Full Breakdown
Iowa Hawkeyes Enter AP Top 10 for First Time in Two Years
1/19/2026, 11:05:50 PM
Iowa's Historic Ranking
The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team has achieved a significant milestone by entering the Associated Press (AP) Top 10 for the first time in two years. This ranking comes after a six-game winning streak, placing Iowa at No. 10 with a record of 16-2. The last time the Hawkeyes were ranked this high was during Caitlin Clark's senior year, when they reached the national championship. The latest AP poll, released on January 16, 2026, sees the University of Connecticut (UConn) maintaining its position as the unanimous No. 1 team, having received all 30 first-place votes.
Current AP Top 10 Rankings
1. UConn (18-0)
2. South Carolina (19-1)
3. UCLA (17-1)
4. Texas (19-2)
5. Vanderbilt (18-0)
6. LSU (17-2)
7. Michigan (15-2)
8. Louisville (18-3)
10. Iowa (16-2)
The top six teams in the poll remained unchanged from the previous week, with Iowa benefiting from Kentucky's loss to Mississippi State, which caused the Wildcats to drop from No. 7 to No. 11.
Context of Iowa's Rise
Iowa's ascent in the rankings is notable as they have been undefeated in the Big Ten Conference thus far. The team's recent success has been attributed to strong performances, including a victory over then-No. 15 Michigan State. The Hawkeyes' current ranking reflects their consistent performance and competitive edge within the conference.
Iowa State's Decline
In contrast, Iowa State's women's basketball team has faced challenges, dropping out of the AP Top 25 for the first time this season after suffering five consecutive losses. The Cyclones, who began the season ranked in the Top 25, fell to a record of 14-5, including a disappointing 2-5 in Big 12 Conference play. Their recent struggles have been exacerbated by injuries to key players, including guard Arianna Jackson and forward Addy Brown.
Conference Representation
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) leads the AP Top 25 with nine teams, followed by the Big Ten with seven ranked teams. The Big 12 has five teams in the rankings, while the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) features two. Notably, Princeton has also made headlines by moving up to No. 20, marking its best ranking since 2015.
Upcoming Matchups
Looking ahead, the Iowa Hawkeyes are set to face a challenging schedule, including games against Maryland, Ohio State, and UCLA. These matchups will be crucial for maintaining their ranking and further establishing their presence in women's college basketball.
Official Statements & Responses
The Iowa women's basketball program has expressed pride in their achievement, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the team. Meanwhile, UConn continues to dominate the rankings, showcasing their strong performance throughout the season.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding Iowa's rise, some analysts have pointed out the volatility of rankings in women's college basketball, emphasizing that maintaining a top position requires consistent performance against tough competition.
Verbatim Quotes
“Iowa has officially entered the top 10 of the AP Top 25 for the first time in the Jan Jensen era.” — CBS Sports
“Iowa has benefited from Kentucky’s recent loss, which saw the Wildcats drop to 11th place.” — Filmogaz
This ranking marks a pivotal moment for the Iowa Hawkeyes as they look to build on their success and navigate the competitive landscape of women's college basketball.
