College basketball: Coaches poll women’s ranking released after Week 13

The road to the NCAA Tournament is heating up, and the latest coaches’ poll reflects a landscape where every possession counts. While the top tier remains formidable, the middle of the pack is a chaotic battleground of rising contenders and fading powerhouses. This week sees a new entry cracking the Top 25 and significant movement within the SEC, proving once again that conference play is the ultimate proving ground. Here is the full breakdown of the nation’s elite as voted by the coaches.

25. Georgia Bulldogs

Record: 18-3 | Points: 58

It’s been a long time coming, but the Lady Bulldogs have finally barked their way into the Top 25. After knocking on the door for weeks, a pair of massive wins against ranked SEC opponents, including a statement victory over Ole Miss, convinced the coaches that Georgia is for real. Their defense has been suffocating, and with momentum on their side, they look ready to disrupt the conference hierarchy.

24. Washington Huskies

Record: 16-4 | Points: 73

The Huskies hold steady in the rankings, proving that their resurgence is no fluke. Navigating the treacherous waters of their conference schedule, they’ve managed to grind out key wins that keep their tournament resume polished. The coaches clearly respect their ability to compete night in and night out, rewarding them with a spot among the nation’s best as they eye a strong finish to the regular season.

23. North Carolina Tar Heels

Record: 17-5 | Points: 104

Despite a few stumbles, the Tar Heels remain a dangerous team with the talent to beat anyone on a given night. Their drop in the polls reflects the brutal nature of the ACC, but their 17 wins speak to a squad that knows how to close out games. They’ll need to tighten up their consistency to climb back up, but for now, they remain a fixture in the national conversation.​

22. Alabama Crimson Tide

Record: 18-3 | Points: 121

Roll Tide is rolling right along on the hardwood. Alabama continues to impress with an 18-3 record that showcases its explosive scoring ability. They’ve managed to handle their business against unranked foes while staying competitive in the SEC gauntlet. The coaches have kept them firmly in the Top 25, recognizing a team that has the firepower to make noise in March.​

21. West Virginia Mountaineers

Record: 17-4 | Points: 144

Known for their relentless press and defensive intensity, the Mountaineers are a nightmare matchup for anyone. Moving up a spot this week, they continue to prove that their style of play travels well. With 17 wins in the bank, they are positioning themselves as a tough out in the Big 12, capable of turning any game into a chaotic scramble that favors their grit.

20. Texas Tech Lady Raiders

Record: 20-2 | Points: 156

Reaching the 20-win plateau this early is a massive achievement, and the Lady Raiders are reaping the rewards. Despite a slight slide in the rankings, their record is undeniable. They have turned Lubbock back into a fortress, and their balanced attack makes them one of the more complete teams in the country. The coaches are still buying stock in what Tech is building.​

19. Princeton Tigers

Record: 17-1 | Points: 208

The Tigers continue to be the standard-bearers for the Ivy League, dominating their competition with surgical precision. At 17-1, they have taken care of business against almost everyone lined up across from them. While their strength of schedule is always a talking point, the coaches respect their consistency and discipline, keeping them comfortably inside the top 20.​

18. Kentucky Wildcats

Record: 17-5 | Points: 242

It was a tough week for the Wildcats, who dropped six spots after losing to Tennessee and Georgia. Injuries have played a role, but the SEC waits for no one. Still, their 17-5 record provides a solid cushion, and the talent on the roster is undeniable. They’ll need to regroup quickly to stop the bleeding, but they remain a dangerous squad when healthy.​

17. Ole Miss Rebels

Record: 17-4 | Points: 263

The Rebels are a team built on defense and toughness, and despite a setback against Georgia, they remain a formidable foe. Yolett McPhee-McCuin has instilled a culture of resilience in Oxford, and their ranking reflects a team that has proven it can battle with the best. They’ll be looking to bounce back and reassert themselves in the SEC pecking order.​

16. Maryland Terrapins

Record: 17-4 | Points: 321

Maryland takes a small dip this week but remains a major player in the Big Ten. Their high-powered offense can light up the scoreboard, but defensive lapses have cost them in key moments. Still, the Terps are a team with Final Four pedigree, and the coaches know better than to count them out as the stakes get higher.​

15. Tennessee Lady Volunteers

Record: 14-3 | Points: 369

The Lady Vols are trending upward, climbing two spots after a strong showing in conference play. With a 14-3 record, they are playing their best basketball of the season, fueled by a dominant frontcourt and improved guard play. The iconic orange-and-white brand is looking strong again, and the coaches are taking notice of its resurgence.​

