in field goal percentage nationally.

10. Maryland (10-0)Rosemont, Illinois, USA; Maryland head coach Brenda Frese speaks during Big Ten WomenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

Maryland is one of the top remaining undefeated teams in the nation, with their 10-0 record showcasing great consistency through the non-conference schedule. They enter their Big Ten schedule this weekend with high momentum, traveling to face No. 17 Minnesota.

9. TCU (9-0)Kansas City, MO, USA; TCU’s Olivia Miles speaks to media during Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center. Credit: Sophia Scheller-Imagn Images

The Horned Frogs are one of the elite undefeated teams, thanks to a 9-0 record that includes a few crucial non-conference wins. TCU is a model of efficiency and will have a chance to solidify their ranking with a game against UTEP this Saturday.

8. Kentucky (9-1)Kentucky’s coach, Kenny Brooks, watches the play as the Blue and White team scrimmaged each other in Memorial Coliseum Friday night. Credit: Scott Utterback/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Wildcats’ strong 9-1 record is powered by early-season success against quality opponents, demonstrating a high floor for the program. They are well-positioned as a top-tier SEC team entering the bulk of the conference schedule.

7. Michigan State (8-0)Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Nyla Hampton (22) drives past NC State Wolfpack guard Zamareya Jones (3) during the second half at James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds. Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images

The Spartans are undefeated and highly ranked due to their exceptional efficiency metrics, leading the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.58) and assists per game (24.5). MSU’s style of play, focused on selfless offense, is heavily favored by the NET formula.

6. South Carolina (8-1)Louisville, Kentucky, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) drives to the basket against Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. South Carolina defeated Louisville 79-77. Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

The Gamecocks’ lone loss to Texas is overshadowed by a massive resume, including a clutch 79-77 win over No. 15 Louisville in the ACC/SEC Challenge. Their high ranking is a nod to their consistently challenging schedule and ability to win big games.

5. UCLA (8-1)Tampa, FL, USA; UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) dribbles against Connecticut Huskies center Jana El Alfy (8) during the third quarter in a semifinal of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Bruins’ lone loss has not deterred the NET, which recognizes their high quality of opponents and key victories, including a neutral-site win over No. 14 Tennessee, which has cemented their top-five status. Star guard Gabriela Jaquez recently earned Big Ten Conference Player of the Week honors. 

4. Michigan (7-1)Rosemont, Illinois, USA; Michigan’s Syla Swords speaks during Big Ten WomenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images

Michigan is the highest-ranked one-loss team in the Big Ten, with their resume defined by an elite strength of schedule and quality road wins. The Wolverines are set to take on Purdue this Sunday in a key early-season conference matchup.

3. Texas (9-0)Tampa, FL, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Taylor Jones (44) and Texas Longhorns guard Jordana Codio (13) walk off the court after losing to South Carolina Gamecocks during the semifinal of the women’s 2025 NCAA tournament at Amalie Arena. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Longhorns are a dominant 9-0, powered by a recent statement 79-64 victory over North Carolina that solidified their case as a national title contender. Their high offensive efficiency against a challenging schedule makes them an easy top-three choice for the NET.

2. LSU (9-0)New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey reacts after a play by LSU Tigers guard Flau’Jae Johnson (4) during the first half against the Tulane Green Wave at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

LSU’s 9-0 record is impressive, highlighted by a recent 93-77 road victory over Duke in the ACC/SEC Challenge, extending their record streak of 90+ point games. Their high-scoring, decisive wins, despite a somewhat weaker overall schedule, have kept them near the top.

1. UConn (8-0)Hartford, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies forward Sarah Strong (21) returns the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half at Peoples Bank Arena. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Huskies debut at No. 1 by combining a perfect 8-0 record with a history of elite efficiency and tough scheduling, making them the NET’s top-rated team. They are viewed as the most complete team early on, leveraging their deep roster to maintain a high margin of victory.

Conclusion

The first women’s NET rankings of the 2025-26 season confirm the dominance of the nation’s traditional powers, with UConn, LSU, and Texas forming an elite top three. The Big Ten and SEC are particularly well-represented throughout the list, indicating their conference races will be highly competitive and provide ample Quad 1 opportunities. This early blueprint sets the stage for a dramatic December as the non-conference elite begin to collide with conference play.