Category: 2026

This is the third iteration of the ChampsRankSOS ranking report. An explanation of the methodology can be found here.

Click here to view our other ranking: ChampsRankELO Dec. 14, 2025

ChampsRankSOS (with Decay Rate): DI Women’s College Hockey

as of December 14, 2025

GD = Goal Differential vs. Opponent

SOS = Strength of Schedule Rating of Opponent

Rank	Team	Rating	GD	SOS	Games Played
1	Wisconsin	20.00	3.8	16.2	20
2	Ohio State	19.23	2.3	16.9	18
3	Minnesota	18.45	1.9	16.5	18
4	Penn State	17.93	3.6	14.4	18
5	Minnesota Duluth	17.51	0.9	16.6	18
6	St. Cloud State	16.47	-0.2	16.7	20
7	Princeton	16.47	1.3	15.1	15
8	Northeastern	16.36	1.5	14.9	19
9	Minnesota State	16.29	0.0	16.3	20
10	Quinnipiac	16.27	1.4	14.9	20
11	UConn	16.25	1.1	15.2	18
12	St. Thomas	15.75	-1.0	16.7	20
13	Cornell	15.73	1.1	14.6	16
14	Clarkson	15.71	0.6	15.1	19
15	Mercyhurst	15.40	0.8	14.6	22
16	Colgate	15.28	-0.3	15.6	20
17	Yale	15.13	0.5	14.6	16
18	Boston College	14.89	-0.1	15.0	20
19	RIT	14.69	0.5	14.2	22
20	St. Lawrence	14.68	-0.5	15.1	21
21	Boston University	14.67	-0.6	15.3	18
22	New Hampshire	14.63	0.4	14.2	21
23	Harvard	14.53	0.5	14.0	14
24	Brown	14.52	0.1	14.4	16
25	Holy Cross	14.47	0.9	13.6	21
26	Maine	14.33	-0.8	15.2	20
27	Union	14.21	0.2	14.0	20
28	Vermont	14.15	-1.1	15.2	20
29	Bemidji State	14.12	-2.5	16.6	18
30	Providence	14.04	-0.8	14.9	19
31	Robert Morris	13.80	0.2	13.6	24
32	Syracuse	13.62	-1.0	14.6	22
33	Lindenwood	13.58	-0.9	14.5	22
34	Dartmouth	13.12	-0.8	13.9	16
35	RPI	13.06	-1.4	14.5	21
36	Merrimack	12.87	-1.6	14.5	18
37	Saint Anselm	12.12	0.4	11.8	20
38	Franklin Pierce	11.99	0.9	11.1	19
39	Stonehill	11.55	-0.1	11.7	19
40	Assumption	11.50	0.0	11.5	20
41	Delaware	11.36	-3.0	14.3	20
42	Sacred Heart	10.92	-0.7	11.6	18
43	Post	10.34	-1.2	11.6	20
44	LIU	10.33	-1.1	11.5	18
45	Saint Michaels	7.13	-4.5	11.7	16

ChampsRankSOS Rankings Comparison: December 7 vs December 14, 2025

The ChampsRankSOS rankings were stable at the top, with the top five teams holding their positions and showing slight rating improvements. Wisconsin remains #1 at 20.00, followed by Ohio State (19.21 → 19.23), Minnesota (18.42 → 18.45), Penn State (17.89 → 17.93), and Minnesota Duluth (17.49 → 17.51). The limited movement reflects only five completed games between December 7–14. Those games involved lower-ranked teams (Dartmouth, Robert Morris, LIU, Saint Anselm, Saint Michaels, Brown, and Yale), so they had minimal impact on the top teams’ strength of schedule. The most notable change was in the 6–10 range, where St. Cloud State moved from #7 to #6 (16.44 → 16.47), while Princeton dropped from #6 to #7 (16.46 → 16.47), separated by 0.0008 rating points. Minnesota State entered the top 10, climbing from #11 to #9 (16.29), while UConn fell out of the top 10, dropping from #10 to likely #11 or lower. The time-decay model’s emphasis on recent results, combined with the sparse schedule, explains why the rankings stayed largely stable with only minor adjustments in the middle tier. The lack of games involving top-ranked teams meant their ratings were primarily affected by the gradual decay of older results rather than new competitive outcomes.

