2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament: Preview and Predictions
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has officially begun, and fans are eagerly anticipating the excitement as 68 teams battle it out for the national championship. The bracket was revealed recently, and the field is packed with powerhouse programs, star players, and potential Cinderella stories. A No. 1 seed has historically dominated the women’s tournament, winning the title 23 times, including last year when South Carolina completed a historic 38-0 season. This year, the South Carolina Gamecocks are back as a No. 1 seed, but they were edged out by UCLA for the top overall seed. The Texas Longhorns and USC Trojans also secured No. 1 seeds, with UConn narrowly missing out on a No. 1 seed but earning a No. 2 seed. Paige Bueckers, one of the most talented players in college basketball, will lead the Huskies in her final season as they aim to end a championship drought that dates back to 2016.
FOX Sports writer Greg Auman has shared his full bracket predictions, and his picks are filled with intriguing matchups and potential upsets. He believes the first major upset of the tournament will be No. 12 South Florida defeating No. 5 Tennessee in the first round. The first No. 1 seeds to fall, according to his predictions, will be USC and Texas, who he believes will lose to UConn and Notre Dame, respectively, in the Elite Eight. Auman’s Final Four includes UCLA, UConn, South Carolina, and Notre Dame, with the Gamecocks ultimately cutting down the nets as national champions. His predictions set the stage for a thrilling tournament filled with drama and excitement.
Top Seeds and Contenders: A Closer Look
The 2025 tournament features four No. 1 seeds: UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and USC. UCLA, as the overall No. 1 seed, will be the team to watch after narrowly edging out South Carolina for the top spot. The Bruins have had an incredible season and will look to make a deep run in the tournament. South Carolina, led by the legendary Dawn Staley, is back with a vengeance after last season’s perfect 38-0 campaign and is expected to be a formidable force once again. The Texas Longhorns and USC Trojans round out the No. 1 seeds, with both teams boasting talented rosters and strong resumes that earned them their top billing.
While the No. 1 seeds are always a focal point, the No. 2 seed UConn Huskies cannot be overlooked. UConn has been a historic powerhouse in women’s college basketball, but they have not won a championship since 2016. With Paige Bueckers leading the charge in her final season, the Huskies are determined to end that drought and return to the pinnacle of the sport. UConn’s experience and talent make them a serious contender, and they will undoubtedly be one of the teams to watch as the tournament progresses.
Underdogs and Upsets: The Cinderella Stories
The NCAA Tournament is famously known for its Cinderella stories, and Greg Auman’s predictions suggest that this year’s tournament will be no exception. According to his bracket, the first major upset will be No. 12 South Florida taking down No. 5 Tennessee in the first round. While No. 12 seeds occasionally pull off upsets, it’s always exciting to see a lower-seeded team make some noise early in the tournament. South Florida’s victory over Tennessee would set the tone for what could be a bracket filled with surprises.
Auman also predicts that two No. 1 seeds—USC and Texas—will fall in the Elite Eight. He believes USC will lose to UConn, and Texas will be defeated by Notre Dame. These upsets would shake up the bracket and create opportunities for other teams to step into the spotlight. Notre Dame, in particular, could be a dark horse in the tournament, with their potential upset over Texas setting them up for a deep run. The Fighting Irish have a talented roster and the experience to make a serious push for the Final Four and beyond.
Final Four and National Championship Picks
Greg Auman’s Final Four predictions include UCLA, UConn, South Carolina, and Notre Dame. These four teams represent a mix of powerhouse programs and rising contenders, setting the stage for some epic matchups. UCLA, as the overall No. 1 seed, will look to dominate their way to the championship game, while UConn’s experience and Paige Bueckers’ leadership will make them a tough opponent. South Carolina, with their defending champion status, will be the team to beat, and Notre Dame’s journey to the Final Four will be a testament to their hard work and determination.
In the end, Auman believes that South Carolina will once again be crowned national champions. The Gamecocks’ flawless performance last season set a high standard, and they have the talent and chemistry to repeat as champions. Dawn Staley’s team will face stiff competition, but their experience and ability to perform under pressure give them the edge they need to bring home another title. Whether his predictions hold true or not, the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament is shaping up to be an unforgettable event filled with incredible basketball and unforgettable moments.
Women’s College Basketball: A Season to Remember
As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament gets underway, fans are reminded of the incredible talent, dedication, and passion that define women’s college basketball. From Paige Bueckers’ final season with UConn to South Carolina’s quest for back-to-back titles, there are countless storylines to follow. The tournament is not just about the games; it’s about the players who inspire, the coaches who lead, and the teams that unite fans across the country.
For those looking to stay up-to-date with all the action, FOX Sports will provide comprehensive coverage, including the latest news, scores, and analysis. With the bracket revealed and the first games set to begin on March 19, there’s no better time to dive into the world of women’s college basketball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the excitement of March Madness, the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament has something for everyone, and it’s shaping up to be a season to remember.
