What’s Really Driving the SEC’s Surge in Women’s Basketball?

In a milestone moment for women’s college hoops, the Southeastern Conference has placed a record-setting 10 teams in the latest Associated Press Top 25 women’s basketball poll, an achievement no conference has ever reached in the 50-year history of the rankings. This remarkable achievement signals not just a few elite programs but a league-wide wave of competitive balance that stretches far beyond traditional powerhouses. Collectively, the SEC now outpaces all other conferences in ranked squads, with the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC trailing behind. From perennial contenders like South Carolina and LSU to surging squads such as Georgia and Alabama, the extent of talent underscores the strength of recruiting, player development, and coaching across the league. For fans and bracketologists alike, this isn’t only a footnote, it’s a preview for what could be the most unpredictable postseason in years.

Who’s Representing the SEC in the Top 25

According to the AP poll through games January 25th, 2026, the SEC’s 10 ranked teams include South Carolina, Texas, Vanderbilt, LSU, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Georgia, and Alabama. South Carolina and LSU sit among the national elite, both boasting records north of 18 wins and dangerous lineups that can grind out dominant performances on both ends of the court. Vanderbilt’s early-season surge, which saw it climb as high as fifth-ranked nationally, speaks volumes about its offensive firepower, while programs like Georgia and Alabama have quietly built resumes strong enough to disrupt higher seeds in March. The sheer number of ranked teams across the middle of the list illustrates that the SEC isn’t just top-heavy: it’s deep, balanced, and threatening from top to bottom.

Midseason Momentum: What the Numbers Say

This level of conference competitiveness shows up in metrics beyond just poll placement. SEC teams regularly appear in NET rankings and bracketology as projected first through fourth-ranked seeds, and many have secured major wins against non-conference foes that reinforce their tournament resumes. South Carolina, under Dawn Staley, continues its tradition of dominance with a 20-2 record, while LSU’s sharp defense and disciplined offense make it a model of consistency. Even squads outside the national spotlight, such as Ole Miss and Kentucky, have turned heads with road victories and signature wins in close conference contests. This statistical strength across the board suggests that even teams seeded outside the very top tier can punch above their seeding come tournament time.

A Conference Defined by Balance and Rivalry

Historically, women’s college basketball has been dominated by a handful of blue-blood programs, but the SEC’s record-setting presence in the AP Top 25 hints at a shifting equilibrium. Multiple teams in the same conference ranking inside the Top 10, and several more just outside of it, set up a brutal gauntlet of in-league battles that will shape NCAA seeding and energy heading into March. In practical terms, this means fewer easy wins and more late-season statement games on the SEC schedule than in previous years. This intra-conference strength benefits these teams come Selection Sunday, as the NCAA tournament committee increasingly rewards tough schedules and quality wins. Rivalries that once decided conference positioning could now move into national title contention, and every loss in the SEC will carry amplified weight.

Final Four Insight: Who Could Rise Above the Pack

So, who emerges from this crowded field as a genuine Final Four contender? Now, South Carolina and LSU appear poised to make deep runs thanks to elite efficiency on both ends of the court and veteran leadership. South Carolina’s consistency and defensive discipline give it the kind of resume that can survive March chaos, while LSU’s balanced attack makes it capable of grinding through any regional draw. Vanderbilt, if it regains its early-season momentum, could surprise as well, and even teams like Oklahoma have shown enough grit to upset higher seeds. Ultimately, the SEC’s depth could be its own challenge in the tournament: multiple teams with similar profiles vying for limited Final Four slots. But if any conference can send multiple squads deep into March, it’s this season’s SEC; deep, battle-tested, and historically impressive.