The mid-December stretch of the women’s college basketball season has officially separated the contenders from the pretenders. The latest AP Top 25 poll, released on December 15, 2025, for Week 7, reflects a weekend of high-drama clashes that reshaped the rankings and rewarded consistency. While a familiar blue-blood program has solidified its grip on the No. 1 spot after a masterclass performance in Los Angeles, the real excitement lies in the rise of undefeated programs from the SEC and Big Ten. From historic milestones to overtime thrillers, the landscape of the 2025-26 season is becoming clearer just as conference play begins to loom on the horizon. Here are college basketball’s Week 7 AP top 25 women’s rankings:
25. Princeton Tigers (10-1)
Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Princeton Tigers head coach Carla Berube watches from the sideline as they take on the UConn Huskies at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The Tigers return to the national rankings this week after building a resume defined by disciplined defense and a high-IQ offense. Coach Carla Berube’s squad has won eight straight since their lone loss to Maryland, proving they can compete with any high-major program. With Madison St. Rose leading the way, they enter the poll as the premier mid-major threat to watch heading into 2026.
24. Michigan State Spartans (9-1)
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Grace VanSlooten (14) shoots during the second half at James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds. Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images
The Spartans are enjoying a bounce-back season, quietly climbing the rankings thanks to a balanced attack that features four double-digit scorers. Their only blemish is a narrow road loss, but their efficiency on the perimeter has made them one of the toughest outs in the Big Ten. They provide even more depth to a conference that currently dominates the bottom half of the Top 25 with clinical execution.
23. Nebraska Cornhuskers (11-0)
Nebraska’s Alanna Neale (00), Hailey Weaver (1), and Claire Johnson (5) are seen during the Emerald Coast Classic game against Virginia at Raider Arena in Niceville, Fla. Credit: Tyler Orsburn/News Herald
The Huskers remain undefeated and are quickly becoming the “it” team of the Midwest, thanks to their relentless pace and transition scoring. They have relied on a veteran core to navigate early-season tests, showing a poise that has been missing in Lincoln for several years. As they continue to pile up wins, they are positioning themselves for a high seed and a legitimate run at a conference title.
22. Washington Huskies (9-1)
Rosemont, Illinois, USA; Washington’s Elle Ladine speaks during Big Ten WomenÕs Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
Washington continues to trend upward, relying on a stifling defense that has held five of its last six opponents under sixty points. The Huskies have embraced a gritty identity under their current leadership, winning the “ugly” games that separate good teams from great ones. They appear prepared for the gauntlet of the Big Ten, despite a loss to USC in their last match, bringing a physical style of play that translates well on the road.
21. Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1)
Ohio State Buckeyes guard T’yana Todd (4) shoots the ball in the first half of the NCAA basketball game at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Credit: Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Buckeyes have remained a model of consistency, using their full-court press to force turnovers and create easy opportunities in the paint. While they haven’t had many signature wins yet, their margin of victory against unranked opponents has kept them firmly in the poll. Expect this group to make a significant jump if they can maintain this defensive intensity when facing the league’s elite offenses.
20. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-2)
Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo (3) shoots the ball during an NCAA women’s basketball game against Morehead State at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend. Credit: MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It has been a season of growth for the Irish, who have navigated some early injuries to remain a factor in the national conversation. Their backcourt remains one of the fastest in the country, capable of putting up points in bunches when their transition game is clicking. With a few high-profile ACC matchups on the horizon, the Irish have the talent to reclaim a spot in the top ten by January.
19. USC Trojans (7-3)
Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans guard Kennedy Smith (11) and guard Jazzy Davidson (9) defend Saint Mary’s Gaels guard Malia Latu (13) during the first half at Galen Center. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Trojans suffered a dip in the rankings this week following a tough blowout loss to the top-ranked team in the nation at home. Despite the setback, the talent on this roster is undeniable, and they remain one of the most dangerous offensive units in the country even without JuJu Watkins. They will need to shore up their interior defense to ensure they don’t lose ground during a competitive stretch of conference play.
18. North Carolina Tar Heels (9-3)
Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Nyla Harris (2) steals the possession against South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
The Tar Heels took a six-spot tumble after a heartbreaking overtime loss to Louisville in a game they controlled for the majority of the second half. The slide is more a reflection of the strength of the schedule than a lack of talent, as they remain an elite rebounding team. They have a chance to prove the voters wrong quickly if they can find more consistent shooting from their wings in late-game scenarios.
