The women's NCAA tournament has shifted dynamics this season, with South Carolina entering as a significant favorite but facing stiff competition from teams with multiple losses, suggesting a more open championship field. Historically, no team seeded lower than No. 3 has won the title, though there have been notable upsets in recent tournaments. Analysts favor South Carolina again, but teams like UConn, USC, and UCLA also have championship aspirations, each with their unique challenges and opportunities in the upcoming rounds.
South Carolina entered the women's NCAA tournament undefeated and as the heavy favorite each of the past two years. But this season, every team among the top 16 seeds has at least two losses, making the battle for the national championship feel wide open.
Despite being the No. 2 overall seed behind the Bruins, South Carolina is the most popular pick to win the 2025 title among nearly two dozen women's college basketball analysts, with nine of 22 voters selecting the Gamecocks.
Early-round upsets have become more commonplace, even on the home courts of top-16 seeds. Last year, notable upsets included No. 5 seeds Colorado and Baylor, and No. 7 Duke advancing to the Sweet 16.
UCLA is in relatively uncharted territory as none of its players have advanced past the Sweet 16. Coach Cori Close's limited postseason experience raises questions about their potential performance under pressure.
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