Michigan Climbs to No. 2 in AP Poll
The Wolverines move up after defeating No. 2 UConn 77-66 last week, ending the Huskies' 39-game regular-season winning streak.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Basketball
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Michigan moved up to No. 2 in the AP Top 25 women's basketball poll released Monday, a jump from its preseason ranking of fifth. The Wolverines' 77-66 win over UConn last week ended the Huskies' 39-game regular-season winning streak.
Why it matters
The ranking marks Michigan's highest AP position in program history by surpassing its previous best of fourth, set on February 7, 2022. The result also reshuffles the top of the poll, with South Carolina still at No. 1 and USC third.
Michigan went from fifth in the preseason poll to No. 2, having defeated UConn 77-66 and ended the Huskies' 39-game regular-season winning streak. The Big Ten now has 10 teams in the Top 25, matching the SEC's count from last season, though the poll does not yet reflect results from the coming week.
The players
South Carolina
The South Carolina women's basketball program holds the No. 1 position in the AP poll and is one of the sport's most consistently successful programs.
UConn
The UConn women's basketball program has been a dominant force in the sport for decades, and its 39-game regular-season winning streak was ended by Michigan.
USC
The USC women's basketball program ranks third in the poll and faces No. 1 South Carolina on Sunday.
The details
South Carolina remains No. 1 after wins over Maryland and North Carolina, receiving all but one first-place vote from the 33-member media panel. USC took the remaining first-place vote and ranked third, while UConn dropped two spots to fourth after its loss to Michigan. Oklahoma climbed seven spots to No. 14 following its season-opening win over North Carolina in France.
Timeline
Michigan defeated UConn 77-66 last week.
Monday, November 9, 2026: AP Top 25 women's poll released with Michigan at No. 2.
Sunday, November 15, 2026: No. 3 USC visits No. 1 South Carolina.
Season Trajectory
Michigan's rise to No. 2 extends its program's ranking history beyond the previous high of fourth set on February 7, 2022. The move reshapes the top of the national picture ahead of a Sunday matchup between No. 1 South Carolina and No. 3 USC.
The poll positions Michigan as a contender entering the most closely watched games of the early season. Fans tracking bracket projections should note that the Wolverines' ranking now depends on how they perform against their remaining schedule.
The takeaway
Michigan's win over UConn shows that a single result against a top opponent can move a program's ranking quickly, a reminder that the poll reflects both early performance and head-to-head outcomes. Track the poll weekly to see how results at the top reshape the rankings.
What happens next
No. 3 USC visits No. 1 South Carolina on Sunday, November 15, 2026, a matchup that could affect the top of the AP poll.
Further reading
Explore more Basketball coverage for the latest rankings and game results.
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