The newest AP Women’s Top 25 is less about upheaval and more about positioning.
The top tier remains steady, but just below it the reshuffling reflects how tight conference races have become. With only a handful of regular-season games left for most teams, every result is impacting seeding, resume strength and momentum heading into March.
Here’s a closer look at where things stand.
UConn continues to set the standard
The UConn Huskies remain No. 1 at 29-0, extending their winning streak to 45 games. That streak is among the longest in Division I women’s basketball history and another example of sustained excellence under Geno Auriemma.
What stands out most is balance. UConn has been efficient offensively, disciplined defensively and steady in late-game situations. There have been few close calls. As the postseason approaches, the Huskies have separated themselves not just in record, but in consistency.
Stability at the top: UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, Vanderbilt
The top five remains unchanged:
- UCLA Bruins (27-1)
- South Carolina Gamecocks (27-2)
- Texas Longhorns (26-3)
- Vanderbilt Commodores (25-3)
UCLA has secured an outright conference title and continues to win with depth and pace. South Carolina remains one of the most physical teams in the country, with multiple scoring options and a strong defensive identity. Texas has produced several decisive victories, while Vanderbilt’s perfect home record has been a major factor in its résumé.
This group has built separation from the rest of the poll. While conference tournaments will still shape final seeding, these four programs have positioned themselves strongly for No. 1 and No. 2 seeds.
Oklahoma and Iowa move into the top 10
Two of the most significant jumps belong to the Oklahoma Sooners and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Oklahoma climbs to No. 7 after an offensive surge that has defined its season. The Sooners have now reached 90 points in 12 games, matching a program high from a previous season. Their tempo and perimeter shooting have made them difficult to defend, particularly in conference play.
Iowa rises to No. 9 after a strong stretch that includes improved interior production and efficient guard play. The Hawkeyes have tightened defensively while maintaining offensive balance, which has allowed them to close games more effectively than earlier in the season.
Both teams appear to be trending upward at the right time.
TCU strengthens its resume
The TCU Horned Frogs move up to No. 11 at 25-4.
TCU has quietly put together one of the most complete seasons in the country. Milestones have been reached, key conference games have been secured and the Horned Frogs have avoided extended slumps. Their resume now includes both quality wins and consistency, a combination that could translate well into tournament seeding discussions.
Mid-poll adjustments: losses matter this time of year
Several ranked teams slid after recent losses.
The Michigan Wolverines dropped following a low-scoring performance in a loss. The Louisville Cardinals fell after a home defeat to an unranked opponent. The Duke Blue Devils saw a 17-game winning streak end, costing them ground in the rankings.
None of these teams are in crisis, but late-season losses tend to carry more weight because of limited recovery opportunities before conference tournaments begin.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers fall out of the rankings altogether. In a year with strong depth across power conferences, maintaining a Top 25 spot has required steady results week after week.
Princeton joins the rankings
At No. 25, the Princeton Tigers enter the poll with a 21-3 record.
Princeton’s 9-2 record in Ivy League play has kept it near the top of its conference standings. The Ivy League season runs slightly longer than many others, so there is still movement possible, but the Tigers have positioned themselves well heading into the final stretch.
Their addition also shows the broader depth of the national landscape. Strong mid-major and Ivy programs continue to earn recognition with disciplined play and efficient offense.
Full AP Women’s Top 25 (Feb. 23, 2026)
- UConn (29-0)
- UCLA (27-1)
- South Carolina (27-2)
- Texas (26-3)
- Vanderbilt (25-3)
- LSU (24-4)
- Oklahoma (21-6)
- Michigan (22-5)
- Iowa (22-5)
- Louisville (24-5)
- TCU (25-4)
- Duke (20-7)
- Ohio State (23-5)
- Maryland (22-6)
- Michigan State (22-6)
- Kentucky (20-8)
- West Virginia (22-6)
- Baylor (23-6)
- Ole Miss (21-8)
- Texas Tech (24-5)
- North Carolina (23-6)
- Minnesota (21-7)
- Georgia (20-7)
- Alabama (21-7)
- Princeton (21-3)
The headline may be that the top five did not change. The more important takeaway is how tightly packed the rest of the poll has become. With conference tournaments approaching, small swings in performance are now producing noticeable shifts in the rankings.
The next two weeks will likely bring even more movement as contenders attempt to solidify their postseason positioning.