Top Teams Lead 2026 Women’s NCAA Bracket Projections

As we look ahead to the 2025-26 NCAA women’s college basketball season, significant changes and ongoing trends are shaping the landscape. The past season saw the sport transition to 31 conferences and a Power 4 structure.

Two leagues placed at least ten teams each in the NCAA tournament. Units were also finally paid to conferences for their success in March Madness.

Player transfers remain common, but the system will stay consistent for one more year. The Pac-12 will return in 2026-27, bringing the tournament back to 32 automatic bids.

The 2026 Final Four will be held in Phoenix. Regionals will take place in Fort Worth, Texas, and Sacramento, California.

Despite losing key players, top teams like South Carolina, UConn, UCLA, and Texas are expected to remain dominant. The Big Ten is projected to have the most bids, while the SEC has five schools among the top two seeds.

2025-26 Season Overview

The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one, marked by both stability and impending change. The 2025-26 season will be the last before the Pac-12’s return, which will alter the tournament structure again.

For now, teams and fans can expect a continuation of the competitive landscape established over the past year.

Conference Realignments and Their Impact

The shift to 31 conferences and the establishment of a Power 4 have significantly impacted the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. This realignment has allowed more teams to participate in March Madness, increasing competition and excitement.

The financial incentives for conferences based on tournament success have also added motivation for teams to perform well.

Top Teams to Watch

Despite the loss of key players, several top teams are expected to remain at the forefront of the competition. South Carolina, UConn, UCLA, and Texas, all of whom reached the Final Four last season, are projected to be the top four seeds again.

South Carolina

South Carolina continues to be a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. Their depth and talent make them a formidable opponent.

The team’s ability to recruit and develop talent has been a significant factor in their sustained success.

UConn

UConn’s legacy in women’s basketball is well-established. With a strong roster and a history of excellence, UConn remains a top contender.

Their ability to perform under pressure makes them a team to watch in the upcoming season.

UCLA

UCLA has emerged as a strong competitor in recent years. Their performance in last season’s tournament has set high expectations for the upcoming year.

The team’s resilience and strategic play contribute to their success.

Texas

Texas has consistently been a top team in women’s college basketball. Their robust training programs and strategic gameplay have positioned them as a favorite for the upcoming season.

Despite losing some key players, Texas’s depth and skill make them a formidable opponent.

Player Movements and Injuries

Player transfers and injuries continue to shape team dynamics and performance. The transfer portal has seen a flurry of activity, with players moving between schools at high rates.

Injuries, such as JuJu Watkins’ ACL injury, also have a considerable impact on team prospects.

JuJu Watkins’ Impact on USC

JuJu Watkins’ ACL injury was a significant blow to USC in the last NCAA tournament. Her recovery and return will be crucial for USC’s performance in the upcoming season.

Watkins’ skill and leadership are invaluable to the team.

Conference Projections

The Big Ten is projected to have the most bids in the upcoming tournament, reflecting the depth and competitiveness of the conference. The SEC is expected to have the highest quality at the top, with five schools among the top two seeds and seven in the top 16.

Big Ten

The Big Ten’s depth is evident in the number of teams projected to receive bids. This conference has consistently produced competitive teams.

The level of play in the Big Ten makes it one of the most exciting conferences to watch.

SEC

The SEC’s dominance at the top is clear, with five schools among the top two seeds. This conference has a history of producing high-caliber teams.

The SEC’s strength at the top makes it a significant force in women’s college basketball.

Looking Ahead

The 2025-26 NCAA women’s college basketball season promises to be exciting. There will be a mix of stability and change shaping the landscape.

The Pac-12 will return in 2026-27, which will bring more changes. For now, fans can look forward to another season of competition.

For more projections and insights, check out the NCAA Women’s Bracketology 2026 Projections.