Full Breakdown
UCLA Claims First NCAA Championship and Finishes No. 1 in Women's AP Top 25
4/7/2026, 4:23:47 AM
Historic Championship Victory
UCLA concluded the 2025-2026 women's college basketball season at No. 1 in The Associated Press Top 25 after securing its first NCAA championship by defeating South Carolina. The Bruins achieved this milestone with a unanimous selection from a 31-member national media panel, marking the first time in the program's history that they finished as the top-ranked team. Their initial No. 1 ranking was established in November 2024, following another victory over South Carolina.
Final Rankings Overview
The final AP Top 25 poll saw South Carolina ranked second, while UConn and Texas secured the third and fourth positions, respectively. UConn had maintained its No. 1 status throughout the season until suffering a loss to South Carolina just prior to the championship. The rankings continued with Duke at fifth, TCU at sixth, and Michigan at seventh, all of which reached the Elite Eight. LSU and Notre Dame followed at eighth and ninth, respectively, with Vanderbilt rounding out the top ten.
Celebrating Longevity in the Poll
UCLA is one of only three teams that appeared in both the inaugural women's basketball poll 50 years ago and the final Top 25 of this season, alongside Maryland and Baylor. Maryland concluded the season ranked 20th, while Baylor finished at 23rd. Virginia, ranked 19th, achieved its first ranking since 2011 after reaching the Sweet 16 for the first time in 26 years. Despite this success, Virginia made a coaching change, dismissing Amaka Agugua-Hamilton.
Conference Representation
The final poll reflected a strong showing from various conferences, with both the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big Ten each placing eight teams in the Top 25. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) had five representatives, while the Big 12 featured three teams. The Big East had one team in the rankings.
Official Statements & Responses
UCLA's head coach expressed pride in the team's historic achievement, emphasizing the hard work and dedication that led to their championship victory. The unanimous No. 1 ranking was celebrated as a testament to the program's growth and resilience throughout the season.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding UCLA's championship, some analysts noted the competitive nature of the season, highlighting the challenges faced by teams like UConn, which had been a dominant force until their recent loss. Critics pointed out that the unpredictability of the tournament showcased the evolving landscape of women's college basketball.
Verbatim Quotes
UCLA's historic season not only culminated in a championship but also solidified its place in women's basketball history, setting the stage for future competitions.