17. Tennessee Volunteers (7-2)
Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell and forward Janiah Barker (0) during the NCAA college basketball game against Winthrop in Knoxville, Tennessee. Credit: Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Lady Vols are starting to find their rhythm, playing a physical brand of basketball that has become their hallmark under the current staff. They head into a massive matchup in New York this weekend, a game that will serve as a litmus test for their postseason aspirations. If they can dominate the glass as they have in recent weeks, they are a threat to climb back into the top twelve.
16. Louisville Cardinals (10-3)
Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Grace Mbugua (24) shoots against Eastern Kentucky Colonels forward Kailani Lindsey (24) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Eastern Kentucky 76-51. Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
The Cardinals are the week’s biggest winners, jumping six spots following a statement overtime victory over a top-fifteen rival in UNC. This win validated their early-season grind and showcased a mental toughness that should serve them well in a deep ACC field. They are playing with a newfound confidence that has completely transformed their outlook heading into the holiday tournament season.
15. Baylor Bears (10-2)
Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears forward Bella Fontleroy (22) battles for a rebound against the Texas Longhorns during the second half at Dickies Arena. Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Baylor slipped slightly this week as they continue to search for an identity following a pair of games where their offense went cold. The Bears still possess an elite frontcourt, but they have struggled at times to close out possessions against teams with high-level length. They remain a Big 12 favorite, but they will need to find a secondary scoring option to help carry the load in big games.
14. Ole Miss Rebels (10-1)
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. Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
The Rebels continue to climb, fueled by a defense that is currently ranked among the top five nationally in points allowed per possession. They have embraced the “grind-it-out” mentality, winning several close games by dominating the offensive glass and creating second-chance points. This team is no longer a sleeper; they are a legitimate SEC contender that matches up well with the high-octane offenses at the top.
13. Vanderbilt Commodores (9-0)
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Jada Brown (2) dribbles the ball while Furman Paladins guard Chantelle Stuart (10) during the women’s basketball game between Vanderbilt vs Furman at the Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville. Credit: NICOLE HESTER / THE TENNESSEAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Vanderbilt remains one of the season’s best stories, staying perfect and earning their highest ranking in over a decade. Their success is built on chemistry and a lack of ego, with a different player seemingly leading the team in scoring every night. The Commodores are the highest-ranked unbeaten team in their conference, a status they will look to defend throughout a brutal December.
12. Kentucky Wildcats (11-1)
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 have surged into the top fifteen, playing an explosive style of basketball that has caught many national observers by surprise. Their only loss was a competitive road game, and they have since responded with three consecutive double-digit wins against quality opponents. With their star power and veteran leadership, Kentucky appears to be a program poised to make a deep run into the second weekend of March.
11. Iowa Hawkeyes (10-1)
Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball head coach Jan Jensen calls a play during the first quarter against Iowa State in the NCAA women’s basketball Cy-Hawk Series at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. Credit: Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Iowa remains just outside the top ten, playing with a high-octane offensive system that leads the country in assists per game. Their lone loss was a close battle against their in-state rival, but they have otherwise looked dominant in every facet of the game. The Hawkeyes have a massive opportunity to move into the top five this weekend when they face the No. 1 team in the country.
10. Iowa State Cyclones (12-0)
Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones Audi Crooks (55) celebrates in their game with the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
The Cyclones hit a milestone this week, moving to 12-0 after a signature win over Iowa despite the absence of top scorer Audi Crooks, which proved they are the class of the state. They rely on a sophisticated offensive system that prioritizes ball movement and high-percentage looks from the perimeter. Undefeated and confident, Iowa State is currently the team to beat in the Big 12 as they continue to pile up impressive metrics.
9. TCU Horned Frogs (11-0)
Birmingham, AL, USA; TCU Horned Frogs guard Donovyn Hunter (4) sets up on defense against the Texas Longhorns during the second half of an Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Legacy Arena. Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
TCU remains unbeaten and moves into the top ten, powered by an athletic backcourt that excels at creating havoc in the open court. While they haven’t faced a gauntlet of ranked teams yet, they have won every game on their schedule in convincing fashion. Their speed and length make them a matchup nightmare for traditional lineups, and they are quickly becoming a national title dark horse.