14. Baylor Bears

Record: 18-3 | Points: 395

Baylor holds steady at 14, remaining a model of consistency in the Big 12. Their 18-3 record is built on a physical style of play that wears opponents down. They may not be grabbing all the headlines, but they are quietly assembling a resume that will earn them a very favorable seed come tournament time.​

13. Michigan State Spartans

Record: 18-2 | Points: 407

The Spartans are one of the pleasant surprises of the season, jumping two spots this week. Their 18-2 record is no accident; it’s the result of a cohesive unit that executes on both ends of the floor. They have navigated the Big Ten with impressive poise, and the coaches are recognizing their stellar play.​

12. Ohio State Buckeyes

Record: 18-3 | Points: 418

Ohio State drops a spot but remains a dangerous threat in the Big Ten. Their full-court press can cause chaos for 40 minutes, and when their shots are falling, they can beat anyone in the country. They’ll look to tighten up their defense as they prepare for the stretch run of the conference season.​

11. Oklahoma Sooners

Record: 16-4 | Points: 434

The biggest movers of the week, the Sooners rocketed up five spots after massive wins over South Carolina and Auburn. Freshman sensation Aaliyah Chavez has been electric, elevating the entire team. Oklahoma is peaking at the right time, and the rest of the country is officially on notice.​

10. TCU Horned Frogs

Record: 19-2 | Points: 489

TCU cracks the top 10, validating a season that has been nothing short of spectacular. Their gritty defense and timely shot-making have made them a force in the Big 12. At 19-2, they have proven they belong in the conversation with the nation’s elite, and the coaches agree.​

9. Michigan Wolverines

Record: 17-3 | Points: 536

The Wolverines continue their steady climb, moving up two spots on the strength of a balanced attack. They are playing smart, disciplined basketball that wins games in the Big Ten. With 17 wins, they are locking in their status as a legitimate contender for a deep March run.​

8. Iowa Hawkeyes

Record: 18-2 | Points: 546

Iowa jumps two spots, reasserting itself as a top-tier power. The Hawkeyes have navigated their schedule with impressive offensive firepower, proving that their system works regardless of the personnel. They remain one of the most entertaining and dangerous teams in the nation.​

7. Louisville Cardinals

Record: 19-3 | Points: 549

Louisville holds firm at number seven, continuing to play the kind of tough, defensive-minded basketball that is a hallmark of Jeff Walz’s teams. Their 19-3 record is a testament to their consistency and ability to grind out wins in the ACC.​

6. Vanderbilt Commodores

Record: 20-1 | Points: 625

The Commodores are the real deal. Sitting at 20-1, they have been one of the best stories of the year, climbing two spots this week. Their resurgence under Shea Ralph has been remarkable, and they are now legitimate threats to challenge for the SEC crown.​

5. LSU Lady Tigers

Record: 19-2 | Points: 635

LSU remains a top-five fixture, bringing swagger and star power to every game. Their 19-2 record speaks for itself, and despite the target on their back, they continue to handle their business. They are built for the bright lights of the postseason.​

4. Texas Longhorns

Record: 19-2 | Points: 657

The Longhorns stay put at number four, continuing to dominate with their size and athleticism. They have been a force all season, and at 19-2, they look every bit like a team capable of making a run to the Final Four.​

3. South Carolina Gamecocks

Record: 20-2 | Points: 710

Despite a rare loss to Oklahoma, the Gamecocks remain a terrifying opponent. Their depth and defense keep them in the top three, and they will likely use the setback as fuel. They are still the team to beat in the eyes of many.

2. UCLA Bruins

Record: 19-1 | Points: 738

The Bruins move up to number two, capitalizing on South Carolina’s stumble. Their 19-1 record is pristine, and they have looked dominant on both ends of the floor. They are playing like a team on a mission to bring a title back to Westwood.

1. UConn Huskies

Record: 21-0 | Points: 775

Unanimous and undefeated. The Huskies sit alone at the top, receiving all 31 first-place votes. At 21-0, they have answered every challenge and look like the clear favorites to cut down the nets. Geno Auriemma has his team playing at a level that is simply a cut above the rest.

The countdown continues

With the calendar about to flip to February, the intensity will only ramp up. The teams in this poll have separated themselves as the best in the country, but the difference between winning a title and going home early is often just one bad night. As conference tournaments approach, every game becomes a statement, and these 25 teams know that the real season is just getting started.

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