With the non-conference schedule winding down, college basketball’s AP Top 25 women’s ranking has officially landed ahead of Week 8, and it’s a masterclass in holiday chaos. While the top of the mountain remains steady with blue-chip programs like UConn and Texas, the middle of the pack has been set on fire by a wave of undefeated dark horses and statement upsets. Take a look at the latest polls as the landscape of the 2025-26 season gradually becomes one of the most competitive in recent memory.
25. Princeton Tigers (11-1)
Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Princeton Tigers guard Grace Stone (10) looks to pass against UConn Huskies forward Aubrey Griffin (44) in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
The Tigers are riding a 10-game winning streak that has effectively silenced the early-season skeptics. Madison St. Rose and Skye Belker were the catalysts in their recent 87-77 win over Temple, showing the depth of the Ivy League favorite. They’ve carved out a niche as the premier mid-major threat that no high-seed wants to see in March.
24. Michigan State Spartans (10-1)
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 move into the rankings after a statement win in the Cherokee Invitational, where they physically dismantled Ole Miss. Their only blemish is a single-digit loss, and their defensive metrics are currently tracking toward a program-best. This group plays with a chip on their shoulder, suggesting they are ready to cause headaches in the Big Ten.
23. Tennessee Lady Vols (7-3)
Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) attempts to score while guarded by Southern Indiana guard Ali Saunders (11) during an NCAA college basketball game in Knoxville, Tennessee. Credit: Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It’s been a rocky road for the Lady Vols, who fell six spots after a disappointing offensive showing against Louisville. Despite the slump, Nya Robertson remains a bright spot, recently leading them to a massive bounce-back win over Southern Indiana. They have the talent to climb back, but the lack of consistency from the perimeter is starting to look like a long-term concern.
22. Baylor Bears (11-3)
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 suffered a significant setback this week after a heartbreaker in Waco, where their 31-game win streak against Texas Tech was snapped. The Bears struggled to find their rhythm in the closing minutes, ultimately falling 61-60 in a hostile environment. They’ll need to regroup quickly as the Big 12 schedule looks more unforgiving than it has in years.
21. Texas Tech Red Raiders (14-0)
Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Jordyn Merritt (12) talks to the media during Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day at T-Mobile Center. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
The Red Raiders are the story of the week, cracking the Top 25 for the first time since 2012. Jasmine Maupin’s clutch free throws secured a monumental win over No. 15 Baylor, sparking a court storm in Waco. At 14-0, Krista Gerlich has this program believing they can compete for a conference title right now.
20. Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-0)
Rosemont, Illinois, USA; Nebraska’s Callin Hake speaks during Big Ten Women’s Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
The Huskers remain unblemished and are starting to look like a serious factor in the national conversation. Their balanced scoring and unselfish play have allowed them to cruise through the non-conference slate with double-digit margins. A massive clash with USC is on the horizon, which will be the ultimate litmus test for their perfect record.
19. Ohio State Buckeyes (10-1)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Ella Hobbs (14) looks to pass the ball in the second half of the NCAA women’s basketball game at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Credit: Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Buckeyes are clicking on all cylinders, evidenced by their 95-47 absolute destruction of Western Michigan. Their press remains the most disruptive in the country, forcing turnovers that lead to easy transition buckets. They move up two spots and look poised to challenge for the top of the Big Ten standings.
18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (9-2)
Notre Dame junior Hannah Hidalgo dribbles with the ball after recording her 15th of 16 steals during an NCAA women’s college basketball game between Notre Dame and Akron at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. Credit: Austin Hough / South Bend Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Notre Dame continues to steady the ship as they integrate a roster that is finally getting back to full health. The Irish have shown flashes of brilliance, and their two losses are arguably against the most demanding schedule in the poll. With conference play looming, their ability to control the glass will be the key to moving into the top ten.
17. USC Trojans (9-3)
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. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Despite the absence of their unstoppable superstar JuJu Watkins, the Trojans still look like a team that can beat anyone on their best day. While they’ve dropped a few close games against elite competition, their ceiling remains as high as any team in the country. They’ll need more consistent secondary scoring to take the pressure off Watkins as the defensive schemes tighten up.
16. North Carolina Tar Heels (11-3)
Birmingham, AL, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Courtney Banghart works with guard Reniya Kelly (10) during the Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game against the Duke Blue Devils at Legacy Arena. Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
The Tar Heels have looked sharp lately, utilizing their speed to overwhelm opponents in the open court. They move up two spots this week and are quietly putting together a resume that screams “Second Weekend of the Tournament.” A road test at Boston College will be their final hurdle before the holiday break ends.
15. Ole Miss Rebels (12-1)
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
Despite a tough loss to Michigan State, the Rebels remain a top-15 fixture due to their elite interior defense. They have one of the highest block rates in the country and a physical style of play that wears opponents down. Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin has this team playing with a defensive identity that will keep them in every SEC game.
14. Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2)
Brooklyn, New York, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Chazadi Wright (11) looks to pass the ball against UConn Huskies guard KK Arnold (2) during the first half at Barclays Center. Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images
The Hawkeyes fell three spots after a tough outing against UConn in the Women’s Champions Classic. While the loss served as a reality check, it also proved that Iowa remains a part of the conversation with the nation’s elite. The focus now shifts to Big Ten play, where they remain a favorite to repeat as regular-season champions.
13. Louisville Cardinals (12-3)
Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Tajianna Roberts (22) looks to pass during the first half against the UConn Huskies at Alumni Hall on the United States Naval Academy. Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Louisville is the week’s biggest riser, jumping three spots after a physical win over a ranked Tennessee squad. The Cardinals are finally finding the offensive flow that was missing earlier in the season. They’ve won six straight and are heading into the new year with more momentum than almost anyone in the ACC.
