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yesterday

UConn Opens No. 1 in AP Women’s Preseason Top 25

A 31-member media panel set a familiar pecking order as the top four mirror last season’s final poll.

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From left to right, UConn's Jana el Alfy, Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, and Serah Williams react in the second half of an exhibition NCAA college basketball game against Boston College, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in Uncasville, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Overview

  • UConn received 27 of 31 first-place votes, with South Carolina taking the other four to start at No. 2.
  • The SEC leads the rankings with eight teams, including five in the top 10, and Richmond debuts at No. 24 for its first-ever Top 25 appearance.
  • It is the first time in the poll’s 50-year history that the preseason top four match the previous season’s final order, with UCLA and Texas at Nos. 3 and 4.
  • South Carolina will be without forward Chloe Kitts this season due to an ACL tear that was disclosed after AP ballots were submitted.
  • In conference forecasts, Duke was picked to repeat as ACC champion and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo was selected preseason ACC player of the year.