BREAKING NEWS: South Carolina Gains a First-Place Vote as UCLA, Gamecocks, Notre Dame Top Women’s AP Top 25
January 21, 2025 – New York, NY — In an exciting shakeup at the top of women’s college basketball, the latest AP Top 25 has revealed that South Carolina has earned a first-place vote, while UCLA, South Carolina, and Notre Dame occupy the top three spots in the rankings. The news is a testament to the increasing depth and competitiveness of women’s college basketball as the race to March Madness intensifies.
UCLA Leads with Strong Consensus, South Carolina Makes History with First-Place Vote
The UCLA Bruins, led by head coach Cori Close and star players like Charisma Osborne and Kiki Rice, remain at the top of the rankings as the unanimous choice for #1 in the AP Poll. With an impressive record and strong performances against top-ranked teams, UCLA has cemented its place as the team to beat in women’s college basketball this season.
However, the most exciting part of the update is the recognition South Carolina has earned. While the Gamecocks, under head coach Dawn Staley, continue to dominate the SEC and maintain a top-tier record, they’ve now received a first-place vote. This marks a significant development for South Carolina, signaling that their performance has not only captured the attention of voters but that the conversation surrounding the nation’s best team has expanded beyond just UCLA.
South Carolina’s dynamic duo, Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke, continue to make their case as among the best players in college basketball, leading their team with a perfect mix of inside presence and perimeter scoring. The first-place vote is a nod to their consistency and growing power on the national stage, as they remain a formidable title contender.
Notre Dame Solidifies Position in Top Three
Not to be outdone, Notre Dame has also positioned itself as a major contender. The Fighting Irish, powered by sophomore standout Olivia Miles and veteran leadership from Dara Mabrey, are sitting comfortably in third place in the rankings. With a blend of experienced players and young stars, Notre Dame has demonstrated the ability to compete with the best in the country, further adding to the excitement at the top of the AP rankings.
A Shifting Landscape in Women’s College Basketball
The AP Top 25 poll, which reflects the ever-changing dynamics of women’s college basketball, showcases the increased parity in the sport. While UCLA has earned the most first-place votes, the emergence of teams like South Carolina, which has traditionally been a powerhouse, and Notre Dame, further exemplifies the evolving landscape where multiple teams are primed to vie for the NCAA championship this year.
In addition to the top three teams, the AP Poll also reflects impressive performances by teams like Iowa, Stanford, and Connecticut, all of which are aiming to claim their stake as national title contenders.
Fan Reaction and Looking Ahead
Social media has exploded with fan reactions to the updated rankings, with many praising the tight competition at the top. South Carolina’s first-place vote, in particular, has sparked debates among fans and analysts alike, with some calling for a more equitable distribution of votes given the Gamecocks’ high level of play.
With conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament on the horizon, women’s basketball fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a thrilling finish to the season. The race for the national championship has never looked more exciting, with multiple teams staking their claim for the top spot and the ultimate glory.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow the thrilling journey to the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship!