UCLA Stands Alone: A Look at the Top 25 NCAAW Teams and Their Upcoming Challenges

UCLA's Unwavering Dominance

As of January 27, 2025, UCLA has emerged as the lone unbeaten team in women’s college basketball after a thrilling weekend that saw South Carolina end LSU's undefeated run with a solid 66-56 victory. With this win, South Carolina also preserved an incredible home win streak, marking their 69th consecutive victory at Colonial Life Arena, equaling the SEC record previously set by Tennessee.

Meanwhile, UCLA made headlines with a commanding 82-67 triumph against Maryland in a highly anticipated top-10 matchup. Lauren Betts shone brightly, scoring 33 points on 14-of-15 shooting— a remarkable feat that makes her the first UCLA player in 25 years to achieve 30+ points with a shooting percentage above 90% against an AP top-10 opponent.

Breaking Down the New AP Top 25 Rankings

Here’s a look at the AP Top 25 teams and their upcoming matchups:

1. UCLA Bruins
   Previous ranking: 1
   Record: 20-0
   Next: Sunday vs. Minnesota, 3 p.m., BTN

2. South Carolina Gamecocks
   Previous ranking: 2
   Record: 19-1
   Next: Monday at No. 18 Tennessee, 7 p.m., ESPN

3. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
   Previous ranking: 3
   Record: 17-2
   Next: Thursday at Virginia Tech, 6 p.m., ACCNX

4. USC Trojans
   Previous ranking: 4
   Record: 18-1
   Next: Thursday vs. Minnesota, 10 p.m., Peacock

5. Texas Longhorns
   Previous ranking: 7
   Record: 20-2
   Next: Thursday vs. Missouri, 9 p.m., SECN

6. UConn Huskies
   Previous ranking: 6
   Record: 19-2
   Next: Wednesday at DePaul, 7 p.m.

7. LSU Tigers
   Previous ranking: 5
   Record: 21-1
   Next: Thursday vs. No. 13 Oklahoma, 7 p.m., ESPN

8. Ohio State Buckeyes
   Previous ranking: 12
   Record: 19-1
   Next: Sunday vs. Washington, 5 p.m., BTN

9. TCU Horned Frogs
   Previous ranking: 9
   Record: 20-2
   Next: Sunday at Iowa State, 4 p.m., FS1

10. Duke Blue Devils
    Previous ranking: 14
    Record: 17-4
    Next: Feb. 3 at No. 17 NC State, 7 p.m., ESPN

Upcoming Challenges for the Top Teams

The teams in this week’s AP Top 25 face a variety of challenges in the coming days, from matchups against ranked opponents to critical conference games that could shape their seeding for the playoffs. UCLA will need to maintain its impressive performance as they face tough competition moving forward. South Carolina will look to continue their winning momentum against Tennessee, while Notre Dame and others keep their eyes on the prize.

As we advance deeper into the season, the stakes continue to rise, and the excitement only grows. Keep an eye on the standings as these teams battle it out for supremacy in women’s college basketball.

Conclusion

This week not only showcases the resilience and talent of these teams but also highlights the electrifying atmosphere of women’s college basketball as we approach the postseason.