As we cross the threshold into 2026, the landscape of women’s college basketball is becoming increasingly defined by an elite group of undefeated powerhouses and a chaotic middle tier. The latest USA TODAY coaches poll reflects a season in which emerging programs are challenging the traditional giants. With conference play beginning to heat up across the country, this week’s rankings serve as the ultimate benchmark for who is actually a national title contender and who might just be a “December wonder.” Here is college basketball’s Week 9 coaches poll for women’s basketball, as per USA TODAY Sports.
25. Nebraska Cornhuskers (12-1)
Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (1) chases after the basketball after knocking it away from Nebraska Cornhuskers center Alexis Markowski (40) at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
The Huskers suffered a slight dip this week following a tough 74-66 loss to USC that snapped their perfect start to the season. Despite the setback, Alexis Markowski remains a double-double machine, providing the veteran leadership Nebraska needs to navigate a brutal Big Ten schedule. They’ll need to rediscover their defensive rhythm quickly as they prepare for a massive showdown against Iowa on New Year’s Day.
24. Alabama Crimson Tide (14-0)
Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama head coach Kristy Curry is dismayed by a foul call on the Crimson Tide at Coleman Coliseum in the ACC-SEC Challenge. Alabama defeated Clemson 72-48. Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
Alabama finally cracked the top 25 with a “plus-one” move this week, rewarding their discipline during a flawless non-conference run. While critics point to a lighter schedule, the Tide’s chemistry is undeniable, specifically their ability to share the ball and find open shooters in transition. Their undefeated status will be put to the ultimate test this Thursday when they travel to Columbia to face the powerhouse Gamecocks.
23. Texas Tech Red Raiders (14-0)
Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Krista Gerlich 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 one of the best stories in the sport right now, remaining a perfect 14-0 and showing a grit that hasn’t been seen in Lubbock for years. They handled their business in the early Big 12 window, utilizing a high-pressure defense that currently ranks among the best in the nation for forced turnovers. Maintaining this momentum will be the challenge as they enter a stretch where they face three ranked conference opponents in two weeks.
22. Tennessee Volunteers (8-3)
Tennessee Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) gets ready to drive to the basket as Middle Tennessee guard Blair Baugus (12) guards her during the NCAA women’s basketball game at Middle Tennessee. Credit: HELEN COMER/The Daily News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It has been a rollercoaster for the Lady Vols, who dropped one spot after some inconsistent shooting performances during the holiday break. While they have the talent to play with anyone, their three losses have all come against Top 15 teams, leaving questions about their “clutch” factor. They look to stabilize their season against Florida this week, hoping to turn their athletic potential into SEC dominance.
21. Baylor Bears (11-3)
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 fell to 21st after a surprising stumble in their conference opener, a loss that highlighted some uncharacteristic gaps in their perimeter defense. Head coach Nicki Collen is likely tinkering with the rotation to find more consistent scoring help for her primary playmakers. The Bears remain a dangerous out in any tournament setting, but they must find a way to close out games against physical Big 12 opponents.
20. Ohio State Buckeyes (11-2)
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Seini Henry (15) dribbles the ball down the court for a fast break 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 slid to 20th this week, but don’t let the ranking fool you; this team is still playing at a blistering pace, exhausting opponents with the “press-and-run” style that has become their trademark over the last few seasons. Their only two losses this season have come against UConn and UCLA. Expect them to be a major factor in the Big Ten race as their young core continues to gel under the pressure of conference play.
19. Michigan State Spartans (12-1)
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Theryn Hallock (4) drives past NC State Wolfpack guard Aziaha James (10) and NC State Wolfpack guard Madison Hayes (21) during the second half at James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds. Credit: William Howard-Imagn Images
The Spartans are the week’s biggest climbers in the bottom half, jumping two spots after a series of dominant double-digit wins. Their only loss remains a narrow one, and their offensive efficiency numbers are currently trailing only the top three teams in the country. If they can sustain this level of shooting from beyond the arc, they could easily find themselves in the Top 15 by mid-January.
18. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-2)
Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo 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
The Irish made a statement this week by absolutely dismantling Pitt in a 94-59 blowout that reminded everyone of their offensive ceiling. Hannah Hidalgo continues to be the engine of this team, playing with a defensive intensity that sets the tone for the entire roster. As long as they stay healthy, Notre Dame looks like the primary threat to Louisville for the ACC regular-season crown.
