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UConn Remains No. 1 in Women's College Basketball AP Poll

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/01 .. -no-1-in-women-s-college-basketball-ap-poll.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Monday, January 26th 2026 at 6:52 GMT by The New York Times
      Locales: North Carolina, Connecticut, South Carolina, Iowa, Texas, UNITED STATES

Monday, January 26th, 2026 - The University of Connecticut Huskies continue to reign supreme in women's college basketball, holding steady at the No. 1 spot in the latest Associated Press poll released today. While UConn's dominance remains unchallenged, the landscape of the top 10 is seeing significant shifts, reflecting the intensity and competitiveness of this year's season. South Carolina and Stanford maintain their positions as formidable contenders, keeping the pressure on the Huskies. However, the biggest story this week is the remarkable ascent of Iowa State, a clear indicator of their surging potential.

The AP poll, compiled weekly by a panel of respected sportswriters and broadcast journalists, serves as a benchmark for evaluating the nation's top 25 women's basketball programs. This week's rankings offer a snapshot of the current dynamic, with several teams vying for position and showcasing impressive performances. Here's a breakdown of the top 10:

1. UConn (18-0)
2. South Carolina (18-0)
3. Stanford (17-1)
4. NC State (17-1)
5. Iowa (16-1)
6. LSU (16-1)
7. Duke (16-2)
8. Texas (15-2)
9. Iowa State (15-2)
10. Kansas State (16-2)

The Reign Continues: UConn's Unwavering Grip

For years, UConn has been synonymous with excellence in women's college basketball. Their current record of 18-0 demonstrates that the program's commitment to winning remains as strong as ever. Coach Geno Auriemma and his squad continue to set the standard, though the relentless pursuit of other elite programs means they're facing increasingly challenging opponents.

The Contenders: South Carolina and Stanford

Trailing closely behind UConn are perennial powerhouses South Carolina and Stanford. Both teams boast impressive undefeated records (at least until this point in the season) and represent the kind of competitive depth that makes women's college basketball so captivating to watch. These programs consistently recruit top talent and demonstrate tactical prowess, ensuring that the race for the national championship remains intensely contested.

Duke's Resurgence and Iowa State's Ascent

Duke's recent winning streak has propelled them up the rankings, and the Blue Devils are undeniably a team to watch. Their ability to string together victories against quality opponents has earned them the respect of both the AP voters and the broader basketball community. They are currently looking to build momentum and challenge the established hierarchy at the top.

However, the most significant movement in this week's poll is the dramatic climb of Iowa State. A dominant weekend performance - details of which are unfortunately not available in the initial report - clearly impressed the AP panel, resulting in a substantial leap in their ranking. This signifies a significant shift in perception regarding Iowa State's overall strength and potential for a deep tournament run. Their performance signals a rise in the caliber of play within the Big 12 conference and promises exciting matchups in the weeks to come.

Shuffling in the Rankings: Oregon's Departure

While several teams have risen in the rankings, the absence of Oregon reflects the unpredictable nature of college basketball. A recent string of losses likely contributed to their departure from the top 25, highlighting the importance of consistency in a highly competitive environment. This serves as a reminder that even established programs can face unexpected challenges.

The ongoing season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With a crop of talented teams vying for supremacy, the race to the NCAA tournament and beyond is shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle. The next few weeks will be critical as teams face down their toughest schedules and demonstrate their ability to perform under pressure. Fans can expect more shifts in the AP poll as the season progresses, making for compelling viewing and ongoing debate within the women's college basketball community.