As the new women’s basketball season kicks off, South Carolina finds itself starting in the same position as it did last season, according to the YSL News Sports preseason coaches poll.

The reigning champions, the Gamecocks, hold the No. 1 spot as they gear up to defend their title. However, the votes are not unanimous; 27 out of the 31 panelists selected South Carolina first. Meanwhile, Connecticut, a consistent powerhouse, garnered three first-place votes and is set to start the season at No. 2. The remaining top vote went to No. 3 Southern California, while Texas and Notre Dame secured the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

The SEC has been boosted with the additions of Texas and No. 10 Oklahoma, resulting in four teams from the conference being represented in the preseason top 10, with LSU ranked at No. 7. Southern California shares the spotlight with another Big Ten newcomer, UCLA, which holds the No. 6 position. The Big 12 features No. 9 Iowa State, while North Carolina State at No. 8 adds a second entry for the ACC in the top 10.

Alabama narrowly secured the No. 25 ranking, finishing just ahead of Gonzaga by eight poll points, solidifying the dominance of the major conferences in the rankings. Still, familiar teams like Iowa and Stanford will commence the season unranked.