Women’s college basketball is just around the corner, and there’s some major hype around this season. Superstars like USC Trojans’JuJu Watkins are returning from injury, and many teams could contend for a national title.

People are intrigued to see how the UCLA Bruins defend their national championship.

MORE: JuJu Watkins, Jazzy Davidson stun with outfits at Big Ten media day

All eyes will be on the freshman talent gracing the hardwood. North Carolina‘s Kate Harpering, USC’s Saniyah Hall and South Carolina’s Jerzy Robinson are just a few of the talented first-year players who will be showcasing their skills. Women’s college basketball talent keeps improving, and every year the basketball is awesome.

The Associated Press released its preseason top 25 rankings. A familiar team tops the list.

🚨: 𝐀𝐏 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍: 2026-27 Women’s College Basketball Top 25
The Big Ten leads all conferences with nine teams in the Top 25, followed by the SEC with seven, including four in the Top 10. The ACC has five teams ranked, the Big 12 has three, and the Big East has one.… pic.twitter.com/3OlI0dL8Jw

— Posther Hoops (@postherhoops) October 20, 2026

South Carolina Gamecocks are the AP preseason No. 1 team

Jan 15, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) celebrates a play with guard Ta’niya Latson (00) against the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Jan 15, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Tessa Johnson (5) celebrates a play with guard Ta’niya Latson (00) against the Texas Longhorns in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

Dawn Staley’s squad gets voted No. 1 and looks like the team to beat. They have returning vets and a deep roster that will create problems for any opponent. UCLA begins its championship defense as the No. 11 team, and it will be interesting to see how quickly the Bruins’ transfers can make a positive impact.

Full AP preseason poll:
1. South Carolina (23)
2. UConn (6)
3. USC (2)
4. Duke
5. Michigan
6. Texas
7. Louisville
8. Vanderbilt
9. LSU
10. Iowa
11. UCLA
12. North Carolina
13. Notre Dame
14. Kentucky
15. TCU
16. Washington
17. Minnesota
18. Ohio State
19. Ole Miss
20. Maryland
21. Oklahoma
22. Oklahoma State
23. Illinois
24. West Virginia
25. NC State

Others receiving votes: Nebraska 47, Arizona State 36, Baylor 31, Virginia 30, Michigan State 16, Kansas 12, Tennessee 9, Alabama 7, Syracuse 5, Villanova 5, Fairfield 2, Oregon 2, Rice 2, Georgia 2, Colorado 2, Virginia Tech 1, Clemson 1
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Source: Yahoo Sports