UConn ranked second in preseason AP Top 25 behind South Carolina

The AP Top 25 preseason ballot positions UConn at second, trailing South Carolina as the heavy favorite for the upcoming 2026-27 college basketball season. South Carolina, which reached the championship game in the last three seasons, returns notable players including Joyce Edwards. UConn’s Sarah Strong, last season's National Player of the Year, is set to lead her team after recovering from injury. The season kicks off with high-profile games including South Carolina against Maryland and UConn facing Michigan on November 5. Preseason rankings often shift quickly based on early-season performance.

• 9:00 AMYahoo Sports — Maggie Vanoni's AP Top 25 ballot: Why UConn trails only one team in preseason ranking