The preseason AP Top 25 Women's College Basketball Poll is out, and the results are in! But the real question is: Does this poll accurately predict the season to come, or is it just a popularity contest based on last year's performance? Let's dive into the rankings and see which teams are generating the most buzz – and which might be overrated.
This year, two teams from the state of Iowa, Iowa State and the University of Iowa, have secured spots, signaling a strong basketball presence in the Hawkeye State. This is a big deal for both programs and their fans, instantly raising expectations and putting a target on their backs. Can they live up to the hype? Only time will tell.
Here's the full breakdown of the AP Top 25 Preseason Poll:
- UConn – 771 points (27 first-place votes). No surprise here! UConn continues to dominate the conversation, securing the top spot with a significant number of first-place votes. Their consistent excellence makes them the team to beat year after year.
- South Carolina – 740 points (4 first-place votes). Right on UConn's heels, South Carolina is poised to challenge for the championship. They've proven their strength and consistency.
- UCLA – 705 points
- Texas – 672 points
- LSU – 647 points
- Oklahoma – 593 points
- Duke – 578 points
- Tennessee – 559 points
- NC State – 510 points
- Maryland – 461 points
- North Carolina – 440 points
- Ole Miss – 382 points
- Michigan – 375 points
- Iowa State – 363 points. Securing a spot in the top 15 is a significant achievement for Iowa State. This ranking suggests that analysts see real potential for a deep tournament run.
- Notre Dame – 289 points
- Baylor – 280 points
- TCU – 263 points
- USC – 235 points
- Vanderbilt – 229 points
- Louisville – 228 points
- Iowa – 130 points. While Iowa made the Top 25, their position at #21 might raise some eyebrows. After all, with Caitlin Clark returning, many anticipated a higher ranking. But here's where it gets controversial… Does this ranking reflect concerns about the overall strength of the team beyond Clark, or is it simply a case of underestimating their potential? This is a team that could easily outperform their preseason ranking.
- Oklahoma State – 128 points
- Michigan State – 103 points
- Kentucky / Richmond – 93 points (tie)
Teams Receiving Votes:
Washington 79, Ohio State 46, West Virginia 17, Princeton 17, Minnesota 15, Kansas State 15, Kansas 7, Stanford 3, South Dakota State 3, Illinois 2, Nebraska 2, Columbia 2.
And this is the part most people miss… Looking at the teams receiving votes provides valuable insight into potential dark horses. Teams like Washington and Ohio State, with a significant number of votes, could easily climb into the Top 25 as the season progresses. Don't count them out!
Now, let's talk about potential upsets. Preseason polls are based on projections, but the reality on the court can be very different. Which team in the Top 10 is most likely to underperform? And which team outside the Top 25 has the best chance of making a Cinderella run?
What do you think? Are these rankings accurate, or are there any glaring omissions or overestimations? Which team is being slept on? Let's hear your opinions and predictions in the comments below! Who will be this year's bracket buster?
