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Women's College Basketball 2025-26: Preseason Top 25 Rankings Unveiled

Powerhouses Lead the Pack

The 2025-26 women's college basketball season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with the preseason Top 25 rankings recently released by ESPN. Defending national champion South Carolina holds the No. 2 spot, while runner-up UConn takes the top position at No. 1. These two teams are expected to dominate once again, with their rosters bolstered by key returning players and impactful transfers.

Following closely behind are UCLA at No. 3, Texas at No. 4, and LSU at No. 5, rounding out the top tier of contenders. Each of these programs has made significant moves in the offseason, with ESPN highlighting specific transfers expected to make a difference. For instance, UCLA's ranking reflects confidence in their ability to build on last season's success with new talent.

Rising Stars and Surprises in the Rankings

Moving down the list, Oklahoma secures the No. 6 spot, a testament to their consistent performance and strategic additions to the roster. Tennessee at No. 7, NC State at No. 8, Duke at No. 9, and Maryland at No. 10 complete the top ten, showcasing a mix of traditional powerhouses and teams on the rise. Notably, Oklahoma's placement in the top ten was emphasized in multiple sources, reflecting high expectations for their upcoming campaign.

Further down, teams like Richmond at No. 19 have earned national recognition, marking a significant achievement for the program as reported by the University of Richmond Athletics. Other notable rankings include Ole Miss at No. 12 and Oklahoma State cracking the list, signaling potential breakout seasons for these squads. The diversity of teams in the rankings highlights the growing competitiveness across women's college basketball.

Key Transfers and Season Outlook

One of the focal points of the preseason rankings is the impact of transfers on team dynamics. ESPN's analysis points out specific players expected to shine for each ranked team, noting how these additions could shift the balance of power. For instance, Maryland's ranking at No. 10 comes with anticipation around their transfer acquisitions, which are seen as critical to their success in the upcoming season.

As the season approaches, with tip-off less than a month away, anticipation is building for how these rankings will hold up. Will UConn maintain their top spot, or will South Carolina reclaim their dominance? With a stacked field of talent and strategic roster changes, the 2025-26 season promises intense competition and unexpected twists on the court.

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