The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) unveiled its 2025‑26 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Rolls on July 21, 2026, spotlighting the finest college women’s basketball programs that excel both on the hardwood and in the classroom.
To earn a spot on the honor roll, squads must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and receive a nomination from their head coach, who in turn must be a WBCA member. This dual‑criterion approach ensures that teams are celebrated for genuine scholarly commitment, not merely for athletic success.
Green Bay’s Consecutive Triumph
Among the recognized programs, Green Bay secured the coveted first‑place slot for the second straight season. Guided by head coach Kayla Karius, the team posted a remarkable 3.965 cumulative GPA, the highest across all NCAA Division I institutions, underscoring a culture where academic rigor is as valued as athletic dominance.
The honor roll also celebrated three additional Horizon League members — Youngstown State, Milwaukee, and Cleveland State — who earned spots within the top 25. Their inclusion reflects the conference’s growing emphasis on developing student‑athletes who thrive in both arenas.
Beyond the top 25, several Horizon League programs received special mentions, including Northern Kentucky, Purdue Fort Wayne, Wright State, NIU, and Detroit Mercy. Each of these teams demonstrated commendable academic performance, contributing to the conference’s overall strong showing in the WBCA’s academic rankings.
The WBCA’s recognition of 119 teams across five collegiate divisions illustrates a broader institutional shift toward prioritizing education alongside competition. By publicly honoring these programs, the association not only rewards excellence but also sets a benchmark for future cohorts of student‑athletes.