South Carolina Gamecocks Reclaim No. 1 Spot in NCAA NET Rankings

The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings, solidifying their position as one of the top contenders in college basketball. After a brief drop to No. 2, the Gamecocks surged back to the top following a strong start to SEC play, including dominant wins over Missouri and Mississippi State.

The NET, the primary metric used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, evaluates teams based on their Team Value Index and adjusted net efficiency ratings. South Carolina’s 14-1 record, combined with one of the toughest schedules in the nation, has propelled them to the top of the rankings. Head coach Dawn Staley‘s squad boasts a 5-0 record in neutral-site games, a key factor for success in postseason play.

“Our schedule has prepared us for every challenge,” Staley said in a recent press conference. “The SEC is a tough conference, and our out-of-conference games have tested us in ways that will pay off in March.”

South Carolina leads the nation with six Quad 1 wins, a testament to their ability to perform against top-tier opponents. This week, the Gamecocks face two critical home games: a Thursday matchup against Texas A&M and a Sunday showdown with No. 5 Texas. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN platforms.

The Gamecocks’ rise in the NET rankings comes as they continue to build momentum toward the NCAA Tournament. With a deep roster and a proven track record in high-stakes games, South Carolina remains a favorite to contend for the national championship.