There are multiple things that go into the selection process for the NCAA Tournament. Two analytical rankings that play a role include the NET and WAB. Both are updated daily to reflect the landscape of women’s basketball.
In the case of Lady Vols basketball, it is steadily climbing up the rankings after a 6-0 start to SEC play. Currently, Tennessee is the only undefeated team in the conference slate and stands atop the SEC standings alone.
According to the NET, the Lady Vols are the No. 17 team in the country. This mark is good for seventh in the SEC. Tennessee trails No. 3 Texas, No. 4 South Carolina, No. 5 LSU, No. 7 Vanderbilt, No. 12 Oklahoma and No. 14 Kentucky.
According to the WAB, the Lady Vols clock in at No. 13. This places Tennessee at fifth in the SEC behind No. 3 South Carolina, No. 5 Texas, No. 7 Vanderbilt and No. 12 LSU.
🚨 NET & WAB RANKINGS UPDATE 🚨
The #NCAAWBB NET + WAB Rankings are used by the Selection Committee and updated daily. pic.twitter.com/gUCuFtf89S
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) January 26, 2026
More From RTI: Lady Vols Basketball Stand Alone Atop SEC Standings, Final Unbeaten Team in Conference Play
According to ESPN’s most recent bracketology, the Lady Vols project as a 4-seed in the NCAA Tournament. If Tennessee can hold onto a 4-seed or better, it’d mean hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.
Next, the Lady Vols host Mississippi State on Thursday night in Knoxville. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET and will air on SECN+. Tennessee has already defeated the Bulldogs this season, as well, winning 90-80 in Starkville earlier this month.
The Lady Vols were initially scheduled to play Ole Miss on the road on Monday evening. However, due to inclement weather, the game was postponed and will be rescheduled to a later date yet to be determined.
