Gophers Finally Crack AP Top 25 Amid Eight-Game Tear

Minnesota has finally received some national respect, and it will have a number next to its name this week against Ohio State and Michigan State.

Jan 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach Dawn Plitzuweit looks on during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Gophers women's basketball was surprisingly left off last week's AP Top 25 poll, but they finally got some national respect this week with a ranking at No. 23.

Back in the AP Top 25

Minnesota was technically the 26th-ranked team in the country last week, as the top team in the "others receiving votes" category. It jumped three spots this week to No. 23. The Gophers were ranked 23rd at one point last season, and 23rd in the 2019-20 season. They are the seventh Big Ten team ranked in this week's poll. Now Minnesota has a huge week against No. 10 Ohio State and No. 18 Michigan State at the Barn on Thursday and Sunday, respectively.

BREAKING: Gophers WBB has finally cracked the AP Poll at No. 23.

They are the 7th Big Ten team ranked in this week's poll. Huge week looming with games vs. No. 10 Ohio State and No. 18 Michigan State at the Barn this week. https://t.co/nr8xg89ruD pic.twitter.com/lAw3EDaCld

— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) February 16, 2026

Minnesota is a No. 6 seed at ESPN Bracketology

The Gophers have jumped one seed line in ESPN's latest bracketology for the fourth straight week. They're slated as a No. 6 seed and projected to face Columbia in the first round, which is currently in first place in the Ivy League. With three Quad 1 games remaining on the regular-season schedule, they could quickly jump into the discussion for a four seed, which would mean they could host their first- and second-round games.

NET ranking jumps to No. 9

The NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings are the number one tool used to seed teams for the NCAA Tournament. Minnesota saw its ranking increase from No. 10 to No. 9 after picking up a Quad 1 win over Nebraska on Thursday and a 23-point blowout win over Wisconsin on Sunday. The Gophers' high ranking gives them a great chance to quickly rise the NCAA Tournament seed line if they end the regular season strongly.

Big Ten Tournament outlook

Minnesota is now 20-6 on the season, and 11-4 in Big Ten play, but they're still half a game behind Iowa for a double bye in the Big Ten tournament. The Gophers are currently fifth in the conference standings. They could realistically climb as high as third, depending on how they finish the regular season.

Big Ten Tournament projections as of Feb. 16. | Picture via: bball.notnothing.net

The Gophers haven't played in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament since 2018, when they were a four seed and made it all the way to the semifinals. No matter how they finish the regular season, they will have a positive outlook heading into this year's event at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis from March 4-8.