South Carolina Leads the 2025 March Madness Women’s Tournament

The 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket is set, and the stage is prepared for an exhilarating March Madness with 68 teams vying for the national championship.

From defending champion South Carolina to first-timer George Mason, this year’s tournament promises thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.

With no clear-cut favorite, the tournament is wide open, reflecting a season of parity and star power.

Let’s dive into the details and explore the top contenders and key storylines to watch out for.

UCLA Bruins: A Historic Season in Westwood

The UCLA Bruins have had a remarkable year, achieving their first 30-win season in program history and securing the No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll for 12 consecutive weeks.

With a second-place finish in the Big Ten regular season and a conference tournament crown, the Bruins are poised for a deep tournament run.

Led by national player of the year candidate Lauren Betts, who averages just under 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game, and Kiki Rice, who has significantly improved her efficiency, UCLA’s depth is a significant asset.

Transfers Timea Gardiner and Janiah Barker bolster the bench, and seven players average at least seven points per game. Anything short of a Final Four berth would be a disappointment for the Bruins.

Key Players to Watch

• Lauren Betts: Averaging nearly 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game.
• Kiki Rice: Improved efficiency by 5 percentage points.
• Timea Gardiner and Janiah Barker: Impactful transfers providing depth.

South Carolina Gamecocks: Defending Champions on a Mission

After entering the past two NCAA tournaments undefeated, the South Carolina Gamecocks are 30-3 this season.

Despite losing key players to the WNBA and injuries, the Gamecocks remain a formidable force.

Chloe Kitts, Sania Feagin, and Joyce Edwards lead the frontcourt, while MiLaysia Fulwiley, Te-Hina Paopao, Tessa Johnson, Bree Hall, and Raven Johnson form a strong guard corps.

South Carolina’s balanced attack and top-tier defense make them a tough opponent. With three national championships, including two in the past four seasons, the Gamecocks are aiming for their fourth title.

Strengths and Strategies

• Balanced Attack: No single player for opponents to focus on.
• Top-Tier Defense: Ranked second in scoring defense in the SEC.
• Experienced Guard Corps: Key players from last year’s championship team.

Texas Longhorns: A Strong Debut in the SEC

In their first year in the SEC, the Texas Longhorns have impressed with a 31-3 record, tying South Carolina for the regular-season championship.

Sophomore Madison Booker, the SEC Player of the Year, leads the team with 16.2 points per game.

Senior Taylor Jones and transfer Kyla Oldacre provide strong post play, while guard Rori Harmon is the top playmaker.

Although the Longhorns struggle with three-point shooting, their defensive prowess, holding opponents to 55.9 points per game, makes up for it. Texas is a team to watch in the tournament.

Key Contributors

• Madison Booker: SEC Player of the Year, averaging 16.2 points per game.
• Taylor Jones: Leading rebounder and shot-blocker.
• Rori Harmon: Top playmaker with 5.9 assists per game.

USC Trojans: JuJu Watkins Leads the Charge

The USC Trojans have lived up to the hype, thanks to superstar JuJu Watkins.

With a 28-3 record, the Trojans clinched their first regular-season conference crown since 1994 and reached their highest ranking in the Associated Press poll since 1984.

Watkins, the national player of the year front-runner, has been spectacular, with Kiki Iriafen establishing herself as the No. 2 option.

The Trojans’ defense, holding opponents to 36.3% shooting and registering 6.8 blocks per game, is their strength.

After an Elite Eight finish last year, USC aims for a national championship.

Defensive Prowess

• JuJu Watkins: National player of the year front-runner.
• Kiki Iriafen: Key transfer, averaging 18.2 points per game.
• Stingy Defense: Holding opponents to 36.3% shooting.

Duke Blue Devils: Defense at the Core

In coach Kara Lawson’s fifth season, the Duke Blue Devils have built their success on defense.

With a 26-7 record and an ACC tournament title, Duke ranks second in the ACC in scoring defense.

Freshman of the Year Toby Fournier, Ashlon Jackson, and tournament MVP Oluchi Okananwa lead the team offensively.

After making the Sweet 16 as a No. 7 seed last year, Duke aims for an Elite Eight appearance this season.

Defensive Standouts

• Toby Fournier: ACC Freshman of the Year.
• Ashlon Jackson: Key offensive contributor.
• Oluchi Okananwa: ACC tournament MVP.

NC State Wolfpack: Building on Last Year’s Success

After a Final Four appearance last year, the NC State Wolfpack have continued their strong performance with a 26-6 record.

Led by guards Aziaha James, Zoe Brooks, and Saniya Rivers, the Wolfpack’s offense ranks fourth in the ACC.

Coach Wes Moore, the ACC Coach of the Year, has guided the team to a tie for first place in the ACC. With a solid defense and a deep roster, NC State is a formidable contender.

Offensive Firepower

• Aziaha James: Leading scorer with 17.9 points per game.
• Zoe Brooks: Key offensive contributor.
• Saniya Rivers: All-ACC first team pick.

Other Notable Teams

Several other teams are worth keeping an eye on in this year’s tournament.

The TCU Horned Frogs, UConn Huskies, LSU Tigers, North Carolina Tar Heels, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Oklahoma Sooners, Baylor Bears, Kentucky Wildcats, and Maryland Terrapins all have compelling stories and strong rosters.

Each team brings unique strengths and challenges to the tournament, making this year’s March Madness one of the most exciting in recent memory.

Teams to Watch

• TCU Horned Frogs: Big 12 regular-season and tournament champions.
• UConn Huskies: Best shot in years at winning an NCAA title.
• LSU Tigers: Led by senior Aneesah Morrow, the nation’s leading rebounder.
• North Carolina Tar Heels: Known for their stingy defense.
• Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Co-champions in the ACC.
• Oklahoma Sooners: High-scoring offense, second in the SEC.
• Baylor Bears: Balanced scoring attack and strong defense.
• Kentucky Wildcats: Impactful transfers leading the way.
• Maryland Terrapins: Navigating a season with numerous newcomers.

For more in-depth information on each team and the full tournament bracket, visit ESPN’s comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament. This year’s tournament is set to be one for the ages with so many talented teams and players. Get ready for the madness and enjoy the ride!