Women’s college basketball Power Rankings: The top 16 teams

Welcome to the first edition of ESPN’s women’s college basketball power rankings for 2025-26. To spectators and fans, early season games are like items at a garage sale: some gems, many valuable things and, frankly, some junk. But it’s all been worth it for the players and coaches as teams begin to establish their identity.

The top four teams in our preliminary rankings are programs that went to the Final Four last season. They are loaded with talent but they need to work on how the veterans and newcomers fit together.

of that group, UCLA 73-59 over a fellow top-10 team: Most impressive win so far oklahoma On Monday. That game was in Sacramento, California, which will host one of the NCAA regionals this season with Fort Worth, Texas.

The problems the Bruins gave the Sooners will be difficult for every UCLA opponent. The Bruins start five seniors who are all receiving threats, and their length can be stifling on defense. This was an entertaining game, and UCLA has three more promising prospects against top-15 teams in November.

Next seven days: vs. Loyola Chicago (November 12), vs. Ohio State (November 16)

The defending national champions opened with a 13-point win over Louisville, followed by a 32-point win against Florida State. Expect to see these names in every recap of UConn’s success: sarah strong (21.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 4.5 apg) and azy fad (21.5 ppg and 4.0 apg). transfer kayle heckel And sera williams are already making an impact, and keke arnold Could be poised for a breakout junior season.

Next seven days: vs. USC at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles (November 15)

The Gamecocks have wins over Grand Canyon, Bowling Green and Clemson to start the season. Their first test will be this weekend against USC. II Joyce Edwards South Carolina’s top scorer (18.3 ppg) and transfer center Madina Okot Is the rebounding leader (9.0). guard Tania LatsonOne of the most coveted transfers of the offseason, he finished second in scoring for the Gamecocks at 16.3 ppg.

Next seven days: WBCA Challenge in Las Vegas – vs. North Carolina (November 13) and vs. South Florida (November 15)

Against Oklahoma, UCLA Star Lauren Bates (9 points, 10 rebounds) had to fight another strong center regan beer (7,11). They canceled each other out and the UCLA guards took over. Gianna Knipkens (20 marks), gabriela jacquez (11) and kiki rice (10) did much damage, as did the forward Angela Dugalic (16 points, 15 rebounds) off the bench. The Bruins, who finished fourth among Power 4 schools last season (42.5 rpg), could do even better this season.

Next seven days: vs. Texas Southern (November 16)

Texas demolished Incarnate Word and Louisiana, but had a notable 85–56 win against Atlantic 10 power Richmond in between the blowouts. junior forward madison bookerThe reigning SEC Player of the Year is filling up the stat sheet, as usual. keep an eye on the guards too Jordan Lee And Aaliyah Crump Leading the sophomore and freshman classes respectively.

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Kyla Oldacre recaps impressive 19-point, 7-rebound game vs. Louisiana

Oldacre reflects on the many benefits of playing with his new team, while also acknowledging the challenges of adjusting to the plan after a big night vs. the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Next seven days: vs. Charlotte (Nov. 12), @Tulane (Nov. 17)

LSU, with another non-conference schedule of mostly cupcakes, is averaging 113.7 ppg through three games. But it has worked for LSU in the past, as coach Kim Mulkey feels the SEC schedule is tough enough. transfer of guard Milesia Fulville (South Carolina), who has led the Tigers in scoring in two of their three games, averaging 15.3 ppg on 57.1% shooting. forward transfer kate kowal (Notre Dame) is averaging 11.7 ppg on 71.0% shooting and is LSU’s top rebounder at 9.0 rpg.

Next seven days: vs. South Carolina (November 15), vs. Portland (November 18) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles

After opening the season with a blowout loss to New Mexico State, the Trojans got a 69-68 opening win over NC State on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina. New jazzy davidson Led USC’s big rally while finishing with 21 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. fellow guard london jonesA senior transfer from crosstown rival UCLA had 19 points. the trojans will clearly miss juju watkins (Knee) this season, but this game showed how much talent he has.

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Jazzy Davidson’s late bucket lifts USC past NC State

Jazz Davidson scored with less than eight seconds remaining, and NC State’s final attempt failed, giving USC a 69–68 victory.

Next seven days: @UNLV (Nov. 14), vs. LeMoyne (Nov. 16)

The Bears opened the season with a 58–52 victory over Duke on November 3 in Paris. The game lacked offensive appeal but showed Baylor’s defensive resolve – holding Duke to nine points in the fourth quarter – and the impact of moving the guard. talia scott It is possible The second-year student scored 24 points against the Blue Devils and then had 29 points in a win against Lindenwood.

