The latest AP Top 25 rankings are out, and they showcase a blend of consistency and surprises across college basketball. UCLA leads the pack at No. 1, with South Carolina and Notre Dame rounding out the top three. Meanwhile, Kentucky’s rise to No. 11 highlights a season of growth and determination, despite early adversity under 1st year head coach Kenny Brooks.
POLL ALERT: No. 2 South Carolina gains ground on top-ranked UCLA in women's AP Top 25, Notre Dame, USC, LSU round out top five.
— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) January 20, 2025
Full poll: https://t.co/ZpzgqczgyX pic.twitter.com/Ga69AFab4O
The Full AP Top 25 Rankings
- UCLA
- South Carolina
- Notre Dame
- USC
- LSU
- UConn
- Texas
- Maryland
- TCU
- Kansas State
- Kentucky
- Ohio State
- North Carolina
- Duke
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
- Tennessee
- Georgia Tech
- Alabama
- NC State
- Michigan State
- Cal
- Minnesota
- Michigan
- Baylor
Kentucky’s Remarkable Season So Far
Kentucky’s placement at No. 11 reflects a season marked by resilience and development. The Wildcats have lost just one game this year, a 72-53 defeat to North Carolina earlier in the season. That loss served as a turning point, according to head coach Kenny Brooks.
"I told you all along that we would be a far better team by the end of January," Brooks said after the North Carolina loss. "We’re growing up. It’s easy to look back and think, how did you lose? But we weren’t as good back then as we are now. I’ve been very pleased. They’re fun to be around."
This steady improvement is evident in Kentucky’s performances since that game. The team has shown increased cohesion on both ends of the court, with standout contributions from stars Georgia Amoore and Clara Strack.
Looking Ahead
With only one loss on their record and a growing reputation as one of the toughest teams in the nation, Kentucky is positioned for a deep run in both conference play and the NCAA Tournament.
As the season progresses, Kentucky fans have every reason to be excited about this team. They could climb even higher in the rankings and solidify their status as a legitimate title contender. With tests against LSU and South Carolina to come, the Cats will find out how good they are soon enough.
What’s Next?
Kentucky’s upcoming schedule will provide more opportunities to showcase their growth, with matchups against ranked opponents and key conference games. For now, the Wildcats can take pride in their journey from a tough early loss to a spot among the nation’s elite.
Stay tuned for updates as Kentucky’s season unfolds and the AP Top 25 rankings continue to shift.