Got feedback on the ChampsRankSOS model? Submit feedback here

This is the second iteration of the ChampsRankSOS ranking report. An explanation of the methodology can be found here. In the next few days, we will be publishing the rankings in real-time.

Given Wisconsin’s sweep this weekend, we have decided to only focus on the time-decay version of our Strength-of-Schedule model (using a 45-day decay rate).

Click here to view our other ranking: ChampsRankELO Dec. 7, 2025

ChampsRankSOS (with Decay Rate): DI Women’s College Hockey

as of December 7, 2025

GD = Goal Differential vs. Opponent

SOS = Strength of Schedule Rating of Opponent

Rank	Team	Rating	GD	SOS	Games Played
1	Wisconsin	20.00	3.8	16.2	20
2	Ohio State	19.21	2.3	16.9	18
3	Minnesota	18.42	1.9	16.5	18
4	Penn State	17.89	3.6	14.3	18
5	Minnesota Duluth	17.49	0.9	16.5	18
6	Princeton	16.46	1.3	15.1	15
7	St. Cloud State	16.44	-0.2	16.6	20
8	Northeastern	16.36	1.5	14.9	19
9	Quinnipiac	16.28	1.4	14.9	20
10	UConn	16.25	1.1	15.2	18
11	Minnesota State	16.23	0.0	16.3	20
12	St. Thomas	15.74	-1.0	16.7	20
13	Cornell	15.71	1.1	14.6	16
14	Clarkson	15.69	0.6	15.1	19
15	Mercyhurst	15.37	0.8	14.6	22
16	Colgate	15.26	-0.3	15.5	20
17	Yale	15.13	0.5	14.6	16
18	Boston College	14.91	-0.1	15.1	20
19	Boston University	14.68	-0.6	15.3	18
20	St. Lawrence	14.65	-0.5	15.1	21
21	New Hampshire	14.65	0.4	14.3	21
22	RIT	14.65	0.5	14.2	22
23	Harvard	14.51	0.5	14.0	14
24	Brown	14.50	0.1	14.4	16
25	Holy Cross	14.50	0.9	13.6	21
26	Maine	14.35	-0.8	15.2	20
27	Union	14.21	0.2	14.0	20
28	Vermont	14.19	-1.1	15.3	20
29	Bemidji State	14.08	-2.5	16.5	18
30	Providence	14.04	-0.8	14.9	19
31	Robert Morris	13.60	-0.5	14.1	22
32	Syracuse	13.59	-1.0	14.6	22
33	Lindenwood	13.53	-0.9	14.5	22
34	RPI	13.02	-1.4	14.4	21
35	Merrimack	12.89	-1.6	14.5	18
36	Dartmouth	12.87	-2.0	14.9	14
37	Saint Anselm	12.46	0.6	11.9	19
38	Franklin Pierce	12.27	0.9	11.4	19
39	Stonehill	11.81	-0.1	11.9	19
40	Assumption	11.73	0.0	11.7	20
41	Delaware	11.35	-3.0	14.3	20
42	Sacred Heart	11.17	-0.7	11.9	18
43	LIU	10.83	-0.4	11.2	16
44	Post	10.61	-1.2	11.8	20
45	Saint Michaels	7.52	-4.2	11.7	15

The main change is a flip at the top.

On Nov 30, Ohio State was #1 (20.00) and Wisconsin #2 (19.78). On Dec 7, Wisconsin is #1 (20.00) and Ohio State #2 (19.21). Wisconsin’s 6-1 win over Ohio State on Dec 6, weighted heavily by the decay model, likely drove the change. Wisconsin beat Ohio State in both their meetings this past weekend.

