Notre Dame claims the top spot in the NCAA women’s basketball rankings, while South Carolina falls.

In a season already filled with remarkable upsets and unpredictable outcomes, one of the most significant developments in women’s college basketball came when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish climbed to the top of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Rankings, knocking the South Carolina Gamecocks from their perch as the No. 1 team in the nation. The shakeup in the rankings has set the stage for an exciting final stretch of the regular season, as both teams—along with others in the top 10—prepare for what is shaping up to be a thrilling march toward March Madness.

The Rise of Notre Dame

For years, Notre Dame has been a fixture in women’s college basketball, consistently competing for national championships under the guidance of legendary head coach Muffet McGraw (now retired) and her successor Niele Ivey. This year, however, the Fighting Irish have reached new heights, culminating in their recent ascension to the No. 1 spot in the AP Poll for the first time in several seasons.

The surge to the top was fueled by a combination of factors: exceptional individual performances, elite team chemistry, and a style of play that combines both offensive firepower and defensive discipline. Despite facing some early-season hurdles, Notre Dame has demonstrated that it is capable of beating even the most seasoned and talented teams in the nation.

1. The Dominance of Olivia Miles:
   A major reason for Notre Dame’s rise to the top is the play of Olivia Miles, the star point guard who has turned into one of the most dynamic players in all of women’s college basketball. Miles, who has been with Notre Dame for two years, has taken her game to another level this season. Her ability to control the tempo of the game, distribute the basketball, and score in a variety of ways has been instrumental in the team’s success.

   Miles has averaged 18.2 points and 8.5 assists per game this season, showing an impressive balance between scoring and facilitating for her teammates. Her ability to break down defenses, create open shots for others, and finish with confidence has made her one of the most difficult players to defend in the country. Whether driving to the basket, pulling up for a mid-range jumper, or setting up teammates for easy looks, Miles is a constant threat on both ends of the floor.

2. Sophomore Sensation Sonia Citron:
   Another key piece to Notre Dame’s rise has been Sonia Citron, the talented sophomore forward. Citron’s performance has been nothing short of exceptional this season, earning her recognition as one of the nation’s top players. She has averaged 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, and her ability to play both inside and outside has made her an invaluable asset for the Irish. Citron’s basketball IQ and versatility allow her to stretch the floor with her outside shooting while also being a strong presence in the paint.

   Citron has been a significant factor in Notre Dame’s success against some of the nation’s top teams, contributing crucial points, rebounds, and defensive stops when her team needed it the most. Her continued development into one of the premier forwards in the country has helped elevate Notre Dame’s overall performance.

3. Team Chemistry and Depth:
   While Miles and Citron have been standout players, Notre Dame’s success is a reflection of the team’s overall depth and chemistry. The Irish have several other key players who contribute significantly, including Dara Mabrey, Maddy Westbeld, and Natasha Zurek, all of whom have had strong seasons. Notre Dame’s ability to have multiple players capable of stepping up in key moments has made them a difficult team to prepare for and a formidable opponent on the national stage.

Coach Niele Ivey has cultivated a team-first mentality, emphasizing ball movement, unselfishness, and a defensive mindset that complements their high-powered offense. Notre Dame’s balanced attack and ability to adapt to various styles of play have been key to their success this season.

4. Signature Wins:
   Notre Dame’s path to the top of the rankings has been highlighted by several signature victories over top-tier competition. Notable wins against Stanford, UConn, and Louisville proved that the Irish are capable of competing with—and defeating—any team in the country. These victories were not only statement wins for Notre Dame but also helped to build their confidence and solidify their position as the nation’s No. 1 team.

South Carolina’s Fall from the Top

While Notre Dame’s rise to the No. 1 spot has been thrilling, it’s impossible to discuss this shift without acknowledging the fall of the South Carolina Gamecocks, who had held the No. 1 ranking for much of the season. Under the leadership of coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has been a dominant force in women’s college basketball, with a balanced roster that boasts both veteran talent and young, emerging stars.

However, despite their formidable record and continued excellence, the Gamecocks have faced their own set of challenges in recent weeks. The most notable factor in their fall from the top has been a few unexpected losses that exposed weaknesses in their game and allowed teams like Notre Dame to rise above them.

