College basketball: Week 11 AP top 25 women’s rankings released

The mid-January stretch of the college basketball season is where the powerhouses truly separate themselves from the rest. In this week’s AP Top 25 poll, the theme was resilience at the top and chaos in the middle. From big-time upsets in the SEC to a resurgent squad climbing back into the national conversation, the Week 11 AP top 25 women’s rankings reflect a landscape that is as competitive as it is unpredictable.

25. Washington (14-4)

The Huskies make their return to the Top 25 this week, riding a wave of defensive intensity that has become their calling card. They secured their spot with a gritty win over a formidable conference rival, proving they can grind out results when their shots aren’t falling. Expect them to be a thorn in the side of the Big Ten’s elite as the schedule toughens.

24. Nebraska (14-4)

Nebraska holds steady in the rankings, balancing a high-octane offense with just enough defensive stops to stay relevant in a deep conference. While they’ve had some close calls recently, their ability to close out games in the fourth quarter remains a significant strength. They face a pivotal road test next that will determine if they can push toward the top 20.

23. Alabama (17-3)

The Crimson Tide slipped slightly this week but remain a dangerous threat thanks to their elite backcourt scoring. A recent setback on the road exposed some transition defense issues, but they bounced back with a dominant home performance. Coach Kristy Curry has this group playing with a chip on their shoulder as they navigate a brutal SEC slate.

22. West Virginia (15-4)

The Mountaineers are back in the poll, fueled by a high-pressure defense that leads the nation in forced turnovers. They dominated their last two opponents by double digits, showcasing a balanced scoring attack that doesn’t rely on a single star. Their return to the Top 25 is well-deserved after a stretch of basketball that reminded everyone of their preseason potential.

21. Duke (13-6)

Duke is the week’s biggest feel-good story, vaulting back into the rankings after a scorching 10-game winning streak. After a rocky start to the season that saw them fall out of the poll entirely, the Blue Devils have found their rhythm and defensive identity. Winning on the road in the ACC is never easy, but this team is currently playing with more confidence than almost anyone in the country.

20. Princeton (15-1)

The Tigers continue to be the standard-bearer for mid-majors, moving up after a thrilling overtime victory against Harvard. Their only loss of the season came against a top-15 Maryland team, and they haven’t looked back since that early stumble. With a 14-game winning streak in hand, Princeton is no longer just a bracket buster—they are a legitimate top-tier program.

19. Texas Tech (19-1)

The Lady Raiders have put together one of the most impressive records in the country, though they dropped two spots this week due to the strength of schedule. They’ve been clinical in taking care of business against unranked opponents, rarely letting games stay close in the second half. Their real test begins now as they enter the meat of a Big 12 schedule that will challenge their interior depth.

18. Ole Miss (16-4)

Ole Miss dropped two spots after a difficult week in the SEC that tested their defensive rotations. While they remain one of the most physical teams in the country, they struggled to find consistent scoring in their most recent loss. The Rebels need to sharpen their perimeter shooting if they want to climb back toward the top 15.

17. Tennessee (13-3)

The Lady Vols are trending upward, moving up three spots after showing improved chemistry and health. They secured a massive win recently that highlighted their dominance on the glass, outrebounding their opponent by a double-digit margin. If they can maintain this level of intensity, Tennessee will be a major factor in the SEC title race.

16. Oklahoma (14-4)

The Sooners slipped four spots this week following a high-scoring loss in which their defense couldn’t get the necessary stops. While their offense is capable of putting up 80 points on anyone, consistency on the other end of the floor has been an issue. They remain a dangerous threat in any tournament setting because of their ability to catch fire from three-point range.

15. Maryland (17-3)

Maryland dropped three spots but remains a fixture in the top 15 thanks to their high-IQ play and veteran leadership. They’ve been involved in several close games lately, showing both the talent to compete with anyone and a few vulnerabilities in the paint. A huge matchup with Iowa looms on the horizon, which will be a massive barometer for this squad.

14. Baylor (17-3)

The Bears are one of the week’s biggest risers, jumping four spots after a statement win that showcased their depth. They’ve successfully navigated some early-season injuries and now look like a cohesive unit capable of winning the Big 12. Their transition game has been particularly lethal, accounting for a high percentage of their points in recent outings.

13. Michigan State (17-2)

The Spartans dropped one spot, but don’t let that fool you—this is still an elite team with a high ceiling. They went toe-to-toe with Iowa in a hostile environment, falling just short despite a valiant effort from their starting five. Their ability to rebound from that loss will define their standing in the Big Ten over the next two weeks.

