Breaking Down the AP Women's Basketball Preseason Top 25: Insights and Highlights

Introduction

The excitement of a new season is palpable, especially in women's college basketball, where the recent AP preseason Top 25 poll has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling year. Topping the list is the reigning champion UConn Huskies, and the competition just below them is fierce. Let's unpack the rankings, dive into team rosters, and preview the biggest contests on the horizon.

Rank Overview: What to Expect

The AP preseason rankings feature a blend of familiar powerhouses and rising stars, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of women's collegiate basketball. It's important to consider not just the rankings, but the implications behind each placement. Here's what to look forward to.

1. UConn Huskies

2024-25 Record: 37-3 (Won 2025 National Championship)

Season Opener: Nov. 4 vs. Louisville (in Germany)

Biggest Early-Season Game: Nov. 21 vs. Michigan

Projected Starting Lineup:

• Sarah Strong (16.4 PPG)
• Azzi Fudd (13.6 PPG)
• Ashlynn Shade (7.7 PPG)
• Serah Williams (19.2 PPG at Wisconsin)
• Kayleigh Heckel (6.1 PPG at USC)

2. South Carolina Gamecocks

2024-25 Record: 35-4 (Lost to 2-seed UConn in National Championship)

Season Opener: Nov. 3 vs. Grand Canyon

Biggest Early-Season Game: Nov. 26 vs. Duke (in Las Vegas)

Projected Starting Lineup:

• Raven Johnson (4.9 PPG)
• Tessa Johnson (8.4 PPG)
• Joyce Edwards (12.7 PPG)
• Ta'Niya Latson (25.2 PPG at Florida State)
• Madina Okot (11.3 PPG at Mississippi State)

3. UCLA Bruins

2024-25 Record: 34-3 (Lost to 2-seed UConn in Final Four)

Season Opener: Nov. 3 vs. San Diego State

Biggest Early-Season Game: Nov. 26 vs. Texas (in Las Vegas)

Projected Starting Lineup:

• Lauren Betts (20.2 PPG)
• Kiki Rice (12.8 PPG)
• Gianna Kneepkens (19.3 PPG at Utah)
• Gabriela Jaquez (9.6 PPG)
• Charlisse Leger-Walker (13.2 PPG at Washington State)

4. Texas Longhorns

2024-25 Record: 35-4 (Lost to 1-seed South Carolina in Final Four)

Season Opener: Nov. 3 vs. Incarnate Word

Biggest Early-Season Game: Nov. 26 vs. UCLA (in Las Vegas)

Projected Starting Lineup:

• Madison Booker (16.3 PPG)
• Rori Harmon (9.3 PPG)
• Kyla Oldacre (8.8 PPG)
• Jordan Lee (5.8 PPG)
• Aaliyah Crump (No. 5 in ESPN 100)

5. LSU Tigers

2024-25 Record: 31-6 (Lost to 1-seed UCLA in Elite Eight)

Season Opener: Nov. 4 vs. Houston Christian

Biggest Early-Season Game: Dec. 4 at Duke

Projected Starting Lineup:

• Flau'Jae Johnson (18.6 PPG)
• Mikaylah Williams (17.3 PPG)
• MiLaysia Fulwiley (11.7 PPG at South Carolina)
• Grace Knox (No. 6 in ESPN 100)
• Amiya Joyner (15.0 PPG at East Carolina)

Emerging Teams to Watch

While the top five in this poll are packed with talent, other teams are set to surprise us. Here are some squads to keep an eye on:

6. Oklahoma Sooners

7. Duke Blue Devils

These teams may not be in the top five, but their projected lineups show impressive potential depth and skill. Given the competitive nature of the sport, they could easily disrupt expectations.

Conclusion

The women's college basketball landscape is more thrilling than ever, and this season promises to deliver. Whether you're rooting for a powerhouse or an underdog, the games are set to be a showcase of talent and heart. Keep your eyes tuned to the action as it unfolds from Nov. 3!