Other Dec 5–6 results affected the rankings. In ECAC, Princeton beat Colgate 6-1, Quinnipiac won 3-0 at Cornell, RPI won 3-1 at Dartmouth, Harvard beat Union 4-2, and Yale won 3-2 at Brown. In Hockey East, Northeastern won 3-1 at Boston College, Maine won 4-3 in OT at New Hampshire, and Holy Cross won 2-0 at Vermont. These outcomes, especially the Wisconsin–Ohio State result, shifted ratings in the decay model.

Rating adjustments in the top 5

Minnesota remains #3 but dropped from 18.71 to 18.42. Penn State stays #4, down from 18.15 to 17.89. Minnesota Duluth remains #5, up from 17.76 to 17.49. The decay model’s emphasis on recent results, combined with Wisconsin’s strong recent form, explains the shift at the top.

Got feedback on the ChampsRankSOS model? Submit feedback here

This is the first iteration of the ChampsRankSOS ranking report. An explanation of the methodology can be found here.

We initially planned to publish only the time-decay version of our Strength-of-Schedule model (using a 45-day decay rate). However, the differences between the decay and no-decay versions were significant enough that it made sense to release both. This allows a clear comparison between a full-season evaluation and a ranking system that emphasizes recent performance — something both subjective polls and postseason selection committees tend to value. This weekend’s upcoming games between Wisconsin and Ohio State, might tell us which methodology makes more sense.

Click here to view our other ranking: ChampsRankELO

ChampsRankSOS with Decay Rate: DI Women’s College Hockey

as of November 30, 2025

GD = Goal Differential vs. Opponent

SOS = Strength of Schedule Rating of Opponent

Rank	Team	Rating	GD	SOS	Games Played
1	Ohio State	20.00	3.46	16.54	16
2	Wisconsin	19.78	3.96	15.82	18
3	Minnesota	18.71	1.82	16.89	16
4	Penn State	18.15	3.56	14.58	18
5	Minnesota Duluth	17.76	0.33	17.44	16
6	Minnesota State	16.77	0.24	16.53	18
7	UConn	16.73	1.21	15.52	16
8	Northeastern	16.66	1.58	15.08	16
9	St. Cloud State	16.48	-0.53	17.01	18
10	Quinnipiac	16.41	1.50	14.91	18
11	Cornell	16.35	1.74	14.61	14
12	Princeton	16.21	0.94	15.27	13
13	Clarkson	16.04	0.60	15.44	17
14	St. Thomas	15.94	-0.64	16.58	18
15	Colgate	15.74	0.04	15.71	18
16	Yale	15.67	0.74	14.93	14
17	Mercyhurst	15.52	0.54	14.99	20
18	Boston College	15.22	0.21	15.01	18
19	Harvard	15.04	0.68	14.37	12
20	RIT	15.04	0.10	14.93	20
21	St. Lawrence	14.83	-0.45	15.27	19
22	New Hampshire	14.75	0.52	14.23	18
23	Holy Cross	14.73	1.14	13.59	18
24	Vermont	14.72	-1.02	15.74	18
25	Union	14.64	0.41	14.23	18
26	Brown	14.46	-0.01	14.47	14
27	Maine	14.39	-1.07	15.46	18
28	Bemidji State	14.36	-2.24	16.60	16
29	Boston University	14.34	-1.02	15.36	15
30	Providence	14.08	-1.21	15.30	17
31	Syracuse	13.85	-1.06	14.91	20
32	Lindenwood	13.77	-0.75	14.53	20
33	Robert Morris	13.72	-0.71	14.44	20
34	Dartmouth	13.33	-2.27	15.61	12
35	Merrimack	13.08	-1.71	14.80	16
36	Saint Anselm	13.01	0.99	12.02	17
37	RPI	12.84	-2.01	14.85	19
38	Franklin Pierce	12.38	0.92	11.46	17
39	Assumption	11.74	-0.34	12.09	18
40	Stonehill	11.67	-1.25	12.92	17
41	Sacred Heart	11.65	-0.61	12.26	15
42	Delaware	11.38	-3.07	14.46	18
43	Post	11.12	-1.29	12.41	17
44	LIU	10.66	-0.98	11.64	14
45	Saint Michaels	8.24	-3.74	11.97	13