17. Ole Miss Rebels (13-2)
Spokane, WA, USA; Ole Miss Rebels guard Tameiya Sadler (2) and Ole Miss Rebels guard KK Deans (1) share a moment during the second half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game against the UCLA Bruins at Spokane Arena. Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images
The Rebels have stayed steady at 17, leaning on a veteran-heavy lineup that knows how to grind out ugly wins when the shots aren’t falling. Their defensive rebounding has been the key to their success, preventing second-chance points and allowing them to control the tempo. They open SEC play against Georgia this week, a game that will test their ability to handle high-level athletic wing play.
16. USC Trojans (10-3)
Los Angeles, California, USA; Saint Mary’s Gaels guard Malia Latu (13) defends USC Trojans guard Kara Dunn (25) during the first half at Galen Center. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
USC moved up after a signature 74-66 win over previously undefeated Nebraska, a game that showcased their resilience in the fourth quarter. The Trojans are finding their identity as a defensive-first squad that can capitalize on opponent mistakes with lethal transition scoring. With a massive rivalry game against UCLA looming on the horizon, USC is hitting its stride at exactly the right time.
15. North Carolina Tar Heels (12-3)
Atlanta, GA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Indya Nivar (24) dribbles the ball toward the basket against South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the first quarter at State Farm Arena. Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
UNC looked like a well-oiled machine in their 90-39 thrashing of Boston College, proving that their early-season kinks have been ironed out. Their length and athleticism on the wing make them a nightmare for teams that rely on a slow, methodical half-court offense. If they can maintain this level of focus, they will be a tough out for any of the Top 10 teams currently sitting above them.
14. Iowa Hawkeyes (11-2)
Brooklyn, New York, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Taylor Stremlow (1) dribbles the ball against the UConn Huskies during the first half at Barclays Center. Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images
Post-Caitlin Clark Iowa is still very much a force to be reckoned with, holding firm at 14 with a balanced scoring attack that keeps defenses guessing. They have developed a “blue-collar” identity, winning games through grit on the boards and high-IQ passing in the lane. The upcoming matchup against Nebraska will be a litmus test for whether they can remain in the top tier of the Big Ten.
13. Louisville Cardinals (12-3)
Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Grace Mbugua (24) shoots as forward Yevheniia Putra (12) blocks out the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Eastern Kentucky 76-51. Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
The Cardinals have surged recently, winning five straight and looking like the physical, defensive juggernaut Jeff Walz has always favored. They are finally getting consistent production from their bench, which has allowed them to maintain a high intensity for all 40 minutes. Their New Year’s Day battle against SMU should be a chance to refine their half-court execution before the ACC schedule toughens up.
12. Kentucky Wildcats (13-1)
The Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball team has fun on the court during the 2025 Big Blue Madness at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Credit: Matt Stone/The Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Kentucky is the dark horse of the SEC this year, riding a 13-1 record into a massive showdown against LSU this Thursday. Their only loss was a competitive one, and they’ve shown an ability to win both high-scoring shootouts and low-scoring defensive battles. If they can pull off the upset in Baton Rouge, expect them to skyrocket into the Top 5 by next week.
11. Vanderbilt Commodores (13-0)
Virginia Cavaliers guard Jillian Brown (4) guards Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) as Virginia Cavaliers forward Caitlin Weimar (12) also guards 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
Vanderbilt remains one of the few undefeated teams left standing, a feat that has earned them the #11 spot and a lot of national respect. Their disciplined approach to the game has resulted in a very low turnover rate, a vital stat for a team heading into a hostile SEC environment. They travel to Arkansas this week, looking to prove that their perfect record is built on more than just a favorable early 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
The Cyclones have been a model of consistency, sitting at a perfect 13-0 thanks to one of the most efficient offenses in the Big 12. Audi Crooks continues to be an unstoppable force in the paint, demanding double-teams that open up the floor for Iowa State’s elite shooters. They take their undefeated record on the road to Houston this week, where they’ll need to stay focused to avoid a trap-game upset.
