Women’s March Madness 2026: Expert Predictions and Picks for First Four

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament buzzes with excitement as the First Four games get underway. March 18, 2026, brings a fresh wave of anticipation, with USA TODAY Sports diving deep into upcoming matchups and sharing expert takes to help fans navigate the chaos of March Madness.

Let’s get into the First Four games, spotlight some predictions, and see what’s in store as the tournament unfolds. There’s a lot to look forward to, honestly.

First Four Matchups: A Closer Look

The First Four games kick off the 68-team NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Stakes are high from the start.

On Wednesday, March 18, two games headline the schedule:

• No. 11 Nebraska vs. No. 11 Richmond at 7:00 PM EST on ESPN2
• No. 11 Missouri State vs. No. 11 Stephen F. Austin at 9:00 PM EST on ESPN2

For fans and bettors, these matchups offer plenty to analyze and maybe even stress over. The pressure’s on for everyone involved.

Expert Predictions for Nebraska vs. Richmond

Nebraska faces Richmond in the opening game. USA TODAY Sports experts lean toward Richmond in this one.

Mitchell Northam, Meghan Hall, and Cydney Henderson all pick Richmond to win. They point to Richmond’s tough defense and steady play all season.

The game should be close, but Richmond’s grit might just tip things their way. Of course, anything can happen in March.

Missouri State vs. Stephen F. Austin: A Battle of Titans

Missouri State and Stephen F. Austin square off in the nightcap. This one’s got people split.

Mitchell Northam goes with Missouri State, while Meghan Hall and Cydney Henderson see Stephen F. Austin coming out on top. It’s hard to say who’s right—these teams match up well.

Key Players to Watch

Both games feature some real standouts to keep an eye on:

• Nebraska: Their star forward puts up points and grabs boards, game after game.
• Richmond: The point guard’s vision and defense set the tone for the team.
• Missouri State: Their center controls the paint, blocking shots and cleaning up the glass.
• Stephen F. Austin: The shooting guard’s three-point range makes her a constant threat.

Streaming and Viewing Options

Both games air on ESPN2. If you’re more of a streamer, Fubo’s got you covered too.

For those placing bets, it pays to keep up with the latest news and picks. Surprises happen fast in March.

Join the USA TODAY $1 Million Bracket Challenge

March Madness gets even wilder with the USA TODAY $1 million Bracket Challenge. You can test your predictions and maybe snag a big prize.

Honestly, it’s a fun way to get even more invested in every game. Good luck to anyone filling out a bracket—you’ll need it!

The First Four games kick off what’s shaping up to be a wild NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. There’s just something electric about this time of year, isn’t there?

Expert predictions and deep dives give fans plenty to chew on. If you want more stats, stories, or just need to check the latest, the USA TODAY Sports hub is a solid place to hang out.

Keep an eye out as the tournament heats up. Who knows which teams will pull off the next big upset?

March Madness always brings surprises. Whether you live for every buzzer-beater or just tune in now and then, this tournament has a way of pulling you in.