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The Road to Tampa: Who Will Conquer the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament?

Selection Sunday has come and gone, the bracket is set, and the nation is buzzing with anticipation. The field of 68 is locked in, and the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament is officially poised to deliver another thrilling chapter of March Madness. The stakes are high, the competition fierce, and the ultimate prize – the national championship trophy – awaits the team that can navigate the treacherous path to Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on Sunday, April 6th.

This year’s tournament features a compelling mix of established powerhouses, rising contenders, and potential Cinderella stories. Four teams earned the coveted No. 1 seed: the dominant South Carolina Gamecocks, the high-scoring USC Trojans, the experienced Texas Longhorns, and the surging UCLA Bruins. Each brings a unique blend of talent, coaching, and momentum to the table, setting the stage for a captivating tournament.

However, the journey to the Final Four is never a straightforward one. Upsets are inevitable, and even the top seeds will face challenges from hungry underdogs eager to make their mark on the national stage. The depth of talent across the women’s college basketball landscape is deeper than ever, promising a tournament filled with nail-biting finishes and unforgettable moments.

South Carolina: The Team to Beat

According to oddsmakers, including BetMGM, Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks are the overwhelming favorites to cut down the nets in Tampa. Their dominant regular season performance, marked by stifling defense and a versatile offense, has cemented their status as the team to beat. If South Carolina can live up to expectations, they will achieve a rare feat: winning consecutive national championships. The last program to accomplish this was none other than Geno Auriemma’s UConn Huskies, who reigned supreme from 2013 to 2016. This alone puts enormous pressure on the Gamecocks. However, Coach Staley has built a program that thrives under pressure.

South Carolina’s strength lies in its ability to control the game on both ends of the court. Their defense is relentless, forcing turnovers and disrupting opposing offenses. On offense, they boast a balanced attack with multiple players capable of scoring in double figures. They also have excellent guard play which is incredibly valuable during tournament time. While their status as favorites is well-deserved, they must remain focused and avoid complacency if they want to make history.

UConn: The Resurgent Huskies

Never count out Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies. Despite facing injuries and adversity throughout the season, the Huskies have found their stride at the perfect time. Led by the sensational Paige Bueckers, UConn has been playing its best basketball over the last month, showcasing the championship pedigree that has defined the program for decades.

UConn received a No. 2 seed, marking the seventh time they have been slotted in that position. While they may not be the top seed, their experience and talent make them a serious threat to anyone in the tournament. Bueckers, a former national player of the year, is a game-changer. Her ability to score, pass, and lead makes her one of the most dynamic players in the country. The Huskies have a deep roster filled with experienced players. If UConn can stay healthy and maintain their recent level of play, they could make a deep run into the tournament and potentially challenge South Carolina for the title.

UCLA: The Pac-12 Champions

Lauren Betts and the UCLA Bruins earned the top overall seed in the tournament after their impressive victory over JuJu Watkins and USC in the Big Ten championship game. This win solidified their status as a legitimate national championship contender. UCLA boasts a balanced team with talent at every position.

Betts is a dominant force in the paint, providing scoring, rebounding, and rim protection. The Bruins also have excellent guard play and a coach known for her tactical expertise. Their win against USC proved that they can compete with and beat the best teams in the country. While the Pac-12 has traditionally been very strong, the conference is now the Big Ten with the addition of UCLA and USC, so UCLA’s win against USC is a Big Ten Championship. The Bruins have home court advantage for the first two rounds. This advantage will be a huge asset. UCLA is more than capable of making a deep run in the tournament and potentially bringing the national championship trophy back to Westwood.

Other Contenders: USC, Texas, and Notre Dame

While South Carolina, UConn, and UCLA are considered the top contenders, several other teams have the potential to make a splash in the tournament.

• USC: Led by freshman sensation JuJu Watkins, the Trojans are one of the most exciting teams in the country. Watkins is a scoring machine, capable of taking over games with her offensive prowess. However, USC is more than just Watkins. They have a talented supporting cast and a coach who knows how to win in the tournament.

• Texas: The Longhorns are a battle-tested team with experience and leadership. They have a strong inside-outside game and are well-coached. Texas is always a tough out in the tournament.

• Notre Dame: The Fighting Irish are a perennial contender with a rich history in women’s basketball. They have a talented roster and a coach who knows how to navigate the tournament.

These teams, along with other potential dark horses, will be looking to capitalize on any slip-ups from the top seeds and make their own statement on the national stage.

The Road Ahead

The 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament promises to be a thrilling ride filled with upsets, close games, and unforgettable moments. With a deep field of talented teams and a national championship on the line, the madness of March is sure to deliver. Will South Carolina cement their dynasty with a second consecutive title? Can UConn reclaim its spot atop the women’s college basketball world? Or will a new champion emerge from the pack? Only time will tell.

Note: BetMGM only offers odds for the top 58 teams to win the 2025 womens NCAA Tournament.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.