Two years after the Caitlin Clark era wrapped up in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes have clawed their way back into the national elite, proving the program is more than just a memory of its biggest star. This week’s power rankings from ESPN reflect a season that’s heating up, with familiar giants like UConn staying perfect and the Big Ten title race turning into a gauntlet. Here are the top 10 teams setting the pace right now.
10) Baylor Bears
Dec 14, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears forward Bella Fontleroy (22) battles for a rebound against Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) during the second half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 17-3. Previous ranking: 16
Baylor cracks the list on the back of a six-game winning streak that proves they can grind out victories away from home. Their defense has become a nightmare for opponents, leading the Big 12 in blocks and suffocating shooters at an elite rate nationally. They are winning with grit and rim protection, a formula that travels well in conference play.
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9) Iowa Hawkeyes
Dec 20, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Taylor Stremlow (1) dribbles the ball against UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 16-2. Previous ranking: 15
Jan Jensen’s squad is the story of the week, surging back into the top 10 with a resilience that few predicted a month ago. Led by a dominant stretch from Hannah Stuelke, the Hawkeyes have rattled off six straight wins to sit tied atop the Big Ten standings. They’ve turned early-season lessons into mid-season momentum.
8) Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State Buckeyes forward Seini Henry (15) dribbles the ball down the court for a fast break in the second half of the NCAA women’s basketball game at Value City Arena on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
Stat line: Record: 17-2. Previous ranking: 14
The Buckeyes are climbing fast, fueled by an offense that can bury teams in a hurry; just ask Penn State. A gritty win over a top-10 TCU squad proved they have the toughness to match their scoring punch. With a massive showdown against Iowa looming, they are peaking at the exact right moment.
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7) LSU Tigers
Mikaylah Williams 12, LSU Tigers Womens Basketball takes on the Kentucky Wildcats. Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026.
Stat line: Record: 17-2. Previous ranking: 8
LSU seems to have fixed its biggest flaw, turning a rebounding weakness into a strength over the last few weeks. Flau’jae Johnson is playing her best basketball of the season, giving the Tigers a dynamic two-way presence on the perimeter. They are quietly building the kind of physical identity that wins in March.
6) Louisville Cardinals
Jan 4, 2026; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Elif Istanbulluoglu (11) celebrates with guard Tajianna Roberts (22) during the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Virginia Tech 85-60. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 18-3. Previous ranking: 6
Louisville proved its mettle with two massive road wins, including an overtime thriller in which it erased a double-digit deficit against NC State. The Cardinals are finding different heroes every night, a testament to their depth and mental toughness. This is a team that refuses to fold under pressure.
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5) Vanderbilt Commodores
Vanderbilt Commodores guard Justine Pissott (13), Vanderbilt Commodores guard Mikayla Blakes (1) and Vanderbilt Commodores forward Sacha Washington (35) stand together after the women’s basketball game between the Vanderbilt Commodores and Virginia Cavaliers at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
Stat line: Record: 19-0. Previous ranking: 5
Still perfect and off to the best start in program history, Vandy survived a scare against Michigan to keep its record unblemished. They’ve shown they can win ugly when teams key on their stars, finding unexpected production from their freshmen. The real test of their legitimacy arrives this weekend in Columbia.
4) Texas Longhorns
Dec 14, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA;Texas Longhorns forward Madison Booker (35) scores a basket over Baylor Bears guard Marcayla Johnson (21) during the second half at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 19-2. Previous ranking: 4
After a brief stumble, the Longhorns got back on track by absolutely dismantling their in-state rival. The return of key freshman talent adds another gear to a roster that is already deep and dangerous. They remain a physical force capable of overwhelming teams when they control the paint.
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3) UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins bench reacts after a 3-point basket by guard Christina Karamouzi (3) during the second half against Long Beach State Beach at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 17-1. Previous ranking: 3
The Bruins are flexing their depth, turning what should have been a competitive game against Maryland into a statement blowout. With multiple guards capable of dropping 20 points on any given night, they are virtually impossible to scout. They look every bit like a No. 1 seed and the team to beat in the Big Ten.
2) South Carolina Gamecocks
Jan 11, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta’niya Latson (00) and Georgia Bulldogs forward Zhen Craft (8) battle for the ball in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 19-1. Previous ranking: 2
South Carolina avenged its only loss of the season with a balanced, suffocating performance that reminded everyone why they are the standard. They are getting scary production from their young stars, adding depth to a roster that was already loaded. When they are locked in, the gap between them and the field feels massive.
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1) UConn Huskies
Brooklyn, New York, USA; UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) drives to the basket against Iowa Hawkeyes guard Chazadi Wright (11) during the second half at Barclays Center. Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images
Stat line: Record: 19-0. Previous ranking: 1
The Huskies remain the undisputed class of the country, flattening conference foes and settling old scores with ease. Their defense is historically stingy, rarely allowing opponents even to crack 55 points. Right now, UConn is operating with ruthless efficiency, suggesting the road to the title still runs through Storrs.
The race heats up
Jan 4, 2026; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Elif Istanbulluoglu (11) celebrates with guard Tajianna Roberts (22) during the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at KFC Yum! Center. Louisville defeated Virginia Tech 85-60. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
As January fades, the separation between the contenders and pretenders is becoming clear. With unbeaten streaks on the line and conference rivalries intensifying, the next few weeks will reveal who truly has the legs for a deep run.
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