UConn no longer unanimous No. 1 in women's basketball coaches poll

UCLA makes a case for the top spot after blowing out Iowa in the Big Ten Tournament final.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Despite UConn continuing its undefeated season by blowing out Villanova in the Big East Tournament Championship game, not everyone thinks the Huskies are the best team in the country. In the latest USA TODAY Sports' women's basketball coaches poll, UConn is no longer the unanimous No. 1 team, as one coach on the panel believes that UCLA is the best team in the country.

Why it matters

There's a legitimate argument to be made for UCLA being the top team, as the Bruins have 18 Quad 1 wins - 10 more than UConn - and are No. 1 in WAB (wins above bubble) while UConn is fourth. The Bruins are also first in strength-of-schedule based on the average NET rating of their opponents, while UConn is 58th.

The details

Heading into Selection Sunday, UConn is first in the coaches poll, UCLA is second, Texas is third and South Carolina is fourth. And that's likely how the No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament will shake out as well, according to the latest bracketology from USA TODAY Sports. Elsewhere in the poll, Duke was the biggest riser, gaining four spots to check in at No. 10 after beating Louisville in the ACC Tournament Championship in Duluth, Georgia. Maryland and Baylor each fell three spots after suffering early exits in their conference tournaments.

  • On March 8, UCLA comfortably beat Iowa by 51 points in the title game of the Big Ten Tournament.
  • On March 10, the latest USA TODAY Sports' women's basketball coaches poll was released.

The players

UConn

The top-ranked women's basketball team in the country, which has continued its undefeated season.

UCLA

The second-ranked women's basketball team in the country, which has a strong case to be considered the best team in the nation based on its impressive resume.

Texas

The third-ranked women's basketball team in the country.

South Carolina

The fourth-ranked women's basketball team in the country.

Duke

The women's basketball team that was the biggest riser in the latest coaches poll, gaining four spots to No. 10 after beating Louisville in the ACC Tournament Championship.

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What’s next

The NCAA Tournament selection show is on Sunday, March 15, where the No. 1 seeds will be officially announced.

The takeaway

The debate over the top women's basketball team in the country is heating up, as UCLA has made a strong case to be considered the best team based on its impressive resume and performance this season. This sets up an intriguing NCAA Tournament, where the top seeds will be closely watched and analyzed.