12. Vanderbilt Commodores (12-0)
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 Dores are 12-0 and playing their best basketball in nearly two decades, yet they still feel like a secret. Their efficiency on both ends of the floor is staggering, and they’ve shown they can win ugly or in a shootout. If they can carry this momentum into their SEC opener, the secret will be out very quickly.
11. Kentucky Wildcats (12-1)
Greenville, SC, USA; Oklahoma Sooners forward Liz Scott (34) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats center Clara Strack (13) and forward Amelia Hassett (32) during the second half at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Kenny Brooks has the Wildcats purring, as they continue their steady climb toward the top ten. They’ve shown a level of discipline and execution that has been missing from the program for years. With only one loss on the season, they are a team that no one in the SEC wants to see on their schedule.
10. Iowa State Cyclones (13-0)
Iowa State Cyclones’ center Audi Crooks (55) looks for a shot around Kansas Jayhawks forward Lilly Meister (52) during the first quarter in the Big-12 women’s basketball at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa. Credit: Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Audi Crooks is playing like the best post player in the country, recently dropping 41 points to lift the Cyclones over Kansas. Her ability to command double teams and still finish at an elite rate has Iowa State looking like a title contender. They are a perfect 13-0 and have officially become the team to beat in the new-look Big 12.
T-8. Oklahoma Sooners (11-1)
Oklahoma guard Payton Verhulst (12) drives in front of Oklahoma State guard Haleigh Timmer (13) during the second half of a Bedlam women’s college basketball game between the OSU Cowgirls and OU Sooners at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Credit: NATE BILLINGS/FOR THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Oklahoma shared the eighth spot this week after setting a program record with 126 points in a win over NC Central. Their offensive pace is breathtaking, and when their shooters are on, there isn’t a team in the country that can keep up. The Sooners are playing with a level of confidence that makes them a legitimate threat to the SEC’s standard powers.
T-8. TCU Horned Frogs (13-0) 
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. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
The Frogs are tied for eighth and remain undefeated, thanks to a defense that simply refuses to give up easy looks. Their chemistry has improved every week, and they finally have the depth to sustain their high-intensity style. A New Year’s Eve matchup at BYU will be their chance to prove they belong in the top five.
7. Maryland Terrapins (13-0)
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 remains perfect at 13-0, quietly dismantling everyone put in front of them with surgical precision. The Terps are sharing the ball at an elite level, leading the Big Ten in assists per game. They’ve mainly been untested so far, but that will change quickly as they head into a brutal January schedule.
6. Michigan Wolverines (10-1)
Rosemont, Illinois, USA; Michigan’s Syla Swords speaks during Big Ten Women’s Basketball Media Days at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Credit: Talia Sprague-Imagn Images
The Wolverines stay firm at No. 6, proving that their early-season success was no fluke. They have a physical frontcourt that punishes teams in the paint and a backcourt that can hit from beyond the arc. Their upcoming road trip to Oregon will reveal a great deal about their ability to succeed in challenging environments.
5. LSU Tigers (13-0)
Tigers Head Coach Kim Mulkey is talking with Flau’jae Johnson 4, LSU Women’s Basketball takes on Texas Arlington. Credit: SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Kim Mulkey’s squad is a perfect 13-0 and looks every bit like a team capable of another Final Four run. The Tigers are dominating the glass and getting to the free-throw line more than almost anyone in the nation. While their non-conference schedule hasn’t been the toughest, their margin of victory has been undeniable.
4. UCLA Bruins (11-1)
Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) drives past Cal Poly Mustangs forward Gillian Bears (14) for a basket during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
UCLA remains a powerhouse, still riding the momentum of their massive wins over UNC, Oklahoma, and Duke earlier this season. Lauren Betts is a double-double machine who anchors a defense that is incredibly difficult to score on in the halfcourt. Their only loss was against Texas, and many still consider them the most talented roster from top to bottom.
3. South Carolina Gamecocks (12-1)
Louisville, Kentucky, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley calls out instructions during the second half against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC Yum! Center. South Carolina defeated Louisville 79-77. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
The Gamecocks haven’t missed a beat since their stumble against Texas, recently crushing Florida Gulf Coast 105-43. Dawn Staley has her team playing with their signature defensive ferocity, and the bench depth is once again a nightmare for opponents now that the French phenom Alicia Tournebize will be joining the roster post-festive season. They remain the gold standard of the SEC and the biggest threat to the top two spots.
2. Texas Longhorns (14-0)
Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears forward Bella Fontleroy (22) battles for a rebound against Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) during the second half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Texas is 14-0 and earned seven first-place votes this week, keeping them firmly on the heels of the No. 1 spot. Their backcourt pressure is relentless, and they’ve shown they can win even when their primary scorers have an off night. As they head into their first SEC season, they look more than ready for the increased physicality.
1. UConn Huskies (12-0)
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
Geno Auriemma’s squad stays at No. 1 after a statement rout of Iowa that proved they are the class of the field. The Huskies received 25 first-place votes, solidified by the record-breaking win that made Auriemma the all-time winningest coach. With a perfect record and a Sarah Strong-led offense that looks unstoppable, the road to the title clearly runs through Storrs.
Conclusion
The polls leading up to Week 8 have set the stage for an explosive start to 2026. While the Big Three of UConn, Texas, and South Carolina look like a tier of their own, the rise of undefeated programs like Vanderbilt, TCU, and Texas Tech suggests that the traditional hierarchy is being challenged. As we transition into conference play, those perfect records will be put to the test, and the parity we’re seeing right now is a win for every fan of the game.