The Southeastern Conference (SEC) achieved a milestone by placing a record **10 teams** in The Associated Press women’s basketball Top 25 poll released on Monday. This marks the first time in the **50-year history** of the poll that any conference has had this many teams ranked simultaneously. The latest addition, **Georgia**, entered at **No. 23** following a victory over then-No. 11 **Kentucky**.
In comparison, the SEC had previously seen **10 teams** ranked in the men’s Top 25 during part of last season. Leading the women’s rankings, **UConn** remains the unanimous choice of the **31-member national media panel**. The Huskies are the only undefeated team in women’s college basketball, boasting a remarkable **37-game** winning streak dating back to last season.
Top Teams and Rankings
Following UConn, **UCLA** climbed to **No. 2** after **South Carolina** suffered a loss in overtime to **Oklahoma**, which surged six spots to **No. 10**. The Gamecocks have now dropped to **No. 3**, joining a strong contingent of SEC teams, including **Texas** at **fourth**, **Vanderbilt** at **fifth**, and **LSU** at **sixth**. Notably, the Commodores experienced their first defeat of the season against South Carolina on Sunday.
**Louisville** and **Iowa** rank seventh and eighth, respectively. Meanwhile, **Michigan** fell two places to **ninth** after losing to Vanderbilt in the **Coretta Scott King Classic** last week. The inclusion of Georgia in the Top 25 is significant; it marks their first appearance since **2022**. The Lady Bulldogs have started the season with an impressive **14-0** record in non-conference play, including key victories against **No. 17 Ole Miss** and **No. 18 Kentucky**.
Conference Strength and Upcoming Matches
Among the teams competing, the four that participated in the **Women’s Champions Classic** at the **Barclays Center** in December remain undefeated in their respective conferences. **Tennessee**, ranked **No. 15**, leads the SEC, while Iowa tops the Big Ten, Louisville leads the ACC, and UConn is at the forefront of the Big East. Collectively, these four teams are **35-0** in league play as of Sunday.
In terms of conference representation, the SEC leads with its **10 ranked teams**, followed by the **Big Ten** with **seven**. The **Big 12** has **four teams** in the Top 25, while the **Atlantic Coast Conference** features **two**. The **Big East** and **Ivy League** each have one representative.
This week promises exciting matchups, including **No. 15 Tennessee** facing **No. 1 UConn** on Sunday. The Lady Vols will aim to disrupt the Huskies’ undefeated season in what is expected to be a pivotal game before the NCAA Tournament. Additionally, **No. 8 Iowa** will challenge **No. 2 UCLA**, with first place in the Big Ten on the line. UCLA has won **13 consecutive** games since its only loss of the season to Texas, while Iowa has bounced back with **eight consecutive** wins since falling to UConn in late December.
The SEC’s historic achievement showcases the growing strength and competitiveness of women’s college basketball, setting the stage for an exhilarating season ahead.