Next seven days: vs. Kansas City (Nov. 12), vs. North Alabama (Nov. 14), @ Western Carolina (Nov. 16)

The Sooners started with a win over Belmont, then tested themselves against UCLA. At times, they went toe-to-toe with the Bruins, but gave up some big runs, keeping them in catch-up mode for most of the second half. With five new players, including the starting point guard. Aaliyah ChavezThe Sooners knew this would be an early growth experience against UCLA.

Next seven days: vs. TCU (November 16)

Despite losing three starting senior guards last season, the Wolfpack has challenged itself from the beginning. Three of their first four opponents made at least the Sweet 16 last season. NC State defeated Tennessee 80–77 in its opening match, then lost a disappointing game 69–68 to USC after blowing a double-digit lead. What the Wolfpack learned about mistakes in late game execution against the Trojans will help them moving forward. They bounced back on Tuesday with a win over Maine.

Next seven days: WBCA Challenge in Las Vegas – vs. UCLA (November 13) and vs. Fairfield (November 15)

The romps at North Carolina Central and Elon didn’t tell us anything about the Tar Heels, but Thursday’s game against UCLA will. North Carolina made the Sweet 16 last season but lost that team’s top three scorers. Freshmen and sophomores make up the majority of the 2025-26 roster to complement more experienced starters Indya Nivar (senior) and renia kelly (Junior), as well nyla harrisA senior transfer from Louisville.

Next seven days: vs. Norfolk State (November 12), vs. West Virginia, White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia (November 14), @Liberty (November 16)

Duke lost its opener to Baylor on November 3 in a 58–52 defensive battle. The Blue Devils shrugged off that frustration in a 91-48 victory over Holy Cross on Sunday, led by the second-year star. toby fournier27 points of. Duke is up against another defense-first team in West Virginia this week, as well as upcoming games with South Carolina and LSU. Duke will be well prepared for the ACC season.

Next seven days: vs. Towson (November 13), vs. Princeton (November 16)

The Terps are relying on a lot of home cooking as their Big Ten preparation: All of their non-conference games except two and a Thanksgiving event in Puerto Rico are at home at the Xfinity Center. In fact, the Terps’ only true road game before January is their Big Ten opener at Minnesota on Dec. 7. guard oluchi okanwanaJoe, who transferred from Duke, leads Maryland in scoring (14.7 ppg).

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Georgetown Hoyas vs. Maryland Terrapins: Game Highlights

Georgetown Hoyas vs. Maryland Terrapins: Game Highlights

Next seven days: vs. Belmont (November 13)

The Lady Vols opened the season with an 80–77 loss against NC State on November 4, then defeated East Tennessee State and UT Martin. Their next two foes, Belmont and Middle Tennessee, are also in-state schools that like to play the Titans from Knoxville, so these won’t be easy matchups for the Lady Vols. The start to the season has been more challenging than expected, with Tennessee still adjusting to the dismissal of senior guard Ruby Whitehorn.

Next seven days: vs. Southern (Nov. 12), @Memphis (Nov. 18)

Ole Miss lost four of its top five scorers from last season’s NCAA Sweet 16 team, so former Ohio State star coty mcmahon And several other transfers will be important for the Rebels this season. McMahon has averaged 16.5 ppg so far in key wins over Norfolk State and Alabama A&M.

Next seven days: vs. Valparaiso (November 12), vs. Norfolk State (November 16)

Iowa State swept St. Thomas-Minnesota, Southern and Sacred Heart to open the season. Last season’s Big 12 scoring leader, center audi cruxHas started his junior season averaging 23.3 ppg and 6.7 rpg while shooting 70% from the field. Iowa State’s toughest non-conference game will likely be its annual showdown with in-state schools Drake, Iowa and Northern Iowa.

Next seven days: at Detroit vs. Notre Dame (November 15), vs. Binghamton (November 18)

olivia olson And stitched swords Led Michigan in scoring as freshmen last season. They’re back, and another second year student, Mila HollowayLeads the Wolverines in scoring (19.0 ppg). Michigan beat Canisius and Harvard to start, but has even tougher foes coming up: Notre Dame this weekend and UConn on Nov. 21. The Irish defeated Michigan in the NCAA second round last season.