1. Setback Against UConn:
   Perhaps the most significant blow to South Carolina’s reign at No. 1 came when they were soundly defeated by UConn in a blowout loss earlier in the season. The Huskies, led by stars like Aaliyah Edwards and Azzi Fudd, took control from the opening tip and never let up, overwhelming South Carolina’s defense with a high-paced, efficient offense. The Gamecocks struggled to match UConn’s intensity and physicality, and their offense—usually one of the most dominant in the country—fell flat. This game showed that even the top teams are vulnerable, and for South Carolina, it highlighted several areas that needed improvement.
2. Defensive and Offensive Struggles:
   South Carolina’s usual dominance on the defensive end of the floor seemed to be lacking in key moments during their loss to UConn and other games, including their eventual loss to LSU. South Carolina’s defense, which had been a hallmark of their identity under Staley, appeared less cohesive in the face of well-executed offensive schemes. While they were still able to impose their physicality and rebounding prowess, the Gamecocks seemed to struggle against teams that could stretch the floor and beat them with perimeter shooting.

   Additionally, South Carolina’s offense has occasionally been stagnant, particularly when star players like Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke have struggled to get going. The Gamecocks, who typically rely on strong post play and inside scoring, were unable to find consistent offense when they needed it the most. In the face of elite competition, South Carolina’s offensive sets and half-court execution were put under the microscope, revealing cracks in what had been an otherwise dominant game plan.

3. Aliyah Boston’s Efforts Are Not Enough:
   Aliyah Boston, South Carolina’s All-American forward, has continued to put up impressive individual numbers. However, despite her strong efforts—often posting double-doubles in scoring and rebounding—Boston has faced challenges in games against teams with strong defensive players. The UConn game, in particular, showcased how her scoring in the post could be neutralized when the defense collapses on her or when the Gamecocks struggle to get her the ball in ideal positions.

Boston’s struggles against elite competition have been somewhat magnified as teams have found ways to take away her dominance in the paint, forcing other players to step up. This hasn’t been enough to carry South Carolina through tough matchups.

4. The Impact of South Carolina’s Losses:
   South Carolina’s setbacks have ultimately caused them to fall behind Notre Dame in the rankings. The Gamecocks’ losses to UConn, LSU, and a few other teams have exposed vulnerabilities that other teams are sure to exploit moving forward. While they still have a solid record and plenty of talent, the Gamecocks will need to address their struggles, particularly in terms of execution and shooting, if they are to reclaim their position at the top.

The Impact of the Shakeup on the Rest of the Rankings

With Notre Dame now sitting comfortably in the No. 1 spot and South Carolina slipping to No. 2, the rest of the Top 25 has also undergone a series of changes. Other teams such as UConn, Stanford, and LSU have all played pivotal roles in reshaping the landscape of the rankings.

1. UConn’s Surge:
   UConn’s impressive win over South Carolina earlier in the season propelled them back into the conversation as one of the top teams in the country. With Paige Bueckers back in the lineup after recovering from injury and Azzi Fudd playing at a high level, the Huskies have become one of the biggest threats to Notre Dame and South Carolina. UConn’s ability to beat top-ranked opponents and close out games in critical moments has positioned them for a strong postseason run.
2. LSU’s Growth:
   Under coach Kim Mulkey, LSU has taken significant strides this season. Their win over South Carolina was a statement victory, and the Tigers have continued to perform well in SEC play. With standout players like Angel Reese and Alexis Morris, LSU has established itself as one of the best teams in the country, capable of challenging both Notre Dame and South Carolina for the top spot.
3. Stanford’s Resilience:
   Despite facing their own struggles throughout the season, **

Stanford** remains one of the most dangerous teams in women’s basketball. With Cameron Brink and Hannah Jump leading the way, the Cardinal continue to be a top contender in the Pac-12 and one of the most talented teams in the country.

Looking Ahead to March Madness

As the regular season enters its final stretch, the race for the top seed in the NCAA Tournament is heating up. Notre Dame’s newfound position as the No. 1 team in the country has given them added momentum, but South Carolina, UConn, and several other teams will be eager to challenge for supremacy.

The road to March Madness will undoubtedly be filled with exciting matchups, surprising upsets, and unforgettable moments. With so many elite teams in contention for the national championship, the women’s college basketball landscape has never been more competitive.

For Notre Dame, this is their chance to build on their top-ranking and pursue their first national championship in years. For South Carolina, UConn, and others, the pressure is on to reassert themselves as the best in the country. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the season and an exciting March Madness showdown.