Women’s March Madness bracket predictions: Projecting the field of 68 for 2025 NCAA Tournament
As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament approaches, bracket forecasts are taking shape, reflecting the dynamic nature of the season. The tournament will feature 68 teams, with selections based on regular-season performance, conference championships, and overall strength of schedule.
Projected No. 1 Seeds:
USC Trojans (26-2, 17-1 Big Ten): Led by standout freshman JuJu Watkins, who averaged 34 points and shot 50% from the field in recent victories over UCLA, USC has secured the Big Ten regular-season championship. Their 10-2 record against Quad 1 opponents underscores their dominance.
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South Carolina Gamecocks (27-3, 15-1 SEC): The defending national champions, coached by Dawn Staley, boast a 14-3 record against Quad 1 teams. Their resilience and experience make them a formidable contender.
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Texas Longhorns (29-2, 15-1 SEC): Sharing the SEC regular-season title with South Carolina, Texas split their regular-season meetings with the Gamecocks. Their consistent performance positions them well for a top seed.
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UCLA Bruins (27-2, 16-2 Big Ten): Despite two losses to USC, the Bruins’ 11-2 record against Quad 1 opponents highlights their strength. A potential third matchup with the Trojans in the Big Ten tournament could influence final seedings.
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Notable No. 2 Seeds:
UConn Huskies (26-3, 18-0 Big East): UConn’s perfect conference record and top rankings in both KenPom and NET make them a strong candidate for a deep tournament run.
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Notre Dame Fighting Irish (25-4, 16-2 ACC): With a dynamic backcourt featuring Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles, Notre Dame has the firepower to challenge any team.
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NC State Wolfpack (24-5, 16-2 ACC): Securing the top seed in the ACC tournament, NC State’s sharpshooting guard Aziaha James adds a significant threat from beyond the arc.
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TCU Horned Frogs (28-3, 16-2 Big 12): Their regular-season championship and impressive Quad 1 record make TCU a team to watch.
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Bubble Teams and Last Four In:
The final spots in the tournament are highly contested. Teams like Washington, Virginia Tech, Minnesota, and Harvard are currently projected as the last four in, meaning their performances in the upcoming conference tournaments will be crucial.
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First Four Out:
Programs such as Princeton, Saint Joseph’s, Arizona, and Marquette find themselves on the outside looking in. Strong showings in their respective conference tournaments could propel them into the tournament field.
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Conference Tournaments Impact:
The outcomes of the Power Four conference tournaments, set to begin on March 5, will significantly influence the final bracket. South Carolina, NC State, USC, and TCU have emerged as the top seeds in their respective conferences, but upsets and standout performances could reshape the tournament landscape.
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Key Considerations:
Injuries: Teams like LSU and North Carolina are dealing with injuries to key players, which could affect their tournament seeding and performance.
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Strength of Schedule: The selection committee places significant emphasis on the quality of opponents faced. Teams with strong non-conference schedules and multiple Quad 1 victories are favored.
Recent Performance: Momentum entering the tournament can be a decisive factor. Programs that have peaked late in the season or secured unexpected victories may receive favorable consideration.
As Selection Sunday approaches, teams will aim to solidify their positions or make compelling cases for inclusion. The 2025 Women’s March Madness promises to deliver thrilling basketball action, with established powerhouses and emerging programs vying for the national championship.
