UConn Climbs to Top Spot in Latest NCAA Women’s Basketball NET Rankings

The University of Connecticut Huskies are now the number one team in women’s college basketball. They claimed the top spot in the latest NCAA NET Rankings. This key update was released on Monday, December 8. It represents a significant shift in the postseason landscape.

Nov 30, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) takes the court during player introductions before the game against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

UConn’s rise pushes the defending champion LSU Tigers down to second place. The NET is the primary tool used by the NCAA selection committee. This makes it more critical than the popular AP Top 25 poll for tournament seeding.

Strength of Schedule Propels Huskies Past Tigers

The NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) is a complex formula. It weighs game results, strength of schedule, and game location. According to the NCAA, it also considers net offensive and defensive efficiency. The quality of wins and losses is a major factor.

LSU has been dominant this season. They have scored over 100 points in nearly every game. However, their non-conference schedule has been noticeably softer than UConn’s. This difference in opponent strength impacted the latest calculation.

UConn has already secured impressive victories against ranked teams. They beat Louisville and Michigan earlier this season. Facing tougher competition gave their NET score a substantial boost. Their upcoming games against USC and Iowa offer a chance to solidify this lead.

NET Rankings Hold the Key to March Madness Success

This shift matters greatly for the NCAA Tournament in March. A higher NET ranking typically leads to a better seed. A better seed means an easier path through the early rounds. It can be the difference between a Final Four run and an early exit.

For teams like Michigan, UCLA, and Texas, the NET provides a clear benchmark. Their positions in the top five signal strong resumes. South Carolina and Iowa, also in the top ten, remain national contenders. Every game now directly impacts their tournament destiny.

UConn’s ascent to the peak of the NCAA NET Rankings underscores the importance of scheduling tough opponents. Their path to a national championship now looks more favorable. This early-season data point reshapes the conversation for the entire sport.

Info at your fingertips

What are the NCAA NET Rankings?

The NET is the NCAA’s primary sorting tool for team selection and seeding. It uses game results, strength of schedule, efficiency metrics, and location. It replaced the RPI as the main ranking system.

Why are the NET Rankings more important than the AP poll?

The NCAA selection committee uses the NET to decide tournament teams and their seeds. The AP Top 25 is a media poll and is not used for official bracket decisions.

Who are the current top five teams in the NET?

As of December 8, the top five are: 1. UConn, 2. LSU, 3. Michigan, 4. UCLA, 5. Texas. South Carolina, Kentucky, TCU, Iowa, and Michigan State round out the top ten.

How can a team improve its NET ranking?

Winning games is essential, especially against high-quality opponents on the road. Blowout wins can help efficiency metrics, while avoiding bad losses is critical.

Will LSU have a chance to regain the No. 1 spot?

Yes. The NET is updated daily. LSU can climb back by winning their games, especially once SEC conference play begins against other ranked teams.