Iowa Fans Are Loving Team's Fitting AP Rankings Placement Post Caitlin Clark

The Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team doesn't seem to have missed a step out of the gates in the 2024-25 season.
The Hawkeyes have improved to 7-0 on the season after dominating the Washington State Cougars by a score of 72-43 on Sunday.
Despite this success (which is made even more impressive because it's coming without superstar Caitlin Clark, who is now in the WNBA), Iowa hadn't been included in the first three AP Top 25 women's college basketball rankings, which irked a couple of their star players.
However, any disrespect the Hawkeyes were feeling about their lack of AP ranking has been put to bed for the time being, as the most recent rankings that were released on Monday have Iowa positioned at No. 22 in the country.
Earned 😤
— Iowa Women's Basketball (@IowaWBB) November 25, 2024
Iowa enters the AP Poll at No. 22. #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/ZmX2CeUQBc
Hawkeyes fans are feeling gratified about this recognition. And many are also noting that Iowa re-entered the rankings at a very familiar number.
"22 you say? 👊👊👊👊," one X user wrote along with a gif of Caitlin Clark, who of course wore No. 22 during her iconic Iowa tenure.
22 you say? 👊👊👊👊 pic.twitter.com/E6QI4xF62W
— Midwest Iowa girl (@Maga4Justice) November 25, 2024
Another Clark fan page added, "Only fitting that Iowa would enter the AP WBB rankings at #22".
Only fitting that Iowa would enter the AP WBB rankings at #22 pic.twitter.com/gMnvr3MSW3
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) November 25, 2024
"That number seems very familiar," wrote a third.
That number seems very familiar
— Rowdy (@RowdySal) November 25, 2024
While this appears to be a cool coincidence, Iowa likely won't remain at the No. 22 spot for long if they keep playing like they are right now.
The Hawkeyes' biggest test of the young season will likely arrive when they face cross-state rival Iowa State (who is ranked No. 15) on December 11.

Grant Young covers women’s basketball for Women’s Fastbreak and Indiana Fever On SI. His coverage centers on league trends and the growth of women’s basketball, both on and off the court. He also creates digital content focused on the sport’s biggest moments and personalities.
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