All Four No. 1 Seeds Remain in the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament
As the excitement of March Madness continues to grip the nation, the 2025 women’s NCAA tournament is proving to be a thrilling spectacle. All four No. 1 seeds are still in the running, showcasing their dominance and resilience. However, the journey has ended for another No. 2 seed. On Sunday, the South Carolina Gamecocks delivered a stunning blow to the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight, sending them packing in Birmingham.
While the tournament is still in full swing, the world of college basketball never truly rests. The coaching carousel is already spinning, and the transfer portal is wide open, making it the perfect time to start speculating about what next season might hold.
ESPN’s analysts are hard at work dissecting how the 1- and 2-seeds saw their championship dreams dashed and what lies ahead for each team. They’re diving into potential player departures, top incoming recruits, and possible transfers that could bolster rosters for the 2025-26 season.
No. 2 Duke Blue Devils
Record: 29-8, 14-4 ACC (third, won ACC tournament title)
How they were eliminated: 54-50 loss to South Carolina in the Elite Eight
Expected departures: G Reigan Richardson
Key contributors expected back next year: F Toby Fournier, G Ashlon Jackson, G Oluchi Okananwa, F Delaney Thomas, G Jadyn Donovan, G Vanessa de Jesus.
Top incoming recruit: PG Emilee Skinner (No. 7 per espnW top 100)
Portal priorities: The Blue Devils are in a strong position with their current roster. However, if a veteran point guard becomes available in the transfer portal, Coach Kara Lawson might consider adding her to the team. The key for any potential transfer is a high level of defensive play and the ability to keep up with the team’s fast-paced style.
Can the Blue Devils break through to the Final Four next year? Duke is poised to enter next season as a preseason top-five team and the favorite in the ACC. Their defensive prowess nearly earned them a Final Four spot this year, and with their talented sophomore class advancing to their junior year, they should be even more formidable. ACC Freshman of the Year Toby Fournier will return with valuable experience, adding to the team’s strength.
Duke’s current style may not appeal to fans of high-scoring games, but it has proven effective. Coach Lawson is eager to lead her team to a Final Four, a feat that has eluded her so far. The Blue Devils’ defensive strategy is a departure from the high-scoring teams of the past, but it could be the key to their success.
No. 2 NC State Wolfpack
Record: 28-7 overall, 16-2 ACC (tied for first)
How they were eliminated: 80-73 loss to No. 3 seed LSU in the Sweet 16
The Tigers, despite being the lower seed, felt like the favorites in this matchup. They were healthier, with guard Flau’Jae Johnson back from injury, and had already defeated the Wolfpack earlier in the season. Both teams have a history of NCAA tournament success, with NC State reaching the Final Four last season and LSU making it to the Elite Eight. LSU’s senior forward Aneesah Morrow was the standout player, scoring 30 points and grabbing 19 rebounds, proving to be an unstoppable force.
Expected departures: G Aziaha James, G Saniya Rivers, G Madison Hayes
Key contributors expected back next year: Despite losing key guards, NC State’s coach Wes Moore can rely on Zoe Brooks and Zamareya Jones to maintain strong perimeter play. Post players Tilda Trygger and Lorena Awou will bring size and experience, while forward Maddie Cox looks to build on her strong performance in the Sweet 16.
Top incoming recruit: G Destiny “Ky’She” Lunan (No. 60 per espnW)
Portal priorities: NC State will focus on adding experience at guard and strengthening their post play. The departing trio of James, Hayes, and Rivers has been instrumental in the team’s success, and their absence will be felt. Improving post play is crucial, as it was a weakness in their loss to LSU.
Can NC State keep up its Sweet 16 momentum? Under Coach Moore, the Wolfpack have consistently excelled in the postseason, reaching the NCAA regional semifinals in six of the past seven seasons. Next season, they’ll face the challenge of maintaining their momentum without their standout guards, but their track record suggests they have the resilience to adapt and succeed.
Originally Written by: Michael Voepel
