Women’s college basketball Power Rankings: Three new top-16 teams

The top five teams in the ESPN women’s college basketball power rankings remain the same for the third straight week, though that could change this week. South Carolina, UCLA And texas Competing in the Players Era Championship in Las Vegas.

But there’s more action elsewhere as three teams make their debut in the 2025-26 Power Rankings: iowa, kentucky And VanderbiltThis leaves seven SEC teams in the top 16,

The Hawkeyes made the biggest jump of the trio of newcomers, entering at No. 11 after a 57-52 win over Baylor in the WBCA Showcase in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Kentucky and Vanderbilt are both undefeated, with the Wildcats’ best win ever being against Louisville and the Commodores’ best win ever being against Cal.

The various Thanksgiving holiday tournaments sometimes produce surprising results, so we may have more changes next week.

Previous ranking: 1

Next seven days: @Xavier (November 30), @South Florida (December 2)

Last week at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase in Uncasville, Connecticut, was the Huskies’ only real test so far this season. Michigan rallied and pushed them at the buzzer, ultimately resulting in a 72–69 UConn victory. Then it was back to steamy business in the second game of the showcase on Sunday: a 93-41 win over Utah. azy fad There were a combined 55 points in both games. sarah strong Stood out in particular against Michigan with 16 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, four blocks and three steals.

Previous ranking: 2

Next seven days: The Players Era Championship in Las Vegas: vs. Duke (Nov. 26), vs. UCLA or Texas (Nov. 27)

The Gamecocks are coming off two blowouts last week – 106-56 over Winthrop and 121-49 over Queens – heading into much more interesting matchups this week. Duke has struggled to a 3-3 start this season, but the Blue Devils’ defense could still test South Carolina. second year ahead Joyce Edwards Leading the Gamecocks with 19.8 PPG while shooting 61.3% from the field.

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Tessa Johnson explains how she and the Gamecocks strive for perfection

Johnson discussed the high standard No. 2 South Carolina held itself to after its 72-point win over the Royals.

Previous ranking: 3

Next seven days: The Players Era Championship in Las Vegas: vs. Texas (Nov. 26), vs. South Carolina or Duke (Nov. 27), vs. Tennessee (Nov. 30)

UCLA beat Southern 88-37 on Sunday and now faces its toughest week of its strong non-conference schedule. The Bruins have held their opponents to 53.3 PPG and 33.3% shooting from the field – and they’re not just dining on the cupcakes. Five Bruins are averaging double-figure scoring, led by centers Lauren Bates (15.2 ppg).

Previous ranking: 4

Next seven days: The Players Era Championship in Las Vegas: vs. UCLA (Nov. 26), vs. South Carolina or Duke (Nov. 27), vs. Penn (Nov. 30)

The Longhorns easily defeated Sun Belt Conference preseason favorite James Madison 95-56 last Wednesday, but they will face more challenging competition this week in the Players Era Championship. Texas is averaging 102.8 ppg, with six players averaging double-figure scoring, led by forward madison booker (17.0 ppg). Ahead Kayla Oldacre (85.2% from the region) and Brea Cunningham (74.2%) are filling the basket with paint.

Previous ranking: 5

Next seven days: Paradise Jam in the US Virgin Islands: vs. Marist (Nov. 28), vs. Miami (OH) or Washington State (Nov. 29)

LSU defeated Alcorn State 112–49 last week, making the Tigers the first Division I team to start the season with six 100-point games. But he has not yet faced an opponent who has any chance of defeating him. There is also very little chance of them losing this week, but we will see if the streak of 100 points continues or not.

Previous ranking: 6

Next seven days: Coconut Hoops Classic in Fort Myers, Florida: vs. Coppin State (Nov. 28), vs. Florida State or Missouri State (Nov. 30)

The Sooners beat East Texas A&M 112-59 last week, and since then they’ve had plenty of time to practice, which helps with a new point guard (Aaliyah ChavezLed by junior guard, Sooners rank first in Division I in rebounding (52.7 rpg) sahara williams (10.2 rpg) and senior center regan beer (9.7 rpg).

Previous ranking: 12

Next seven days: @DetroitMercy (November 26)

At last week’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase, the Wolverines had a chance for their biggest upset of the season, but fell 72–69 to top-ranked UConn. II stitched swords Michigan lost by 29 points. In the second game of the showcase, the Wolverines defeated Syracuse 81–55, led by another player from their strong sophomore class: Teyla Delphos (21 points).

Previous ranking: 11

Next seven days: Cancún Challenge in Mexico: vs. Richmond (Nov. 27), vs. UAB (Nov. 28)

The Horned Frogs’ impressive win at NC State on November 16 doesn’t look so good anymore with the Wolfpack’s continued struggles. Still, TCU pulled off two blowout wins last week: 80-32 over Tarleton State on Thursday and 93-57 over UT Rio Grande Valley on Sunday. forward transfer marta suarez Leading TCU in scoring at 19.0 ppg while shooting 40% from 3-point range.

