USC Trojans’ “Queen” Juju Watkins is only a sophomore but still powering out a name for herself in the NCAA. Credit: Instagram
March is here, and we’re days away from the start of March Madness. The excitement for the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is beginning to simmer and sauté, so let’s add our ingredients before things get too hot. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the vibes, fits, and drama, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. With powerhouse programs, breakout stars and legendary coaches, there’s no shortage of storylines. Here are five teams to keep your eye on this season.
The USC Trojans
At the top of the tournament rankings and Big Ten regular season champs, the USC Trojans are looking at becoming a No. 1 seed in back-to-back seasons and winning their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship since 1984. Led by sophomore phenom JuJu Watkins, averaging 24.2 points per game, good for third best in Division 1, USC is playing its best basketball heading into the tournament and looks to be a serious championship contender. Their recent victories over then No. 1 (and again Saturday with the Bruins ranked No. 2), local and conference rivals, UCLA Bruins, solidified their dominance. Watkins’ ability to take over games will make them a must-watch team. Watkins is the only player in the history of women’s college basketball who has averaged 24-plus points, 2-plus steals, and 2-plus blocks per game during the regular season.
The UConn Huskies
Another perennial powerhouse Big East champs, the UConn Huskies, continues to be a force under legendary coach Geno Auriemma, who is celebrating his 40th season. Senior guard Paige Bueckers, one of the most resilient and exciting players in college basketball, has returned to peak form after battling injuries during her career. Her leadership, experience, playmaking, and scoring ability could be the key to UConn making yet another deep tournament run. (UConn defeated USC in last year’s Elite Eight.)
Notre Dame
The Fighting Irish have also been making major waves, thanks to the stellar play of Hannah Hidalgo and her backcourt accomplice Olivia Miles. Hidalgo, the sophomore guard, is second in the country in scoring, leading her team in points and steals. Miles, a top WNBA prospect and senior guard leading the team in assists, has mentored Hidalgo while the two create mayhem for opposing teams. Under the guidance of head coach Niele Ivey, Notre Dame is an absolute contender.
The South Carolina Gamecocks
Meanwhile, despite slipping to a No. 2 seed in the most recent rankings, the South Carolina Gamecocks remain a formidable threat under coach Dawn Staley. Known for their depth and defensive intensity, South Carolina is always a team that thrives in the pressure-packed environment of March
Madness. Veteran experience is the secret sauce to Staley’s 2025 team without forfeiting the unparalleled contributions from freshmen and
sophomores.
The UCLA Bruins
Another potential champion from the West Coast is the UCLA Bruins,
powered by Lauren Betts, a dominant force in the paint, averaging 20 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Betts’ ability to control the paint, finish around
the rim on offense, and protect the rim on defense makes UCLA a tough
matchup for any team. Additionally, LSU’s Aneesah Morrow has continued to elevate her game and maintained double-double dominance in the Bayou. With the paint accounted for, Flau’Jae Johnson can maneuver around the permit and find her shots, averaging 18.9 points per game.
Coaching is at the forefront of the 2025 Women’s Basketball Tournament, and the eventual champion will undoubtedly need a masterful coaching performance to defeat this competition level. Geno Auriemma continues to set the standard of excellence at UConn, while Dawn Staley remains one of the most influential figures in the sport. Niele Ivey is proving herself as one of the brightest young coaches in the game, and Lindsay Gottlieb has quickly turned the Trojans into a title threat. Each of these coaches will have their teams prepared for the madness of March, ensuring that this year’s tournament is filled with surprises and unforgettable moments.
With so much talent and intriguing matchups, this year’s NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is must-watch TV. Whether you’re rooting for a blue-blood program, like UConn or South Carolina or hoping for a Cinderella story, like Vanderbilt, the drama and excitement of March Madness are guaranteed to deliver. So, get ready to fill out your brackets (we’ll have a tournament challenge here), cheer for your favorite players, and immerse yourself in one of the most exciting couple of weeks in sports.
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