As the season’s opening stretch gives way to more substantial sample sizes, the early chaos is beginning to crystallize. The second edition of the rankings captures which teams are rising with purpose, which are slipping, and which newcomers are already reshaping the national conversation.
UConn Huskies:
UConn climbs to 6–0 after surviving their toughest test yet against a strong Michigan squad. Azzi Fudd (21.0 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.5 APG) continues to look like one of the most poised scorers in the country, while freshman Sarah Strong (18.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 5.0 APG) has quickly emerged as a two-way engine for the Huskies.
South Carolina Gamecocks:
South Carolina is off to a smooth 6–0 start, powered by Joyce Edwards (19.8 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.3 APG) and Ta’Niya Latson (18.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.7 APG). USC provided an early challenge, but the Gamecocks could face an even bigger one on Thanksgiving Day with a potential matchup against Texas or UCLA looming.
UCLA Bruins:
UCLA (6–0) has stacked quality wins over Oklahoma and UNC and now turns its attention to a marquee showdown with Texas. Lauren Betts (15.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.7 APG, 2.2 BPG) continues to anchor the Bruins on both ends, setting the tone for their undefeated start.
Texas Longhorns:
The Longhorns (5–0), led by Madison Booker (17.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 3.8 APG), head into their first real test of the season with a high-profile matchup against UCLA up next.
Michigan Wolverines:
The Wolverines (5–1) land in the top five despite their loss to UConn, having already established themselves as an early contender with a statement win over Notre Dame and a hard-fought battle against the Huskies.
LSU Tigers:
LSU (6–0) has the talent to sit higher, but their light early schedule keeps them just behind Michigan for now. The Tigers get a real benchmark next week against Duke, though meaningful tests won’t come consistently until SEC play.
Maryland Terrapins:
The Terps (7–0) get a boost with last season’s leading scorer, Kaylene Smikle, returning to the lineup, though they’ll be without freshman Lea Bartelme for the year due to a knee injury. Oluchi Okananwa (15.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.4 APG) continues to set the tone as Maryland heads into a key matchup with Kentucky.
TCU Horned Frogs:
TCU (6–0) picked up a strong win over NC State, led by Marta Suarez (19.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 2.8 APG) and Olivia Miles (18.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 7.5 APG). The duo has anchored the Horned Frogs on both ends, helping them maintain an undefeated start.
Oklahoma Sooners:
Oklahoma (5–1) fell to UCLA but has rebounded strongly since. Raegan Beers (17.8 PPG) leads the Sooners in scoring, while freshman Aaliyah Chavez (16.8 PPG) has provided an exciting spark early in the season.
Iowa State Cyclones:
The Cyclones (7–0) are off to a scorching start this season, led by Audi Crooks (25.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 75.8% FG), who has been nearly unstoppable on both ends of the floor.
North Carolina Tar Heels:
UNC (5–1) suffered an early loss to UCLA and now turns its focus to another challenging matchup next week against Texas.
Ole Miss Rebels:
Ole Miss (5–0) is off to a strong start, led by Cotie McMahon (19.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG), and now prepares for a big matchup against Notre Dame next week.
Tennessee Lady Volunteers:
The Lady Vols are 5–1 despite some early offensive struggles and now turn their focus to a tough matchup against UCLA.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish:
Notre Dame (5–1) suffered a tough loss to Michigan but bounced back with a gritty win over USC. Hannah Hidalgo (27.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.7 APG, 6.2 SPG) continues to be the driving force for the Fighting Irish.
Iowa Hawkeyes:
The Hawkeyes (6–0) have rattled off back-to-back wins over quality opponents, taking down both Baylor and Miami.
USC Trojans:
USC is 3–2 on the season, led by freshman Jazzy Davidson (15.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.8 APG, 2.4 SPG, 2.2 BPG), who carries the load across four statistical categories. For the Trojans to find sustained success, veteran players will need to step up and improve their efficiency.
Michigan State Spartans:
The Spartans (6–0) remain undefeated to start the season, continuing to showcase their depth and balanced roster.
Baylor Bears:
The Bears (5–1) were upset by Iowa this past week, but Taliah Scott (25.3 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.8 APG) has continued right where she left off before last season’s injury.
Vanderbilt Commodores:
Vanderbilt is off to a perfect 6–0 start, paced by Mikayla Blakes (23.2 PPG).
Kentucky Wildcats:
The Wildcats are 7–0 after a win over Louisville, led by Clara Strack (16.9 PPG, 12.1 RPG). They now set their sights on Maryland as they aim to extend their winning streak.
West Virginia Mountaineers:
WVU (6–0) cracked the top 25 following an upset win over Duke. The big question now: can they maintain that momentum against Ohio State this week?
Ohio State Buckeyes:
The Buckeyes (4–1) fell to UConn but now have a chance to bounce back with a statement win against WVU this week.
Oklahoma State Cowgirls:
The Cowgirls are 6–1 after a setback against St. John’s, looking to regroup and continue their strong season.
Washington Huskies:
Washington is off to a 5–0 start, led by Sayvia Sellers, who is averaging 21.2 PPG and 4.6 APG.
NC State Wolfpack:
The Wolfpack are 3–3 on the season following a loss to Rhode Island this past weekend.