9. Oklahoma Sooners (12-1)
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
The Sooners dropped one spot this week, but it was more about the surge of teams around them than any failure on their part. Their high-octane offense is still capable of putting up 80 points on any given night, but they occasionally struggle with defensive lapses. They’ll need to be locked in defensively as they head to College Station for a physical New Year’s Day battle with Texas A&M.
8. Michigan Wolverines (11-1)
Michigan Wolverines forward Alyssa Crockett (20) passes the ball during the NCAA women’s basketball game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. Michigan won 87-60. Credit: Alex Martin/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Michigan is the “heart attack” team of the month after surviving a thrilling 92-87 double-overtime victory against Oregon. That win solidified their status as a top-10 team, demonstrating they have the mental toughness to win high-stakes games away from home. With conference play against Washington next on the docket, the Wolverines are looking to prove they are the class of the Big Ten.
7. TCU Horned Frogs (13-0)
Birmingham, AL, USA; TCU Horned Frogs guard Donovyn Hunter (4) runs the offense against the Texas Longhorns during the first half of an Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Legacy Arena. Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
TCU is officially for real, sitting at 13-0 and making a case for being the best team in the state of Texas that is not named the Longhorns. Their defensive metrics are staggering, often holding opponents to under 35% shooting from the field through sheer effort and communication. They face a tricky road test at BYU on Wednesday, a game that will challenge their composure in a loud, high-altitude environment.
6. Maryland Terrapins (14-0)
Birmingham, AL, USA; Maryland Terrapins forward Amari DeBerry (42) cheers for a score against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Legacy Arena. Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
The Terps are a juggernaut right now, moving to 14-0 after a 97-59 demolition of Wisconsin that wasn’t as close as the score suggests. Maryland’s depth is their greatest weapon; they have five different players capable of leading the team in scoring on any given night. They travel to Illinois next, where they hope to continue their march toward a potential undefeated regular season.
5. LSU Tigers (14-0)
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 has the Tigers humming, entering 2026 with a perfect record and a scoring margin that is frankly terrifying for the rest of the SEC. While they haven’t faced a gauntlet of Top 10 teams yet, they are demoralizing opponents with their size and transition speed. The true test arrives this Thursday against #12 Kentucky—a game that will be the most-watched matchup of the week.
4. UCLA Bruins (12-1)
Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Sienna Betts (16) and center Lauren Betts (51) defend a shot by Long Beach State Beach forward Rosie Akot (2) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Bruins are the class of the West Coast, sitting at #4 with their only loss coming against the #2-ranked team in the country. Their backcourt play is arguably the best in the nation, combining elite scoring with a passing vision that makes the game look easy. They head to Penn State this week, looking to maintain their momentum before the highly anticipated showdown with USC.
3. South Carolina Gamecocks (13-1)
Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ayla McDowell (24) drives against the Providence Friars in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Dawn Staley’s squad is still the gold standard for “total team” basketball, with a roster that is two-deep at every single position. Their rebounding dominance is a physical reality that most teams simply cannot handle over the course of four quarters. They host Alabama this Thursday in a game that many expect will re-establish the Gamecocks as the definitive team to beat in the SEC.
2. Texas Longhorns (15-0)
Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) controls the ball against the Baylor Bears during the first half at Dickies Arena. Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Texas has been flawless, moving to 15-0 and proving that they have both the star power and the coaching to win a national title. Their defense is suffocating, often forcing opponents into prolonged scoring droughts that allow the Longhorns to break games open by halftime. A road trip to Missouri on New Year’s Day is next, where they’ll look to keep their perfect record intact.
1. UConn Huskies (13-0)
Brooklyn, New York, USA; UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) gestures during the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Barclays Center. Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images
UConn remains the unanimous #1, a position they have defended with a level of surgical precision that is vintage Geno Auriemma. With Azzi Fudd and Sarah Strong playing at an MOP level and the supporting cast healthy, the Huskies look like a team without a visible weakness. They visit Providence this Wednesday, looking to start the 2026 calendar year with the same dominance they used to close out 2025.
Conclusion
The Week 9 coaches poll highlights a fascinating divide in women’s college basketball. While UConn and Texas appear to be on a collision course for the top seed, the rise of teams like Maryland, TCU, and Michigan suggests that the traditional power structure is being challenged every single night. As we move into the heart of conference play, the rankings will only get more volatile, and these top 25 teams will have to prove their worth on hostile road courts across the country.