AP Poll - November 18, 1982
Preseason poll of the 1982-1983 season; USC starts at No. 1.
| Rank | School | Conference |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | USC | WCAA |
| 2. | Louisiana Tech | Independent |
| 3. | Old Dominion | Sun Belt |
| 4. | Tennessee | SEC |
| 5. | Texas | Southwestern |
| 6. | Maryland | ACC |
| 7. | Georgia | SEC |
| 8. | Kentucky | SEC |
| 9. | Cheyney | Independent |
| 10. | Long Beach State | WCAA |
| 11. | Kansas State | Big Eight |
| 12. | Penn State | A-10 |
| 13. | South Carolina | Independent |
| 14. | Rutgers | A-10 |
| 15. | NC State | ACC |
| 16. | Arizona State | WCAA |
| 17. | Stephen F. Austin | Independent |
| 18. | Drake | Gateway |
| 19. | Mississippi | SEC |
| 20. | California | Northern Pacific |