ChampsRankSOS without Decay Rate (Full Season Rating): DI Women’s College Hockey

as of November 30, 2025

Rank	Team	Rating	GD	SOS	Games Played
1	Wisconsin	20.00	4.06	15.94	18
2	Ohio State	19.81	3.25	16.56	16
3	Minnesota	19.14	2.25	16.89	16
4	Penn State	18.10	3.72	14.37	18
5	Minnesota Duluth	17.80	0.63	17.18	16
6	St. Cloud State	16.73	-0.33	17.06	18
7	Northeastern	16.69	1.69	15.00	16
8	Cornell	16.66	2.00	14.66	14
9	Quinnipiac	16.65	1.83	14.82	18
10	UConn	16.62	1.00	15.62	16
11	Minnesota State	16.49	0.11	16.38	18
12	Princeton	16.05	0.77	15.29	13
13	St. Thomas	15.97	-0.06	16.02	18
14	Clarkson	15.93	0.76	15.17	17
15	Colgate	15.79	0.06	15.74	18
16	Yale	15.71	0.79	14.92	14
17	Mercyhurst	15.53	0.35	15.18	20
18	Boston College	15.17	-0.11	15.28	18
19	RIT	15.02	0.35	14.67	20
20	Harvard	14.98	0.58	14.40	12
21	St. Lawrence	14.89	-0.47	15.37	19
22	Vermont	14.79	-0.94	15.74	18
23	New Hampshire	14.78	0.61	14.16	18
24	Bemidji State	14.68	-2.25	16.93	16
25	Brown	14.61	0.07	14.53	14
26	Holy Cross	14.57	1.11	13.46	18
27	Union	14.49	0.17	14.32	18
28	Maine	14.43	-1.22	15.65	18
29	Boston University	14.40	-1.27	15.66	15
30	Providence	13.99	-1.47	15.46	17
31	Syracuse	13.78	-1.15	14.93	20
32	Lindenwood	13.69	-1.20	14.89	20
33	Robert Morris	13.62	-0.75	14.37	20
34	Dartmouth	13.47	-2.00	15.47	12
35	Merrimack	13.18	-1.63	14.81	16
36	RPI	12.85	-2.00	14.85	19
37	Saint Anselm	12.81	0.71	12.10	17
38	Franklin Pierce	12.32	0.47	11.85	17
39	Sacred Heart	11.77	-0.33	12.10	15
40	Assumption	11.72	-0.44	12.16	18
41	Stonehill	11.66	-1.06	12.72	17
42	Delaware	11.35	-3.00	14.36	18
43	Post	11.01	-1.76	12.77	17
44	LIU	10.82	-0.64	11.46	14
45	Saint Michaels	8.60	-3.38	11.99	13

#1 Ranking Flip

When recent games are weighted more heavily, Ohio State takes over the top spot. Over the full season, Wisconsin remains #1.

• Without decay: Wisconsin #1 (20.00), Ohio State #2 (19.81)
• With decay: Ohio State #1 (20.00), Wisconsin #2 (19.78)

Why the flip occurs

• Wisconsin: Goal differential drops from 4.06 → 3.96 due to early-season blowouts being de-weighted (e.g., 17–2 vs. Stonehill, 8–0 vs. Minnesota State).
• Ohio State: Goal differential rises from 3.25 → 3.46, reflecting stronger recent games.
• Game volume: Wisconsin has 18 games — more older results get discounted. Ohio State has 16 — more of their games retain full weight.
• Decay math: Games older than ~60 days count at roughly 35% weight, boosting teams with stronger recent form.

Other Notable Shifts

• Minnesota State: +5 spots (11 → 6) — largest improvement
• Bemidji State: –4 spots (24 → 28) — largest decline
• 24 teams experienced movement between the two models

Got feedback on the ChampsRankSOS model? Submit feedback here