UCLA Crowned No. 1 in Final AP Women's Basketball Poll After Historic NCAA Title Run

UCLA has capped a historic season by finishing atop the final Associated Press women's basketball Top 25 poll, earning the top ranking after claiming its first-ever NCAA championship with a victory over South Carolina.

The Bruins were a unanimous selection from the 31-member national media panel, a testament to their dominant performance throughout the season and postseason. The top ranking serves as the crowning achievement of a remarkable campaign for the program.

South Carolina, who fell to UCLA in the championship game, was ranked second in the final poll. The Gamecocks had entered the tournament as one of the nation's most feared programs, but the Bruins proved to be an insurmountable challenge on college basketball's biggest stage.

UConn, long a powerhouse in women's college basketball, came in at third in the final standings, followed by Texas at fourth and Duke rounding out the top five. The rankings reflect the competitive landscape of a women's game that continues to grow in popularity and talent.

UCLA's title marks a milestone moment not just for the program, but for women's college basketball on the West Coast, signaling a shift in the traditional balance of power. The Bruins' championship run captured the attention of fans and analysts across the country.

With the season now officially concluded, attention will quickly turn to offseason recruiting, roster decisions, and whether UCLA can build on its championship foundation heading into next season.