Texas Claims Top Spot in Women’s AP for the First Time in 21 Years

For the first time in more than two decades, Texas finds itself at the pinnacle of The Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll. This marks the first occasion in 21 years that Texas has garnered the number one ranking, and it also represents the third different team to claim the top position within a span of three weeks.

The Longhorns ascended to the top on Monday after previous leader Notre Dame suffered a double-overtime defeat at the hands of N.C. State. UCLA held the number one spot for the 12 weeks prior to Notre Dame’s reign.

“I’m extremely proud of my team, they’ve definitely earned their position today,” expressed Texas head coach Vic Schaefer during a phone chat mere hours before leading his squad to a commanding victory over Georgia on Monday night.

This is the fifth occurrence since 2001 that three different schools have held the number one position in a span of three weeks. In addition, South Carolina commenced the season as number one. This season has witnessed four teams at the top of the rankings, only the sixth time this has happened since the poll’s inception in 1976. Remarkably, no season has ever seen five different schools in this coveted spot.

“There’s abundant parity in the sport right now,” Schaefer noted.

Texas, which last occupied the top ranking on February 16, 2004, earned 19 first-place votes from the 31-member national media panel. Historically, the Longhorns have held the top spot for 48 weeks since their first No. 1 appearance in 1980.

“I have so much respect and admiration for coach (Jody) Conradt and the legacy of our program; it’s clear the standard we’re aspiring to meet,” Schaefer remarked.

Notre Dame slid to third place following the end of its 19-game win streak, whereas UCLA advanced one position to second. The Bruins secured 11 top votes after narrowly defeating Iowa 67-65 with two free throws in the final moments on Sunday. USC claimed the fourth spot with one first-place vote, and UConn ranked fifth.

Behind these teams, South Carolina, LSU, and North Carolina followed, while N.C. State climbed four spots to ninth after their victory over Notre Dame. TCU rounded out the top ten.

Re-entering the rankings this week were Florida State and Louisville at numbers 24 and 25, respectively. The Seminoles defeated Pittsburgh and previously 20th-ranked Georgia Tech. Meanwhile, the Cardinals had a win over the previously 11th-ranked Duke before succumbing to North Carolina. Both the Yellow Jackets and Illinois exited the Top 25.

The Southeastern Conference leads with seven teams in the rankings. Meanwhile, the ACC follows with six, and both the Big Ten and Big 12 have five teams each. The Big East boasts two ranked teams.

An exciting lineup of games awaits, including a crucial matchup between No. 4 USC and No. 2 UCLA on Saturday, which could determine the Big Ten regular-season champion. USC previously handed UCLA its only defeat of the season. Also notable is the clash between No. 22 Creighton and No. 5 UConn on Thursday, a game that could decide the Big East leader. Meanwhile, No. 8 North Carolina will face off against No. 16 Duke on Thursday, with potential implications for an advantageous ACC tournament seed. Lastly, No. 10 TCU will take on No. 17 Baylor on Sunday in a match that could influence the Big 12 Conference standings.