Women’s Top 25 Recap: No. 22 Baylor Stuns Unbeaten No. 10 Iowa State

Jan 07, 2026

No. 22 Baylor delivered one of the biggest surprises in women’s college basketball, upsetting previously undefeated No. 10 Iowa State in a highly anticipated Top 25 showdown. The statement victory reshapes the national rankings and injects new energy into the race for postseason positioning.

Baylor Hands Iowa State Its First Loss
Iowa State entered the matchup riding a perfect record and strong momentum, but Baylor rose to the occasion with a poised and disciplined performance. The Bears combined tough defense with efficient offense to seize control and hand the Cyclones their first defeat of the season.

This win stands as Baylor’s most impressive result so far and significantly boosts the team’s credibility among the nation’s elite programs.

Key Moments That Defined the Upset
Baylor set the tone early by applying defensive pressure that disrupted Iowa State’s offensive rhythm. Forced turnovers and timely scoring helped the Bears build confidence and maintain control throughout the game.

Despite a late push from Iowa State, Baylor stayed composed in crunch time, delivering clutch baskets and defensive stops to close out the victory.

Impact on Rankings and Playoff Picture
The loss removes Iowa State from the list of unbeaten teams and is expected to affect its position in the upcoming Women’s Top 25 rankings. Baylor, meanwhile, gains valuable momentum and could climb higher following the marquee win.

As conference play intensifies, results like this carry major implications for postseason seeding and NCAA Tournament consideration.

What’s Next for Baylor and Iowa State
Baylor will look to build on this momentum as it continues conference competition, aiming to establish consistency against top-tier opponents. Iowa State, despite the setback, remains firmly in the national title conversation and will focus on rebounding quickly.

Both teams are expected to remain key players as the season progresses.

💬 Final Thoughts
No. 22 Baylor’s victory over previously unbeaten No. 10 Iowa State highlights the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s college basketball. With rankings shifting and conference battles heating up, this upset underscores how every Top 25 matchup can significantly influence the road to the postseason.