12. Ohio State (17-2)

The Buckeyes moved up two spots after Chance Gray led them to a thrilling 71-69 victory over a ranked TCU squad. That win was a testament to their poise, as they executed perfectly in the final two minutes to seal the result. Ohio State’s pressure defense is back to its elite form, making it a nightmare for opposing point guards.

11. Kentucky (17-3)

The Wildcats fell four spots after a surprising upset loss to Mississippi State on Sunday. It was a rare off-night for a team that has otherwise been dominant in SEC play, but the loss exposed some depth concerns. They’ll look to get back on track immediately against Tennessee to ensure they don’t lose more ground in the rankings.

10. Iowa (16-2)

For the first time in two years, the Hawkeyes are back in the top 10 after Hannah Stuelke’s 22-point masterpiece against Michigan State. They last held a ranking this high during Caitlin Clark’s final year. This team has successfully transitioned into a new era, playing a balanced style of basketball that is clearly clicking. The energy in Iowa City is electric as this group proves they are still a national powerhouse.

9. TCU (18-2)

The Horned Frogs dropped one spot after a heartbreaking two-point loss to Ohio State in a game that lived up to the hype. Despite the loss, TCU proved they belong in the elite tier, pushing a top-15 team to the absolute brink on the road. Their inside-outside balance remains one of the best in the country as they head back into Big 12 play.

8. Louisville (18-3)

The Cardinals moved up one spot and are currently playing some of their best basketball of the season. They’ve dominated the ACC recently, using an aggressive defense to fuel an efficient transition offense. Jeff Walz has this team peaking at the right time, looking every bit like a Final Four contender.

7. Michigan (15-3)

The Wolverines climbed one spot but faced a tough reality check in a narrow three-point loss to Vanderbilt on Monday. Even with that setback, their body of work this season remains elite, highlighted by several wins over Top 25 opponents. They remain the primary challenger in the Big Ten, boasting a frontcourt that is almost impossible to move.

6. LSU (17-2)

LSU stays put at No. 6, continuing to dismantle opponents with a combination of raw talent and relentless rebounding. They’ve been on a tear recently, winning their games by an average margin of over 20 points. As long as they stay focused, Kim Mulkey’s squad looks like they could easily slide into the top five by next week.

5. Vanderbilt (19-0)

The Commodores are off to their best start in program history, moving up after a massive 72-69 win over Michigan. Aubrey Galvan has been the engine for this undefeated run, coming up clutch when the pressure is highest. Vanderbilt is officially the “must-watch” team of the SEC, blending grit with a high-scoring backcourt.

4. Texas (19-2)

Texas remained at No. 4 despite a narrow three-point loss to No. 2 South Carolina in a game that felt like a Final Four preview. They followed that loss with a staggering 80-35 rout of Texas A&M, proving they don’t let setbacks linger. With Madison Booker playing at an All-American level, the Longhorns are as dangerous as anyone in the country.

3. UCLA (17-1)

The Bruins hold steady at No. 3, quietly putting together a dominant season in their new Big Ten home. Their depth is their greatest weapon, as they often have four or five players in double figures on any given night. They haven’t been truly tested in a few weeks, but that will change as the conference schedule ramps up.

2. South Carolina (19-1)

The Gamecocks reminded everyone why they are the defending champs with a gritty 68-65 win over Texas last week. Dawn Staley’s squad hasn’t lost since their early-season stumble against the Longhorns, and their bench depth continues to be the envy of the nation. They remain the clear No. 2, waiting for any sign of a slip-up from the team at the top.

1. UConn (19-0)

UConn is once again the unanimous No. 1, receiving all 30 first-place votes after a week of pure dominance. They recently dismantled former rival Notre Dame 85-47 after losing the last three times against the Fighting Irish, a win that served as a loud reminder of the gap between them and the rest of the field. With a 35-game winning streak dating back to last season, the Huskies are the undisputed queens of the court.

Conclusion

The Week 11 rankings have set the stage for a spectacular finish to the regular season. With UConn looking like a runaway freight train and the SEC and Big Ten locked in a battle for conference supremacy, every single game now carries postseason implications. Keep an eye on the rising stars at Iowa and the undefeated run at Vanderbilt—February is just around the corner, and the intensity is only going to go up from here.

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