We’re six weeks in to the 2024-25 women’s college basketball season and a lot has changed. Here’s On3’s updated top 25 following the sixth week of competition.
1. UCLA
The UCLA Bruins played just one game this week, cruising to a 102-51 road victory over Long Beach State to remain undefeated. Their early win over Louisville has lost some shine, but they remain the only team to defeat South Carolina since the 2022-23 season.
Key wins: South Carolina, Louisville
Losses: None
2. South Carolina
Despite their sole road loss to UCLA, South Carolina still boasts one of the best resumes in the sport. They added a solid home win this week against South Florida, one of the best mid-majors in the country.
Key wins: NC State, Duke, TCU, Michigan, Iowa State
Losses: UCLA
3. Notre Dame
Since Notre Dame returned from the Cayman Islands, they’ve been on a tear, and that continued this week. They notched a convincing home win over previously-undefeated UConn and Hannah Hidalgo put on a heck of a show. Unfortunately, we can’t forget what happened over Thanksgiving, so they’re stuck at No. 3 despite three Top 5 wins.
Key wins: UConn, Texas, USC
Losses: TCU, Utah
4. UConn
UConn faced its first true road test of the season and fell short against Notre Dame. Paige Bueckers did her best to carry the team, but it wasn’t enough. Still, one loss to a Top 3 team doesn’t hurt them significantly at all. They went on to beat Georgetown at home to open conference play.
Key wins: North Carolina, Louisville, Ole Miss
Losses: Notre Dame
5. Duke
Duke was idle this week and moved down a spot only because of Notre Dame’s rise. They’ll face a solid challenge next weekend with a road game against South Florida.
Key wins: Kansas State, Oklahoma, South Dakota State, Belmont
Losses: South Carolina, Maryland
6. TCU
I know what you’re going to say. Why did TCU move up a spot when they only played Louisiana Tech at home? Well, both Notre Dame and NC State’s stock rose this week with big wins, making TCU’s resume even sweeter. They’ve only lost one game to South Carolina, and while it was ugly, it wasn’t too damaging.
Key wins: NC State, Notre Dame
Losses: South Carolina
7. LSU
With TCU’s rise, LSU slides to No. 7. Their win over Louisiana didn’t move the needle much, and Cal’s dominant victory over Stanford decreases the value of LSU’s home OT win against the Cardinal. That being said, the Tigers are still undefeated.
Key wins: NC State
Losses: None
8. Texas
Texas earned a strong road win over a tough mid-major in Richmond. Madison Booker starred with 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
Key wins: West Virginia, Richmond
Losses: Notre Dame
9. Oklahoma
Oklahoma had a single game this week, securing a home win over Oral Roberts. Their schedule gets tougher next week with a matchup against Michigan on Tuesday.
Key wins: Louisville, UNLV
Losses: Duke
10. USC
USC had two dominant home victories over Fresno State and Elon this week. They’ve got a really daunting stretch ahead, though, with consecutive games against UConn, Michigan and Nebraska.
Key wins: Ole Miss, Oregon
Losses: Notre Dame
11. Maryland
Maryland had an off week this week, so they’ll stay put. They’re one of few remaining undefeated teams in the country, but won’t face tough competition again until after Christmas.
Key wins: Duke, George Mason
Losses: None
12. Michigan State
Michigan State made a big jump this week after taking down ranked Iowa in a tight game. Their neutral-site victories over ranked Cal and Vanderbilt over Thanksgiving look even better now, strengthening their undefeated resume.
Key wins: Cal, Iowa, Vanderbilt
Losses: None
13. Kansas State
Kansas State climbed a few spots after a dominant 74-48 home win over MTSU. The Wildcats shot 42% from deep, with Jaelyn Glenn hitting five 3-pointers.
Key wins: Creighton, Belmont, MTSU
Losses: Duke
14. Ohio State
The Ohio State Buckeyes added a quality home win over Ball State and followed it up with a blowout victory against Youngstown State. They remain undefeated but face a solid test at Stanford next Friday.
Key wins: Illinois, Belmont
Losses: None
15. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech rose significantly this week after an impressive road win over North Carolina. The Yellowjackets, one of the season’s biggest surprises, remain unbeaten with wins over South Dakota State, Mississippi State, and Oregon.
Key wins: North Carolina, Mississippi State, Oregon, South Dakota State
Losses: None
16. North Carolina
North Carolina mounted a late comeback against Georgia Tech but fell short at home. While they still own a few quality wins, this loss sets them back.
Key wins: Kentucky, Indiana
Losses: UConn, Georgia Tech
17. Tennessee
Tennessee’s undefeated record remains intact, but their only competition this week came against winless NC Central and fell a few spots due to other team’s big wins. The Lady Vols head to Memphis on Wednesday.
Key wins: Iowa, Florida State, MTSU
Losses: None
18. NC State
NC State remains a puzzle. After barely surviving a home game against Davidson, they turned around and dominated Louisville 72-42 on the road. Their only losses are to Top 10 teams in tough environments, making them hard to place.
Key wins: Louisville, Ole Miss
Losses: South Carolina, TCU, LSU
19. Kentucky
Kentucky’s drop wasn’t due to their play but to North Carolina’s loss and other teams’ rising resumes. The Wildcats handled Purdue with a dominant 30-point road win.
Key wins: Illinois, Louisville
Losses: North Carolina
20. West Virginia
West Virginia notched a solid road win over Temple this weekend, but their schedule will ramp up quickly as they enter conference play. I’m curious to see how the Mountaineers perform at Colorado this Saturday.
Key wins: Temple
Losses: Texas
21. Cal
Cal moved up after dismantling Stanford behind 18 made 3-pointers. The Bears’ only loss came narrowly against Michigan State, and they’re riding a 5-game win streak with victories over Arizona, Alabama, and Stanford.
Key wins: Alabama, Stanford
Losses: Michigan State
22. Iowa
Iowa edged Iowa State 75-69 at home but fell in a close road game to Michigan State. A competitive 2-point loss to a strong Spartans team doesn’t damage their standing much.
Key wins: Iowa State, Virginia Tech
Losses: Tennessee, Michigan State
23. Utah
Utah picked up a solid 10-point road win at Washington. Despite a few tough losses, wins over Notre Dame, Saint Joseph’s, Princeton, and Washington give them an impressive resume.
Key wins: Notre Dame, Princeton, Saint Joseph’s
Losses: Mississippi State, Northwestern
24. Illinois
It was a quiet week for Illinois, but they took care of business with a 73-50 home win over Southern Indiana. Tougher matchups loom as conference play begins soon.
Key wins: Florida State
Losses: Kentucky, Ohio State
25. Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt cracks the Top 25 this week, replacing Louisville. The Commodores’ only loss came to Michigan State, but they’re still searching for a signature win. Their victories over South Florida, Butler, Arizona, and Miami provide a strong foundation.
Key wins: Miami
Losses: Michigan State
