Welcome to the first edition of ESPN's 2025-26 women's college basketball rankings. For spectators and fans, early-season games are like items at a garage sale: a few gems, a few valuables and, frankly, a little trash. But for players and coaches, it all makes sense as teams begin to find their own identities.
The top four teams in our initial rankings were programs that made the Final Four last season. They are loaded with talent, but they need to work on getting the veterans and rookies to mesh together.
From this group, UCLA scored its most impressive win to date: 73-59 over a top-10 team Oklahoma on Monday. The game was played in Sacramento, California, which will host one of the NCAA Regionals this season along with Fort Worth, Texas.
The problems the Bruins have given the Sooners will be difficult for any UCLA opponent. The Bruins have five seniors in their starting lineup, all of whom are scoring threats whose defensive length can be stifling. This was an interesting game, and UCLA has three more potential gems against top-15 teams in November.
Next seven days: vs. Loyola Chicago (Nov. 12), vs. Ohio State (Nov. 16)
The defending national champions opened with a 13-point win over Louisville followed by a 32-point win over Florida State. Expect to see these names in every report on UConn's success: Sarah Strong (21.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 4.5 apg) and Azzi's Benefit (21.5 points per game and 4.0 assists per game). Transfers Kaylee Heckel And Hand over Williams are already having an impact, and K.K. Arnold may be ready for a breakout junior season.
Next seven days: vs. USC at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles (November 15)
The Gamecocks posted wins over Grand Canyon, Bowling Green and Clemson to start the season. Their first test is this weekend against USC. sophomore Joyce Edwards South Carolina's leading scorer (18.3 points per game) and transfer center. Madina Okot is the leader in rebounds (9.0). Guard Let's LatssonOne of the most coveted transfers of the offseason, he ranks second in scoring at 16.3 points per game for the Gamecocks.
Next seven days: WBCA Challenge in Las Vegas – vs. North Carolina (November 13) and vs. South Florida (November 15)
Against Oklahoma, UCLA Stars Lauren Betts (9 points, 10 rebounds) had to fight with another strong center in Reagan Beers (7, 11). They neutralized each other and UCLA's security took over. Gianna Knipkens (20 points), Gabriela Jaques (11) and Kiki Rice (10) dealt a lot of damage, just like the attacker Angela Dugalich (16 points, 15 rebounds) off the bench. The Bruins, who ranked fourth among Power 4 schools in rebounding last season (42.5 rpg), could finish even better this season.
Next seven days: vs. Texas Southern (November 16)
Texas crushed Incarnate Word and Louisiana, but in between those losses posted a remarkable 85-56 win over Atlantic 10 Richmond. Junior forward Madison BookerThe reigning SEC Player of the Year is filling out the stat sheets as usual. Also watch out for the guards Jordan Lee And Aaliyah Crump presenter for sophomores and freshmen respectively.
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Kayla Oldacre recaps dominant 19-point, 7-rebound performance against Louisiana
Oldacre reflects on the many benefits of playing with his new team while also acknowledging the challenges of adjusting to the scheme after a big night against the Ragin' Cajuns.
Next seven days: vs. Charlotte (Nov. 12), @ Tulane (Nov. 17)
LSU, which has another non-conference schedule consisting mostly of cupcakes, is averaging 113.7 points per game through three games. But it has worked for LSU in the past, as coach Kim Mulkey finds the SEC schedule grueling enough. Transfer guard MiLaysia Fulwiley (South Carolina), who has led the Tigers in scoring in two of three games, is averaging 15.3 points per game on 57.1 percent shooting. Transfer forward Katya Koval (Notre Dame) is averaging 11.7 ppg on 71.0% shooting and is LSU's leading rebounder with 9.0 rpg.
Next seven days: vs. South Carolina at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles (Nov. 15) vs. Portland (Nov. 18)
After opening with a rout of New Mexico State, the Trojans posted an early signature 69-68 win over NC State in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday. Freshman Jazzy Davidson led USC's big rally with 21 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Fellow Security Guard Londoninn Jonesthe senior transfer from rival UCLA scored 19 points. The Trojans will obviously miss JuJu Watkins (knee) this season, but this game showed how much talent they have.
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Jazzy Davidson's late bucket beats USC at NC State
Jazz Davidson scores with less than eight seconds left and NC State's last attempt is saved, giving USC a 69-68 victory.
Next seven days: @ UNLV (Nov. 14) vs. Le Moyne (Nov. 16)
The Bears began the season on November 3 with a 58–52 victory over Duke in Paris. The game lacked offensive oomph, but it showcased Baylor's defensive resolve (holding Duke to nine points in the fourth quarter) and the impact the transfer guard had. Talia Scott may have. The sophomore scored 24 points against the Blue Devils and then 29 in a win over Lindenwood.
Next seven days: vs. Kansas City (Nov. 12), vs. North Alabama (Nov. 14), vs. Western Carolina (Nov. 16)
The Sooners opened with a win over Belmont and then tested themselves against UCLA. They went toe-to-toe with the Bruins at times, but missed big runs several times, leaving them playing catch-up for much of the second half. With five freshmen, including the starting point guard. Aaliyah ChavezThe Sooners knew this would be their first rally experience against UCLA.
Next seven days: vs. TCU (November 16)
Despite losing three starting senior guards from last season, the Wolfpack challenged themselves early on. Three of their first four opponents last season made at least the Sweet 16. NC State beat Tennessee 80-77 in the opener and then dropped a disappointing 69-68 game to USC while holding a double-digit lead. What the Wolfpack learned about late game mistakes against the Trojans should help them down the stretch. They bounced back Tuesday with a win over Maine.
Next seven days: WBCA Challenge in Las Vegas vs. UCLA (Nov. 13) vs. Fairfield (Nov. 15)
The jokes around NC Central and Elon haven't told us anything about the Tar Heels, but Thursday's game against UCLA will. North Carolina made the Sweet 16 last season but lost its top three scorers. Freshmen and sophomores make up the majority of the 2025-26 roster and complement the more experienced newcomers. India Nivar (senior) and Reniya Kelly (junior) and Nyla Harrissenior transfer from Louisville.
Next seven days: vs. Norfolk State (Nov. 12), vs. West Virginia in White Sulfur Springs, WV (Nov. 14), @ Liberty (Nov. 16)
Duke lost its opener on Nov. 3 in a defensive battle with Baylor, 58-52. The Blue Devils took that frustration out on Holy Cross with a 91-48 win on Sunday under the guidance of their sophomore star. Toby Fournier27 points. Duke faces another defensive team this week in West Virginia and also has upcoming games against 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 counting on home cooking as preparation for the Big Ten, with all of their non-conference games played at home at the Xfinity Center except for two at a Thanksgiving event in Puerto Rico. In fact, the Terps' only real road game before January is the Big Ten opener at Minnesota on Dec. 7. Oluchi Okanwaa transfer from Duke, leads Maryland in scoring (14.7 points per game).
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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 lost their season opener on Nov. 4 against North Carolina State 80-77, then defeated East Tennessee State and Utah Martin. Their next two opponents, Belmont and Middle Tennessee, are also in-state schools that like to play the Knoxville Titans, so these won't be easy matchups for the Lady Vols. The start of the season has been more challenging than expected as Tennessee is still adjusting to the release of senior guard Ruby Whitehorn.
Next seven days: vs. Southern (Nov. 12), @ Memphis (Nov. 18)
Ole Miss lost four of the top five scorers from last season's NCAA Sweet 16 team, so the former Ohio State star Coty McMahon and a host of other transfers will be crucial for the Rebels this season. McMahon is currently averaging 16.5 points per game in dominant wins over Norfolk State and Alabama A&M.
Next seven days: vs. Valparaiso (Nov. 12), vs. Norfolk State (Nov. 16)
Iowa State rolled past St. Thomas-Minnesota, Southern and Sacred Heart to open the season. Last season's Big 12 scoring leader (center) Audi Crooksbegan her junior season averaging 23.3 points per game and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 70% from the field. Iowa State's toughest non-conference games will likely be its annual matchups with Drake State, Iowa State and Northern Iowa.
Next seven days: vs. Notre Dame in Detroit (Nov. 15), vs. Binghamton (Nov. 18)
Olivia Olson And Power Swords Led Michigan last season as a freshman. They're back, and another sophomore, Mila Hollowayleads the Wolverines in scoring (19.0 points per game). Michigan beat Canisius and Harvard to start, but there are much better opponents ahead: Notre Dame this weekend and UConn on Nov. 21. The Irish defeated Michigan in the second round of the NCAAs last season.
