When the 2025-26 women's college basketball season opens on November 3, 2025, the spotlight shines brightest on the UConn Huskies—the defending national champions who lost their superstar, Paige Bueckers, to the WNBA but still carry the weight of expectation. They didn’t just win last year—they dominated. Now, with a new core led by Azzi Fudd, Serah Williams, Sarah Strong, and KK Arnold, they’re not just trying to repeat. They’re trying to become the first team since 2016 to win back-to-back titles without their top draft pick on the roster. And experts are buying it.
The New UConn Machine
It’s hard to replace a generational talent like Bueckers. But UConn doesn’t rebuild—it reinvents. Last season, they won their 12th national title by outlasting the South Carolina Gamecocks in a battle that felt like a championship preview. This year, they’re deeper, more physical, and arguably more balanced. Fudd’s scoring burst, Williams’ playmaking, Strong’s relentless defense, and Arnold’s versatility make them less reliant on a single playmaker. ESPN’s Autumn Johnson called them “a machine with no weak gears.” And the numbers back it up: UConn averaged 87.4 points per game last season, allowed just 56.1, and shot 48% from the field. That’s not luck. That’s system.
SEC Dominance and the Texas Wildcard
The Southeastern Conference isn’t just strong—it’s overwhelming. Six teams sit in ESPN’s top 16, including the reigning SEC regular-season champs, South Carolina Gamecocks, who lost MVP Chloe Kitts to injury but still got the media’s nod to repeat. Then there’s Texas Longhorns. CBS Sports’ Gibbs didn’t just pick them to win the SEC—he picked them to win it all. “Goodness, this season is going to be a blast,” he said. “I’m that confident in Rori Harmon and Madison Booker.” And he’s not alone. Harmon, a dynamic guard, and Booker, a relentless scorer, form the kind of duo that changes games. Texas is the top overall seed in ESPN’s Bracketology, with LSU as the No. 2 seed in the Baton Rouge region. The Feb. 14, 2026, showdown between South Carolina and LSU on ABC? That might decide the conference—and maybe the national title.
Duke’s ACC Resurgence
While the Atlantic Coast Conference has cratered—Notre Dame fell out of the top 16, North Carolina dropped from a No. 3 to a No. 4 seed—Duke Blue Devils are quietly building something special. Under head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke returns four starters and adds freshman phenom Toby Fournier, who led the team in scoring off the bench last year. CBS Sports’ Gonzalez picked Duke as the ACC champion, and for good reason: they made their first Elite Eight since 2013 and now have the depth to go further. Ashlon Jackson’s defense, Fournier’s scoring, and the return of key role players make them the most dangerous team in a weakened conference. Experts like Charlie Creme have them as the fourth Final Four team, ahead of LSU and Texas.
The Missing Star: JuJu Watkins
One name that won’t be on the court is JuJu Watkins. The Southern California Trojans star, who exploded onto the scene last season, suffered a season-ending knee injury in March. Her absence changes everything in the Pac-12. Without her, USC is no longer a title contender—just a team trying to rebuild. It’s a stark reminder: even the brightest stars can be taken in an instant. Meanwhile, UCLA, led by 6’7” center Lauren Betts and guards Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens, remains elite. Head coach Corey Dixon has built a team that plays with pace, precision, and physicality—exactly the kind that thrives in March.
Mid-Majors and the Long Road to Phoenix
Don’t sleep on the Richmond Spiders. With scoring duo Maggie Doogan and Rachel Ullstrom, they’re the most electric mid-major in the country. ESPN’s Bracketology has them as a No. 7 seed, facing Oregon in the first round. They’ve got the firepower to pull off a major upset. Meanwhile, Texas Christian University Horned Frogs feature Olivia Miles, a fifth-year guard surrounded by five players 6-foot-4 and taller. That’s a mismatch nightmare. And while the ACC/SEC Challenge in December will be critical for teams like Duke and NC State trying to climb back into the conversation, the real drama will unfold in March.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just about who wins. It’s about legacy. Can UConn become the first team in 10 years to repeat? Can Texas prove the SEC is truly the best conference? Can Duke break through in a weakened ACC? And will the Final Four in Phoenix in early April 2026 feature a team no one saw coming? The answers are coming—and they’ll be loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the top contenders for the 2026 NCAA women’s basketball championship?
The top contenders are the UConn Huskies, South Carolina Gamecocks, UCLA Bruins, and Texas Longhorns, according to ESPN and CBS Sports analysts. UConn has the depth and experience to repeat, while Texas, led by Rori Harmon and Madison Booker, is the favorite of several experts to win it all. UCLA’s size and pace make them a dangerous matchup, and South Carolina remains a powerhouse despite losing Chloe Kitts.
Why is the SEC considered the strongest conference this season?
The SEC has six teams ranked in the top 16 of ESPN’s Bracketology, including three projected Final Four teams: South Carolina, LSU, and Texas. Their depth, physicality, and star power—especially from Harmon and Booker—make them the most competitive conference. Even with injuries, teams like LSU and South Carolina remain elite, and their nonconference schedules have been tougher than most.
How has Duke improved enough to be the ACC favorite?
Duke returns all four starters from last year’s Elite Eight team and added freshman Toby Fournier, who led the team in scoring off the bench. With Ashlon Jackson’s defense and Jon Scheyer’s system, they’ve transformed from a tournament bubble team to a conference powerhouse. While the ACC has declined overall, Duke’s continuity and depth give them the edge over Notre Dame and North Carolina.
What impact does Paige Bueckers’ absence have on UConn’s title chances?
Bueckers was the heart of UConn’s offense, but her departure has forced a more balanced approach. Azzi Fudd, Sarah Strong, and KK Arnold have stepped up, and the team’s defense has tightened. Last season, UConn won without a single player averaging 20 points per game. That depth makes them more resilient. Experts say they’re better equipped to handle pressure without relying on one superstar.
Where will the 2026 Women’s Final Four be held?
The 2026 Women’s Final Four will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, at State Farm Stadium. It’s the first time Phoenix has hosted the event since 2018, and the venue’s capacity and climate make it ideal for a high-stakes tournament. The championship game is expected to tip off around April 6, 2026.
Is JuJu Watkins’ injury the biggest setback of the offseason?
Absolutely. Watkins was the most electrifying player in the game last season, averaging 25.8 points and 8.1 rebounds. Her absence removes a top-5 national player from contention and weakens the Pac-12’s national profile. USC’s tournament hopes are now slim, and the absence of her highlight-reel plays will be felt across the entire season’s narrative.