ESPN has released the first edition of its women's college basketball Power Rankings for the 2026-27 season, providing a baseline for the country's top programs just nine days after the season began. The early weeks have featured a mix of surprising upsets, satisfying comebacks, and dominant performances that set the tone for the year ahead.
South Carolina enters the rankings at number one after an impressive start. The Gamecocks defeated Maryland 101-93 in their opener in Paris, followed by a decisive 84-39 victory over North Carolina in Charlotte. Forward Joyce Edwards has emerged as a key performer with 38 points and 12 rebounds across those two games, supported by a deep roster that showcases both offensive firepower and defensive intensity.
Michigan holds the second spot, leveraging a veteran core that has reached the Elite Eight in the past two seasons. Junior Te'Yala Delfosse and Olivia Olson have led the Wolverines to wins over UConn and Wright State. Their next significant test will arrive on December 5 against Oklahoma, though the team is expected to navigate the rest of the month with relative ease.
USC sits at number three, buoyed by the return of JuJu Watkins to her previous form. The Trojans have won three games in a row, including a 105-44 victory over Charleston. Freshman Saniyah Hall has made a historic impact, becoming the first Big Ten player since Caitlin Clark to start her career with three consecutive 20-point games.
UConn ranks fourth despite a loss to Michigan, having recovered with a win over Iowa. Sarah Strong delivered a career-high 39 points in that game. The Huskies face a challenging nonconference schedule, with upcoming road games against Ohio State and Louisville serving as critical benchmarks for their progress.
Texas, Louisville, and Duke round out the top seven. Texas is managing the transition after losing three starters from its Final Four team, while Louisville boasts a strong mix of veterans and impactful transfers. Duke has secured wins against Green Bay and Florida Atlantic, though its schedule intensifies significantly at the end of the month.
Vanderbilt, LSU, and Kentucky complete the top ten. Vanderbilt has scored over 100 points in each of its three victories, led by Mikayla Blakes. LSU continues its tradition of dominating weaker opponents, while Kentucky benefits from the experience of Ajsa Sivka, a former Chicago Sky draft pick who scored 32 points in a recent win.
Oklahoma, UCLA, and Iowa occupy the 11 through 13 spots. Oklahoma remains talented despite the absence of point guard Aaliyah Chavez, while UCLA looks to establish a new identity after losing six players to the WNBA. Iowa faces a tough test against Vanderbilt on Sunday.
North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Washington finish the top 16. North Carolina is viewed favorably despite two losses to high-level SEC opponents. Notre Dame is in peak form under senior guard Hannah Hidalgo, and Washington has been led by senior Sayvia Sellers, who recorded a triple-double in the season opener.
