The madness is here, and this year’s women’s NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in recent memory. With powerhouse programs, rising superstars, and no clear-cut dominant team, the battle for the national championship is wide open.
Last year, South Carolina stormed through the field and completed an undefeated season, capping it off with a championship win. Now, Dawn Staley’s squad is back and looking to defend their crown.
But there are challengers everywhere. USC’s JuJu Watkins has taken the college basketball world by storm, LSU is looking for redemption, and UConn wants to reclaim its spot among the sport’s elite.
With Selection Sunday revealing the official bracket, all eyes are on the road to Tampa, where the Final Four will determine who takes home the ultimate prize.
South Carolina: The Dynasty in the Making
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s this: Never doubt Dawn Staley.
The Gamecocks enter March Madness as the reigning champions and the No. 1 overall seed—and they’re once again undefeated (32-0).
They lost five starters from last year’s title-winning squad, but Staley didn’t rebuild—she reloaded.
- Kamilla Cardoso has been a force in the paint, using her size and skill to dominate on both ends of the court.
- MiLaysia Fulwiley has given the Gamecocks a fresh burst of energy, with her highlight-reel plays and fearless scoring.
- Bree Hall, Raven Johnson, and Ashlyn Watkins have stepped into leadership roles, proving that South Carolina is still the team to beat.
The Gamecocks aren’t just chasing another title—they’re chasing back-to-back undefeated seasons, something that hasn’t been done since UConn in 2016.
But in March, anything can happen.
USC’s JuJu Watkins: The Freshman Phenomenon
JuJu Watkins is not just a rising star—she’s already one of the best players in college basketball.
She’s second in the nation in scoring (27.0 PPG) and has turned USC into a legit national title contender.
- She dropped 51 points earlier this season, breaking records and showing she’s built for the spotlight.
- USC won its first Pac-12 championship since 2014, proving they’re ready to make a deep tournament run.
- Watkins is already one of the biggest stars in the sport, and this could be the tournament where she cements herself as the future of women’s basketball.
The question is: Can USC’s young squad handle the pressure?
UConn: The Return of Paige Bueckers
For the past two seasons, Paige Bueckers has battled injuries. But now?
She’s back—and she’s ready to remind everyone why she’s one of the best players in college basketball.
UConn may not be as dominant as they were in the Maya Moore and Breanna Stewart days, but you can never count out Geno Auriemma’s squad.
- Bueckers has been putting up All-American numbers.
- Freshman KK Arnold has stepped up big-time in the backcourt.
- Aaliyah Edwards is an inside force, giving UConn a legit one-two punch.
After missing the Final Four in 2023, UConn wants to reclaim its spot among the sport’s elite.
Can Bueckers lead the Huskies back to glory?
The Wildcards: Texas, Stanford, and Notre Dame
This year’s tournament is loaded with potential bracket-busters.
- Texas has been on fire since winning the Big 12 tournament, led by Madison Booker’s superstar play.
- Stanford is always a threat with Cameron Brink anchoring the paint.
- Notre Dame has Hannah Hidalgo, one of the most exciting players in the country.
With so much talent in the field, upsets are inevitable.
How to Watch and Key Tournament Dates
The madness begins with Selection Sunday on March 17, when the full bracket will be revealed on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET.
The First Four games tip off on March 20-21, with first-round matchups beginning March 22-23.
The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight will take place in Birmingham, Alabama, and Spokane, Washington, while the Final Four is set for April 5 in Tampa, Florida.
The national championship game will be played on April 7 at Amalie Arena.
With record-breaking attendance, skyrocketing TV ratings, and some of the biggest names in basketball on center stage, the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament is set to be one for the ages.
Who’s cutting down the nets in Tampa? We’re about to find out.
