Sports

College basketball: ESPN releases women’s power rankings

January 22, 2026

Story byRory VitaleThu, January 22, 2026 at 11:51 AM UTC·6 min readTwo years after the Caitlin Clark era wrapped up in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes have clawed their way back into the national elite, proving the program is more than just a memory of its biggest star. This week’s power rankings from ESPN reflect a season that’s heating up, with familiar giants like UConn staying perfect and the Big Ten title race turning into a gauntlet. Here are the top 10 teams setting the pace right now.10) Baylor BearsDec 14, 2025; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears forward Bella Fontleroy (22) battles for a rebound against Texas Longhorns forward Justice Carlton (11) during the second half at Dickies Arena.

College basketball: ESPN releases women’s power rankings

Credit: Yahoo

Key Highlights

Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn ImagesStat line: Record: 17-3.
Previous ranking: 16Baylor cracks the list on the back of a six-game winning streak that proves they can grind out victories away from home.
Their defense has become a nightmare for opponents, leading the Big 12 in blocks and suffocating shooters at an elite rate nationally.
They are winning with grit and rim protection, a formula that travels well in conference play. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement9) Iowa HawkeyesDec 20, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Taylor Stremlow (1) dribbles the ball against UConn Huskies guard Azzi Fudd (35) during the first half at Barclays Center.
Mandatory Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn ImagesStat line: Record: 16-2.

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College basketball: ESPN releases women’s power rankings

This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.

College basketball: ESPN releases women’s power rankings

Key Highlights

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