Champ Week often offers the clearest view of how teams are actually playing as they enter the NCAA Tournament. Conference championships infuse pressure and postseason intensity into a handful of games, forcing teams to adjust quickly and perform in high-stakes situations.

Seeing which teams step up and perform during this time highlights which programs are peaking at the right moment. Some dominated their conference brackets, others survived difficult matchups, and a few showed resilience despite falling short of the title.  As a result, the final power ranking of the 2025-26 season rightfully reflects the momentum and performance displayed during Champ Week rather than long-term reputation.

1. UConn (=)

It's no surprise that the UConn women's basketball team is going into the NCAA Tournament looking like the most complete team in the country. The Huskies controlled their game against Creighton with the same disciplined offense, elite passing, and defensive pressure that consistently disrupted opponents all season long. Even with one game left to play tonight versus Villanova, UConn has already locked up its 38th Big East tournament title.

2. UCLA (=)

UCLA women's basketball produced one of the most impressive conference tournament performances of the week. The Bruins' dominant 96-45 Big Ten championship victory over Iowa showcased their scoring prowess and a physical size advantage, making the them appear to be one of the most dangerous teams entering March.

3. Texas (+1)

Texas women's basketball surged into the postseason with a powerful run to its first SEC tournament victory, and the 78-61 championship upset over South Carolina highlighted the Longhorns' relentlessness.

4. South Carolina (-1)

South Carolina women's basketball rolled past LSU before falling in the SEC title game. But the defeat may light a fire under the Gamecocks going into March Madness play as they try to bounce back by reclaiming the national title.

5. Duke (+5)

Duke’s surprising 10th ACC tournament title win came against Louisville, which it managed to beat 70-65. The outcome shows how far the Blue Devils have grown since the beginning of the season and proves they're ready to pose as an NCAA Tournament threat.

6. LSU (-1)

The LSU women's basketball team possessed a ton of potential heading into the SEC tournament since it's been pushing elite opponents and overwhelming defenses all season. The Tigers were unable to overcome the South Carolina hurdle in the semis once again, though, setting the stage for a possible enticing rematch in the NCAA Tournament.

7. Vanderbilt (-1)

Vanderbilt entered the SEC tournament with strong momentum but stumbled in a surprising quarterfinal loss to Ole Miss. Still, their offensive ability and pace kept them competitive against elite teams.

8. West Virginia (+10)

West Virginia’s Big 12 tournament championship win over TCU reflected its toughness and offensive intensity. The Mountaineers proved they can win gritty tournament games at the perfect time.

9. Oklahoma (-2)

Oklahoma's run in the SEC tournament came to an earlier end than desired. The Sooners easily handled Florida before getting blown out by LSU 112-78, meaning they should go back to the drawing board to see how they can reestablish their consistency before the postseason officially begins.

10. Iowa (-2)

The offense carried the Hawkeyes deep into the Big Ten bracket until the Iowa women's basketball team ran into a surging UCLA squad. While the championship game loss exposed defensive issues, the Hawkeyes' ability to score quickly and efficiently still makes them a dangerous tournament team.

11. Michigan (-2)

Michigan extended its streak of missing the Big Ten tournament for yet another year, getting bounced in the semifinals for the third year in a row. The game's outcome shouldn't be much of a surprise since the Wolverines haven't beaten Iowa this season, but it does call into question their ability to challenge the nation's top 10 teams.

12. Ohio State (+2)

Ohio State displayed flashes of elite defensive pressure during the Big Ten tournament, besting Minnesota and finishing within 10 points in its loss to UCLA. The Buckeyes should be able to use those outcomes to build momentum for March Madness.

13. TCU (-1)

TCU’s run to the Big 12 championship game proved the team is a legitimate contender. Despite losing the title to West Virginia, the Horned Frogs were able to bring Kansas State's Cinderella run in the making to a screeching halt with a 62-53 win. They remained competitive throughout the tournament despite the tough opponents.

14. Louisville (-3)

Louisville’s ACC tournament performance highlighted a team gaining confidence until it ran into Duke. But even with the narrow upset, the Cardinals still have plenty to be proud of as they've improved noticeably throughout the campaign.

15. Ole Miss (+8)

Ole Miss delivered one of the week’s biggest surprises with a tournament upset over Vanderbilt. The Rebels definitely pose a challenge to their higher-seeded opponents, but they still weren't able to slow down Texas in the semis.

16. North Carolina (+3)

North Carolina remained steady during the ACC tournament's quarterfinals, handling Virginia Tech easily. The Tar Heels even remained competitive against Louisville in the semis despite the loss, only falling by eight points. Unfortunately, Imari Berry's double-double was too much to overcome in the end.

17. Kentucky (=)

Kentucky played energetic basketball during the SEC tournament, blowing out Arkansas by 30 and beating Georgia 76-61 through two rounds. But the Wildcats' inability to top South Carolina in the last seven meetings continued, bringing their SEC title run to an end. Kentucky will have to work on its play against top-ranked foes before the NCAA Tournament gets underway.

18. Maryland (-5)

Maryland’s Big Ten tournament performance saw the team get bounced versus Oregon, showcasing that the team still has some room to grow. However, the Terrapins remain a difficult matchup when their offense is clicking.

19. Minnesota (+1)

Minnesota impressed with its offensive effort throughout its conference tournament games, but the team has struggled versus several high-powered offenses. The loss to Ohio State in the quarterfinal was no different.

20. Michigan State (-5)

Michigan State has struggled to compete well against stronger teams in the Big Ten throughout the season, even struggling to beat an unranked Illinois in a second-round tournament finish. Individual standouts like Kennedy Blair were a highlight despite the 71-69 loss, though.

21. Notre Dame

Notre Dame took its seven-game win streak into the ACC tournament final, showing flashes of consistently strong play. Although the Fighting Irish hit a rough patch in the middle of the campaign, their scoring potential keeps them relevant, and nearly beating Duke is a promising sign for their postseason future.

22. Baylor (-6)

Baylor’s early exit from the Big 12 tournament at the hands of Colorado was disappointing, which should send the team back to the drawing board. The Bears have looked formidable at times this season, but getting upset by an unranked Buffaloes team is an indication of where they stand ahead of the NCAA Tournament.

23. Princeton (-2)

Princeton dominated the Ivy League and enters the national tournament with a conference title and in a confident position. The Tigers’ disciplined offense and efficient shooting make them a potential upset threat.

24. Georgia 

Georgia demonstrated an overall improvement during the SEC tournament, but the initial 71-58 win over Florida didn't translate to a victory against a much more difficult opponent in Kentucky. The Bulldogs will have to work on their consistency if they want to challenge more talented opponents.

25. Texas Tech (-1)

Texas Tech closed Champ Week with an opening-round loss in the Big 12 conference tournament, falling to a team it would've once been expected to beat in Kansas State. Without a more powerful offensive output, the Lady Raiders will find it difficult to last in March.

Champ Week often reshapes the national picture just before the NCAA Tournament begins. Teams that show poise, adaptability, and resilience during conference tournaments frequently carry that momentum into March. While regular-season success builds a resume, performances during this critical week provide a clearer glimpse of which programs are truly prepared for the intensity of postseason basketball.