South Carolina's dominant performance in the NCAA Tournament has culminated in the Gamecocks securing the top spot in the first-ever Associated Press Top 25 women's basketball poll released post-tournament. The national champion Gamecocks, fresh off their victory over Iowa in the championship game, received all 35 first-place votes from a national media panel.
This historic achievement marks the first time in the 47-year history of the women's Top 25 poll that the final rankings have been unveiled after the NCAA Tournament, a departure from the traditional release timing before the tournament.
Following South Carolina in the rankings is Iowa, which claimed the No. 2 spot unanimously, marking their best finish since 1988. UConn and N.C. State secured the third and fourth positions, respectively, with UConn maintaining a strong presence in the top 10 since 1994.
Notable movements in the final poll include North Carolina State's remarkable ascent from being unranked in the preseason to reaching the third spot. USC also made a significant impact, securing the fifth position, their highest season-ending ranking since 2014.
Several teams that excelled in the NCAA Tournament made their way into the Top 25, including Duke, West Virginia, and Iowa State. The Pac-12 conference showcased its strength with seven tournament teams and six representatives in the final rankings, while the Big 12, ACC, and Big Ten also had multiple teams featured.
Overall, the final AP Top 25 women's basketball poll reflects the competitive landscape of the NCAA Tournament and highlights the exceptional performances of teams throughout the season.