Previous ranking: 9

Next seven days: Carolina, Puerto Rico Shootout: vs. Kentucky (November 26), vs. Hofstra (November 27)

The transfer comes off of a 95-49 win over Maryland Bethune-Cookman and an 84-62 win over George Mason last week. Yarden Garzon Had season highs with 16 points and nine rebounds against the Patriots. We may learn more about Maryland this week, with the Terps finally facing a ranked team (No. 16 Kentucky) and playing away from their home field for the first time this season.

Previous ranking: 10

Next seven days: Cancún Challenge in Mexico: vs. South Dakota State (Nov. 27), vs. Kansas State (Nov. 28), vs. Colombia (Nov. 29)

The Tar Heels easily defeated in-state rivals North Carolina A&T 85-50 and UNC Greensboro 94-48 en route to the freshman guard last week. nyla brooks Earning ACC Rookie of the Week honors. They now begin a tough stretch with games in Cancún, followed by a trip to Texas in December.

Previous ranking: uncategorized

Next seven days: vs. Western Illinois (November 26), vs. Fairfield (November 30)

The win over Baylor last Thursday came despite the loss of a starting point guard. Chazadi WrightWho took a hard hit early in the third quarter and did not play the rest of the game. She missed the Hawkeyes’ 64-61 win over Miami in the second game of the WBCA Showcase last Saturday. Iowa is hopeful that Wright, who has been dealing with neck and back pain, will be back on the court soon. second year center ava hayden Leads the Hawkeyes in scoring (15.8 ppg) and rebounding (8.8 rpg).

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Miami Hurricanes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes: Game Highlights

Miami Hurricanes vs. Iowa Hawkeyes: Game Highlights

Previous ranking: 14

Next seven days: @UCLA (November 30)

Tennessee had no trouble defeating Middle Tennessee 85-41 and Coppin State 88-35 last week. smu transfer nya robertson She had her best game to date with the Lady Vols last Sunday against the Eagles, scoring 32 points with a school-record 10 3-pointers in the program’s 1,500th win. This is good momentum for Tennessee heading into a big matchup against powerful UCLA this weekend.

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The Lady Vols’ Nya Robertson repeated her 32-point outing with 10 3-pointers

Robertson set a program record with 10 made threes and explained how she found herself in a state of flow during Tennessee’s 53-point win over Coppin State.

Previous ranking: 8

Next seven days: vs. Louisiana Tech (November 26), vs. Grambling (November 30)

The WBCA Showcase games in Florida proved to be a challenge for Baylor, which lost to Iowa 57-52 last Thursday and needed overtime to defeat Davidson 74-72 on Saturday. Auburn transfer talia scott Had a combined 54 points between the two contests, but shot just 15 of 44 (34.1%) from the field. Baylor will need more offensive help for Scott, who is averaging 25.3 ppg.

Previous ranking: 16

Next seven days: Coconuts Hoops in Fort Myers, Florida: vs. Marquette (November 28)

Center audi crux He totaled 49 points while shooting 19 of 26 (73.1%) from the field in an 87-60 win over Drake and a 112-62 win over Mercyhurst last week. He leads the Big 12 in scoring with 25.9 ppg. The Cyclones have not had a close game yet this season, but that could change this weekend.

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Audie Crooks trails by 27 in Iowa State win

Audie Crooks went 8 for 9 from the floor to help Iowa State defeat the Mercyhurst Lakers 112–62.

Previous ranking: uncategorized

Next seven days: Carolina, Puerto Rico Shootout: vs. Maryland (November 26), vs. Morgan State (November 28)

Kentucky used the same starting lineup in all 31 games last season, coach Kenny Brooks’ first time in Lexington. Three starters returned–Center clara strack and further amelia hassett And Teoni Key — and they have led the Wildcats to strong starts, including Saturday’s 72-62 win at Louisville. senior transfer jordan obi And tony morgan They are missing point guard Georgia Amur, who was the No. 6 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. Morgan leads Division I in average assists at 8.9 apg.

Previous ranking: uncategorized

Next seven days: Paradise Jam in the US Virgin Islands: vs. Oregon State (November 27)

Vandy continues to advance after defeating Alabama State 92-38 and Tennessee State 99-43 last week. The Commodores’ season-opening win over Cal in Paris was a good start, but the upcoming contest at the Paradise Jam will be their first test. Last season’s SEC Freshman of the Year, guard Mikayla BlakesAveraged 23.3 points, 3.0 assists and 3.8 steals.

dropped out: USC Trojans (number 7), NC State Wolfpack (number 13), ole miss rebels (number 15)