Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks have claimed the No. 1 spot in the 2026–27 AP preseason Top 25 women’s basketball poll…
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South Carolina is back on top, but the pressure is rising!
Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks have claimed the No. 1 spot in the 2026–27 AP preseason Top 25 women’s basketball poll. However, UConn is not far behind, setting the stage for another intense battle between two of college basketball’s biggest programs.
The Gamecocks received 23 of 31 first-place votes, while UConn secured the No. 2 position with six first-place votes. USC, Duke, and Michigan round out the top five.
Despite earning the top ranking, South Carolina faces enormous expectations. Being No. 1 brings respect, but it also puts a target on the Gamecocks’ backs as they prepare for a challenging schedule.
Meanwhile, UConn will be eager to prove that it deserves to be at the top. With both programs among the nation’s elite, the competition is already building before the season gets underway.
The biggest question now is whether Dawn Staley’s squad can live up to its No. 1 ranking—or whether UConn will find a way to reclaim the throne.
🔥 Who will finish the season on top: South Carolina or UConn?
🐔 Gamecocks fans, make your voices heard!
