South Carolina is surpassed by UConn in the women’s basektball net rankings.

South Carolina Surpassed by UConn in the Women’s Basketball NET Rankings: A Look at the Impact and Future

The race for supremacy in women’s college basketball is always a heated and closely watched competition, with teams vying for not only national titles but also prime positioning in rankings such as the NCAA’s Women’s Basketball NET (National Evaluation Tool). These rankings play a crucial role in determining seeding for the NCAA tournament, and they can have a significant impact on the trajectory of a program’s season. In an unexpected turn of events, South Carolina, long dominant at the top of the rankings, was recently surpassed by UConn in the latest Women’s Basketball NET rankings. This shift has sparked widespread discussions about the current state of both programs, their paths forward, and what it means for the larger landscape of women’s college basketball.

In this article, we will analyze the factors leading to this surprising development, examine the implications for both South Carolina and UConn, and explore how this change reflects broader trends in women’s college basketball.

The Women’s Basketball NET Rankings

Before diving into the specifics of South Carolina’s drop in the rankings, it’s important to understand the significance of the NET rankings themselves. The NET rankings are produced by the NCAA and are used as the primary tool for evaluating women’s basketball teams across the country. They consider a variety of factors, including a team’s win-loss record, strength of schedule, performance in Quadrant 1 and Quadrant 2 games, and more. The goal of the NET rankings is to provide an objective measure of a team’s overall performance over the course of the season.

The rankings are particularly important when it comes to seeding for the NCAA tournament. Teams that rank higher in the NET rankings are more likely to receive favorable seeding, which can be a major factor in their tournament success. Thus, for programs like South Carolina and UConn, maintaining a high NET ranking is essential for securing the best possible path to the national championship.

South Carolina’s Dominance and Recent Setback

Under head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has been a powerhouse in women’s basketball for much of the last decade. The Gamecocks have consistently been ranked among the top teams in the nation, with a roster that includes some of the most talented and well-rounded players in the country. South Carolina’s defense, led by stalwart players like Aliyah Boston, has become a hallmark of their style of play, and the team has consistently been a national title contender.

As of early 2025, South Carolina had established itself as a dominant force, holding the No. 1 position in the NET rankings for much of the season. However, recent losses and a slip in performance have led to the Gamecocks being surpassed by UConn. This sudden shift in the rankings is not necessarily indicative of a catastrophic failure for South Carolina, but it does raise questions about the team’s recent form and what needs to change as the season progresses.

The Gamecocks’ season has been marked by some unexpected hurdles, including injuries and a tough slate of games against highly-ranked opponents. While South Carolina still boasts a strong record and is widely regarded as one of the best teams in the country, their recent slip in the NET rankings suggests that they have not been able to perform at their highest level consistently. For a program accustomed to dominating both the SEC and the national scene, this change in ranking serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of women’s college basketball and the fine margins that can separate the top teams.

UConn’s Resurgence

While South Carolina has been the standard-bearer for women’s basketball in recent years, UConn has historically been the gold standard. Under legendary head coach Geno Auriemma, UConn has won numerous NCAA championships and maintained a level of excellence that has made them one of the most storied programs in the history of college basketball. However, UConn’s performance in recent years has been somewhat inconsistent, with the program facing challenges both on the court and with the departure of key players to the WNBA.

That said, UConn’s resurgence in the 2024-2025 season has been remarkable. With a roster filled with talent, led by stars like Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers, the Huskies have bounced back in a major way. Their fast-paced, high-scoring offense, combined with a suffocating defense, has allowed them to consistently beat top-ranked teams and impress in key games. UConn’s victories over major programs have bolstered their position in the NET rankings, and their return to form has catapulted them back to the top of women’s college basketball.

The Huskies’ ability to elevate their game against top competition, coupled with their overall dominance in the regular season, has made them a formidable contender for the national title. UConn’s rise in the NET rankings is a reflection of their improved performance, and their ability to surpass South Carolina is a clear indication that they are back in the conversation for both the NCAA tournament and a potential championship run.

The Implications for South Carolina and UConn

The shift in the rankings, with UConn surpassing South Carolina, has significant implications for both programs. For South Carolina, the immediate challenge is to regain their form and reclaim the top spot in the NET rankings. This will likely require a combination of improved play in key games, consistency on both ends of the floor, and a renewed sense of focus as the tournament draws nearer.

While South Carolina still remains one of the favorites to win the national title, the change in rankings serves as a reminder that the competition is fierce, and they can no longer afford to take their position at the top for granted. The Gamecocks will need to address any issues that have contributed to their recent losses, including potential injury concerns and lapses in execution. Additionally, the coaching staff will have to ensure that their players remain mentally sharp and hungry for victory as they prepare for the rest of the season.

For UConn, their rise in the rankings is an indication that their program is back on track. With the talent they possess, including the dynamic duo of Fudd and Bueckers, the Huskies are well-positioned to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. UConn’s resurgence has been driven by their ability to blend veteran leadership with fresh talent, and they are playing as well as they have in recent years. For a program that has been somewhat overshadowed in the last few seasons by the rise of South Carolina, UConn’s return to the top is a statement of intent.

However, UConn will also face challenges moving forward. Maintaining their current level of play will be crucial, as there are numerous talented teams that are vying for a chance at the national title. UConn’s ability to stay healthy and execute at a high level in the coming months will determine whether they can keep their place at the top of the rankings and ultimately compete for a national championship.

Broader Trends in Women’s College Basketball

The shift in the rankings between South Carolina and UConn is not just a story about two elite programs—it’s also a reflection of the evolving nature of women’s college basketball as a whole. As more teams improve their recruiting and coaching, the competition for the top spots has become even more intense. Programs that once dominated the landscape, like UConn, are facing increased pressure from rising teams such as South Carolina, Stanford, and others.

This level of competition is a positive development for the sport, as it creates a more unpredictable and exciting environment. Fans can now look forward to a wider variety of teams competing for the title, and the NCAA tournament has become a truly thrilling spectacle. Teams that may have once been considered underdogs are now able to compete at the highest level, and this dynamic has made the women’s game more compelling than ever before.

Moreover, the increased attention and visibility surrounding women’s basketball have allowed players like Azzi Fudd, Paige Bueckers, and Aliyah Boston to become household names. The rise of social media, streaming platforms, and increased media coverage has helped elevate the profile of the sport, bringing more fans into the fold and expanding the reach of women’s college basketball.

What’s Next for South Carolina and UConn?

Looking ahead, both South Carolina and UConn will be focused on maintaining their high level of play and positioning themselves for a strong showing in the NCAA tournament. South Carolina will need to address their recent setbacks, refine their game plan, and ensure they peak at the right time. Their experience and depth make them a dangerous team, but they must now rise to the occasion and prove they belong at the top.

UConn, on the other hand, will aim to continue their momentum and use their newfound position as a challenge to assert themselves as the team to beat. With their talent and coaching, they are poised to make a deep run in the postseason, and they will be looking to reclaim the national championship that has eluded them in recent years.