8. Oklahoma Sooners (11-1)
Spokane, WA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners center Raegan Beers (52) runs the lane against UConn Huskies center Jana El Alfy (8) during the second half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena. Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
The Sooners swapped spots with TCU this week after securing a gritty rivalry win that showcased their improved interior presence. Now a member of the SEC, Oklahoma has transitioned seamlessly, maintaining their high-scoring ways while adding a new level of physicality. They look like a team that is peaking at the right time, with several of their key players playing the best basketball of their careers.
7. Maryland Terrapins (12-0)
Birmingham, AL, USA; Maryland Terrapins guard Kaylene Smikle (2) works against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) during the second half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Legacy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Maryland’s 12-0 start is their best in recent memory, and they move to No. 7 as they continue to dismantle teams with their depth. The Terps have one of the most versatile rosters in the country, allowing them to transition seamlessly between small-ball and traditional lineups. They have already proven they can win on the road, making them a formidable threat to the Big Ten’s established hierarchy.
6. Michigan Wolverines (9-1)
Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Olivia Olson (1) defends against Southern California Trojans guard JuJu Watkins (12) during the first half of the Big Ten Conference Tournament semifinals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images
The Wolverines hold steady at No. 6, anchored by a veteran core that plays some of the most disciplined basketball in the nation. Their only loss came at the hands of a top-three team, and they have since reeled off five straight wins by an average of twenty points. Michigan is a lock for a high seed if they can maintain this level of efficiency on the defensive end of the floor.
5. LSU Tigers (11-0)
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers guard Milaysia Fulwiley (23) reacts after a free throw with LSU Tigers guard Zakiyah Johnson (11) against the Tulane Green Wave during the second half at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse. Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Kim Mulkey has the Tigers playing with a swagger reminiscent of their championship run, remaining undefeated through eleven games. LSU is currently leading the nation in scoring margin, a testament to their ability to overwhelm opponents with sheer athleticism and size. They have yet to be truly tested in a close game, but their talent level suggests they are more than ready for the SEC grind.
4. UCLA Bruins (9-1)
Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Sienna Betts (16) is congratulated at the bench by center Lauren Betts (51) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Bruins remain at No. 4, boasting a roster that many coaches believe is the deepest and most talented in the entire country. Their only loss was a one-possession game, and they have since looked focused and determined during a dominant stretch of non-conference play. With their mix of elite recruits and experienced transfers, UCLA is a clear favorite to reach the Final Four in April.
3. South Carolina Gamecocks (10-1)
Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) and forward Joyce Edwards (8) grab a rebound over North Carolina Central Eagles guard Tierney Coleman (4) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
The Gamecocks continue to be the gold standard for interior dominance, coming off a forty-point blowout against Penn State that reminded everyone of their ceiling. Their depth is their greatest weapon, as Coach Dawn Staley can rotate multiple All-American candidates without any drop-off in production. They remain the favorites in the SEC and show every sign of continuing to be so.
2. Texas Longhorns (12-0)
Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) scores a layup ahead of Baylor Bears forward Darianna Littlepage-Buggs (5) during the first half at Dickies Arena. Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Texas moves to 12-0 and remains the highest-ranked team in the SEC, earning eight first-place votes in the process. The Longhorns have a resume that is second to none, featuring multiple wins over ranked opponents and an undefeated record in neutral sites. They are playing with a level of connectivity that makes them almost impossible to scout, and they look destined for a No. 1 seed.
1. UConn Huskies (10-0)
Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies forward Sarah Strong (21) returns up court against the DePaul Blue Demons in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Huskies reclaimed 24 of 32 first-place votes after a masterful road performance where they blew out a top-twenty opponent in their own gym. Led by elite guard play and a revitalized defense, Geno Auriemma’s UConn looks like the most complete team in the country through the first seven weeks. They have officially tied a national record for the most weeks ranked in the top five, further cementing their status as the sport’s greatest dynasty.
Conclusion
The Week 7 rankings have set the stage for an incredible holiday season of hoops. With UConn re-establishing itself as the clear favorite and programs like Vanderbilt and Nebraska proving that the middle tier is rising, parity in the women’s game has never been higher. As we look ahead to the Champions Classic and the start of the new year, every game takes on added significance in the race for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.