Women’s College Basketball: A Look Ahead to the 2025-26 Season
Hey basketball fans, buckle up because we’re diving into the exciting world of women’s college basketball! The past season was a whirlwind of changes, with college basketball expanding to 31 conferences and a Power 4. It was a season where two leagues managed to send at least 10 teams each to the NCAA tournament, and for the first time, units were rewarded for their success in March Madness. But as we look ahead to the 2025-26 season, it seems like we might be in for a bit of calm after the storm.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the transfer portal is still buzzing with players switching schools at a dizzying pace. However, the system itself is expected to remain stable for one more year. That’s right, folks, the Pac-12 is set to make a comeback in the 2026-27 season, which will bring the tournament back to 32 automatic bids. But before we get there, let’s talk about what’s on the horizon for the upcoming season.
Mark your calendars because the 2026 Final Four is heading west to Phoenix, with regionals taking place in Fort Worth, Texas, and Sacramento, California. It’s going to be a thrilling ride, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
Bracket Watch: Familiar Faces at the Top
As we take our first look at the 2026 NCAA bracket, it’s clear that consistency is the name of the game. The top four seeds in our initial projection are none other than the same teams that reached the Final Four just three weeks ago. Despite losing some key players, South Carolina, UConn, UCLA, and Texas are heading into next season as the favorites. These teams have proven their mettle, and it’s no surprise they’re at the top of the list.
However, there’s one player whose status could significantly impact the upcoming season: JuJu Watkins. Her ACL injury was a major setback for USC in the NCAA tournament, and her recovery will be crucial for the Trojans’ outlook next season. We’ll be keeping a close eye on her progress.
When it comes to conference strength, the Big Ten is once again projected to have the most bids. But don’t count out the SEC, which is expected to carry the most quality at the top. In fact, five SEC schools are either No. 1 or No. 2 seeds in this projection, and seven are in the top 16. It’s shaping up to be a competitive season, and we can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
On the Bubble: Teams to Watch
While the top seeds are grabbing the headlines, let’s not forget about the teams on the bubble. These are the squads fighting tooth and nail for a spot in the tournament, and their journey is just as thrilling. Keep an eye on these teams as they battle it out for a chance to dance in March Madness.
68-Team Bracket: A Closer Look
Let’s break it down region by region. Here’s a sneak peek at the 68-team bracket:
- Region 1 Fort Worth
- Columbia
- Waco
- Nashville
- Durham
- Region 4 Sacramento
- Austin
- Ames
- College Park
- Baton Rouge
- Region 2 Fort Worth
- Storrs
- Ann Arbor
- Raleigh
- Knoxville
- Region 3 Sacramento
- Los Angeles
- Oxford
- Chapel Hill
- Norman
As we gear up for another thrilling season of women’s college basketball, there’s no shortage of storylines to follow. From the top seeds to the bubble teams, every game will be a battle, and every player will be giving it their all. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for an unforgettable season!
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
