Story perspectives

UConn Claims No. 1 Spot in Preseason AP Top 25

10/15/2025

Summary

UConn Secures No. 1

The 2025-26 AP Top 25 preseason rankings name the University of Connecticut (UConn) No. 1, with 27 of 31 first-place votes.
South Carolina is No. 2, and UCLA, Texas, and LSU are in the top five.
Duke is No. 7, NC State is No. 9, and North Carolina is No. 11.
The Southeastern Conference leads the rankings with eight teams.
Ohio State and Washington failed to make the list.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA men's basketball tournament began in 1979, revolutionizing college sports. Michigan State won the inaugural championship, defeating Indiana State, which had an undefeated record. This tournament marked the first time all teams were seeded, enhancing competition. UConn's current dominance in rankings reflects the historical influence of powerhouse programs like UCLA and North Carolina, which have shaped expectations in college basketball.

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UConn Secures No. 1

The 2025-26 AP Top 25 preseason rankings name the University of Connecticut (UConn) No. 1, with 27 of 31 first-place votes.
South Carolina is No. 2, and UCLA, Texas, and LSU are in the top five.
Duke is No. 7, NC State is No. 9, and North Carolina is No. 11.
The Southeastern Conference leads the rankings with eight teams.
Ohio State and Washington failed to make the list.

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