March Madness. The name alone ignites excitement, and for the 2025 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament, that excitement is palpable. Teams are hungry. Fans are eager. And the drama? It’s sure to deliver. Who will rise, and who will crumble? Here’s a look at the teams most likely to shine—and those poised to defy the odds. Take a look at our Women’s March Madness 2025 predictions.
UCLA Bruins: Dominance Awaits
Let’s start with the giants. UCLA sits proudly at the No. 1 seed. Their record? Immaculate. Their roster? Unstoppable. The centerpiece? Lauren Betts. This 6-foot-7 phenom has been a force of nature. With 19.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and nearly 3 blocks per game, she’s an immovable object in the paint. She’ll be a nightmare for opponents, and with UCLA’s depth and size, their path to the championship feels almost inevitable. Critics and analysts agree—this could be their year. Big. Bold. Unstoppable.
South Carolina Gamecocks: The Reigning Titans
Don’t count out the defending champions. South Carolina’s loss to UConn in February was merely a blip. Since then, they’ve recalibrated, showcasing the kind of consistency and grit that only a team under the leadership of Dawn Staley can muster. Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin are carrying the torch, but it’s the Gamecocks’ fierce defense and strategic play that make them a true force to reckon with. Watch for them to challenge UCLA for the crown. One thing’s certain: they won’t go down without a fight.
UConn Huskies: Unyielding Legacy
No March Madness is complete without UConn’s undeniable presence. Eleven national championships are a testament to their legacy. As the No. 2 seed, they may face stiff competition, but history is on their side. Diana Taurasi, once a Husky herself, predicts UConn will claw their way to the championship game—defeating teams like Arkansas State, Iowa, and even the mighty USC in the process. Sure, teams like UCLA and South Carolina loom large, but this is UConn we’re talking about. They’ve earned their spot at the top.
The Dark Horses: Teams to Watch
A few squads are lurking in the shadows, ready to upset the establishment.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: They’ve had their ups and downs this season, but don’t be fooled. With a guard-heavy lineup and deadly 3-point shooting, they’ve got the tools to take down higher seeds. They could make a Cinderella run if they catch fire at the right moment.
Michigan Wolverines: Known for their lethal 3-point game, Michigan is poised to make a shocking push to the national championship. If their shooting is on target, they could become the tournament’s most dangerous underdog.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: They’ve stumbled a bit, sure, but don’t discount this team just yet. With All-American guards like Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles leading the charge, Notre Dame has the talent to make a deep run—possibly even to the Final Four.
Player to Watch: JuJu Watkins
And then there’s JuJu Watkins. Southern California’s shining star. She’s a player you simply can’t ignore. Her potential to carry USC on a deep, improbable run is high. Eyes will be glued to her as USC aims for an Elite Eight showdown with UConn. The stakes are massive, and if Watkins delivers, USC could be the dark horse of the tournament.
A Final Word
The Women’s March Madness 2025 start date is today, March 21. There’s no shortage of talent, drama, or potential for chaos in this year’s NCAA Women’s March Madness. From the juggernauts like UCLA and South Carolina to the underdogs who just might surprise us all, one thing is for sure: this tournament will keep us on the edge of our seats. And for fans, there’s no better way to embrace the madness.
Don’t miss it.