Top 9 Bold Predictions for 2025 Women’s March Madness Tournament

The 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling and unpredictable in recent memory. With powerhouse teams like UCLA and UConn vying for the title, and dark horses like Ole Miss and Vanderbilt poised to make deep runs, this year’s March Madness promises to be a spectacle.

Our experts from the USA TODAY Sports Network have made some bold predictions, and we’re here to break them down for you.

From top seeds falling early to Cinderella stories emerging, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming tournament.

Top Seeds Under Pressure

This year’s tournament sees the UCLA Bruins entering as the top overall seed, led by the formidable Lauren Betts. Despite their strong regular season, the Bruins have a history of faltering before the Final Four. Can they finally break through this year?

According to our experts, the answer might be no.

UCLA’s Potential Pitfalls

Nancy Armour predicts that UCLA’s journey will be cut short by a resilient Ole Miss team in the Sweet 16.

Cora Hall echoes this sentiment, suggesting that Ole Miss’s high-pressure defense will be too much for the Bruins to handle.

Lulu Kesin also believes that despite UCLA’s regular-season dominance, they will struggle against Ole Miss’s skilled defense.

South Carolina’s Quest for a Repeat

Another team under the microscope is South Carolina. Although they didn’t secure the top overall seed, many still consider them a formidable contender.

However, Jordan Mendoza argues that the Gamecocks won’t repeat their championship run from last year. The talent emerging from the Spokane Regional is simply too strong to allow South Carolina to win back-to-back titles.

Challenges Ahead for South Carolina

South Carolina’s path to the Final Four is fraught with challenges. The Spokane Regional is stacked with talent, making it difficult for any team to emerge unscathed.

Mendoza points out that the Gamecocks’ fearsome reputation might not be enough to carry them through the tournament this time around.

Notre Dame’s Struggles

Notre Dame has had a rocky end to their regular season, and our experts believe that their woes will continue into the tournament.

Nancy Armour predicts that the Irish won’t make it out of the first weekend, while Cydney Henderson suggests that TCU will end Notre Dame’s run in the Sweet 16.

TCU’s Rising Stars

TCU’s Sedona Prince and Hailey Van Lith are expected to play pivotal roles in their team’s success.

Prince’s dominant performance in their regular-season matchup against Notre Dame, where she recorded 20 points, 20 rebounds, and 8 blocks, is a testament to her capabilities. Van Lith, a four-time All-American, will also be crucial for TCU’s aspirations.

Paige Bueckers and UConn

Paige Bueckers is one of the most talked-about players in women’s college basketball, and many are wondering if she can lead UConn to a national championship in her final year.

However, Meghan Hall predicts that Bueckers will leave her college career without a ring, as the USC Trojans and JuJu Watkins are expected to end UConn’s run in the Elite Eight.

USC’s Strong Contenders

JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans are poised to make a deep run in the tournament.

Watkins’ exceptional skills and leadership make USC a formidable opponent for any team, including UConn. Hall’s prediction suggests that the Trojans have what it takes to derail Bueckers’ championship dreams.

NC State’s Deep Run

While UCLA is the top seed, Mike Sykes believes that NC State will be the team to watch. The Wolfpack, led by Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers, have the scoring power and versatility to make a deep tournament run.

Sykes predicts that NC State will emerge as a Final Four contender, surpassing UCLA in the process.

Key Players for NC State

Aziaha James and Saniya Rivers are the driving forces behind NC State’s success.

James’ scoring ability and Rivers’ versatility make them a dangerous duo in the tournament. Their performances will be crucial for the Wolfpack’s aspirations to reach the Final Four.

Vanderbilt’s Cinderella Story

One of the most exciting predictions comes from Cory Diaz, who believes that Vanderbilt will make a surprising run to the Elite Eight.

Freshman Mikayla Blakes and Khamil Pierre form one of the most efficient guard-post tandems in women’s basketball. Their length and athleticism will be valuable assets in the tournament.

Vanderbilt’s Dynamic Duo

Mikayla Blakes and Khamil Pierre are the heart and soul of Vanderbilt’s team.

Blakes, a freshman sensation, is a scoring machine, while Pierre’s versatility adds another layer to their game. Diaz’s prediction highlights the potential for Vanderbilt to become this year’s Cinderella story.

TCU’s Final Four Aspirations

Maxwell Donaldson predicts that TCU will make a historic run to the Final Four.

Behind the stellar play of Hailey Van Lith, the Horned Frogs have had an exceptional season. Donaldson believes that TCU will take down in-state rival Texas in the Elite Eight to secure their spot in Tampa.

Hailey Van Lith’s Impact

Hailey Van Lith’s performance will be crucial for TCU’s success.

As a four-time All-American, her skills and leadership are invaluable. Donaldson’s prediction underscores Van Lith’s importance to the Horned Frogs’ historic season.

Conclusion

The 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament is set to be a rollercoaster of emotions and surprises.

From top seeds facing early exits to underdogs making deep runs, this year’s March Madness promises to be unforgettable.

For more detailed predictions and insights, visit the USA TODAY Sports Network.

As always, enjoy the games and may the best team win!