Women’s College Basketball Preseason Rankings: South Carolina Takes Top Spot as Season Approaches

Women’s College Basketball Preseason Rankings Unveiled in South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina — The women’s college basketball world is buzzing as the 2024-25 AP Top 25 preseason rankings have been released, with the South Carolina Gamecocks earning the prestigious No. 1 spot. This comes as the Gamecocks prepare to defend their national title, aiming for another successful season after finishing last year as the only undefeated team in college basketball.

Key Rankings Overview

Ranked right behind South Carolina is UConn, which secured the No. 2 position with two first-place votes. Under the direction of Geno Auriemma, who is entering his 40th season with the program, UConn is eager to claim its first championship since 2016. With a team that includes Paige Bueckers, a player of the year candidate, expectations are high.

Following UConn, Southern California takes the No. 3 spot, marking its highest preseason ranking since the early 1980s. Texas and UCLA round out the top five, showcasing a competitive start to the season.

Other Noteworthy Rankings

While South Carolina leads the pack, the rankings feature other formidable teams such as NC State, which has climbed to No. 9 after reaching the Final Four in the previous season. Led by senior standout Aziaha James, the Wolfpack aim to build on their successes.

Despite a strong past couple of seasons, Iowa finds itself on the outside of the top 25 for the first time in years, receiving 37 votes from the panel. The team, which finished as the runner-up in the last two NCAA tournaments, must now adapt after losing superstar Caitlin Clark, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year.

League Representation

This year, the SEC leads all conferences with seven teams in the top 25, including strong placements for Texas at No. 4 and Oklahoma at No. 10. Close behind, the ACC and Big Ten each feature six teams in the rankings. This year’s list has absorbed the addition of Southern Cal at No. 3 and UCLA at No. 5, highlighting the shifting dynamics within collegiate basketball.

Historic Changes

One notable absence this year is Stanford, which is unranked for the first time since 1999. This follows the retirement of Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer and the loss of their leading player Cameron Brink to the WNBA. Meanwhile, UConn maintains its impressive streak, marking its 30th consecutive season ranked within the top 10.

Looking Ahead

The season opens on a high note for South Carolina as they face off against Michigan in Las Vegas, kicking off their pursuit of another championship title. As teams prepare for tournament action, the excitement builds, urging players to step into the limelight and showcase their skills on the national stage.

This year promises spirited competition, with the top teams eager to prove their worth and fans ready to support their favorite squads. As the 2024-25 season progresses, all eyes will be on how these rankings translate into performance on the court.