UConn rises to No. 1 in AP women’s poll after clinching 12th national title

UConn wrapped up its championship season by finishing No. 1 in the final Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll, released Monday. The ranking comes a day after the Huskies secured their 12th national title with a dominant 82-59 win over South Carolina.

All 31 first-place votes from the national media panel went to UConn, led by legendary coach Geno Auriemma. South Carolina, which had held the top spot at the beginning of the season, landed at No. 2 unanimously following the title game loss.

This season marked a historic level of competition, with five different programs holding the No. 1 ranking in the AP poll — the most ever in a single season. Alongside UConn and South Carolina, UCLA, Notre Dame, and Texas also occupied the top position at different points.

UCLA finished the year at No. 3 after reaching the Final Four, while Texas, another Final Four team, claimed the No. 4 spot. USC rounded out the top five.

The strong shuffle at the top throughout the season highlighted the depth and parity in women’s college basketball this year, making UConn’s ultimate rise and championship all the more impressive.