South Carolina has secured the number one position in the CBS Sports women's college basketball power rankings for the week of November 11, 2026. The Gamecocks have started the season with a perfect 2-0 record, a feat that has solidified their standing despite the departure of star player Raven Johnson. Head coach Dawn Staley has employed a point guard by committee approach, and the early results suggest the team is well prepared for the new era. The squad was tested by opening games against Maryland and North Carolina, but their performance provided strong reassurance to fans and analysts alike.
The Gamecocks not only defeated two opponents who were previously ranked, but they also made a definitive statement with a 45-point victory over the North Carolina Tar Heels. That margin of victory highlighted the team's depth and resilience. North Carolina, which also suffered a loss to Oklahoma this week, did not make the top 25 in this week's rankings. The blowout win against the Tar Heels served as a clear indicator that South Carolina is a serious contender in the current season.
Michigan has climbed to the number two spot after handing the UConn Huskies their first loss of the season. The victory over the Huskies was a significant upset that shifted the early power dynamics in the sport. Meanwhile, the University of Southern California Trojans have risen to the number three position. Their ascent is driven by a potent trio of players, including JuJu Watkins, Jazzy Davidson, and Saniyah Hall. This combination of talent has made the Trojans a formidable force on the court.
A major storyline in college basketball this season is the return of JuJu Watkins to USC. She missed the previous year due to a knee injury, but her presence is central to the team's success. However, she is sharing the spotlight with Jazzy Davidson, who was named Freshman of the Year last season, and Saniyah Hall. Hall, ranked as the second best player in the class of 2026 by 247Sports, has also contributed significantly to the Trojans' early dominance. The convergence of these three stars promises high quality basketball for the remainder of the season.
The upcoming weekend will feature a highly anticipated matchup between these two top teams. South Carolina will host USC on Sunday in a contest branded as a Real SC battle. This game is expected to be a critical test for both programs as they look to maintain their momentum and solidify their positions in the national conversation. The rivalry between these two programs adds a layer of intrigue to the early part of the schedule.
UConn, which has traditionally been a powerhouse, has faced a challenging non-conference schedule. The team left much to be desired in its November 5 loss to Michigan, which marked their first defeat of the year. Despite that setback, the Huskies managed to bounce back with a win against Iowa. This victory allowed them to remain in the top five of the power rankings. However, they now face a daunting stretch of play, with four of their next five opponents being ranked teams. The first of these challenges arrives on Thursday night against the number 17 Ohio State team.
Coach Geno Auriemma and his staff will need to keep the momentum going as the season progresses. Sarah Strong and the rest of the Huskies must navigate this tough schedule to ensure they remain competitive in the long run. The ability to handle high-caliber opponents will be the key to their success in the coming weeks. The early season results have shown that while UConn is still strong, they are vulnerable against well-prepared opponents.
Elsewhere in the rankings, number 7 LSU has made headlines for its offensive prowess. The Tigers started the season with three games in which they scored over 100 points. One of these performances included a 109-point win over Texas Southern. This level of scoring is rare in Division I college basketball history and underscores the explosive nature of LSU's attack. The team's ability to generate points at such a high rate sets them apart from many of their peers.
Notre Dame is currently positioned one spot away from entering the top 10. The Fighting Irish underwent a major roster rebuild, with Hannah Hidalgo being the only returner from last season's Elite Eight run. This shift in personnel has required other players to step up and contribute significantly. Sophomore Leah Macy has been one of those players to emerge as a key figure. Macy is off to a strong start after missing all of last season due to a knee injury sustained during her high school senior year.
The overall landscape of the women's college basketball season is shifting as new leaders emerge. The departure of North Carolina, NC State, Virginia, Kansas, and Michigan State from the top five slots reflects the volatility of the early season. As the power of the traditional programs is tested by new talent and strategic shifts, the rankings will continue to evolve. Fans can expect more upsets and intense competition as the non-conference schedule concludes and conference play approaches.
