By Chloe Wilson

As Women’s March Madness commences, the opportunity of winning a national title looks largely. Star players like JuJu Watkins (University of Southern California), Paige Bueckers (University of Connecticut), and Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame University) all have a chance to win the NCAA tournament. The bracket was released on Mar. 16 — Selection Sunday. Rivals will have a chance to play against each other, and each team will have an effect on the tournament. In the past tournaments, upsets during the first round have been uncommon. In 2024, there was a single upset – No. 11 seed Middle Tennessee defeating No. 6 Louisville. As for 2023, there were only as few as four in the first round and five in the year before that, 2022. 

The 68-team bracket structure will provide more teams with postseason opportunities, mirroring the men’s NCAA tournament, beginning on Mar. 19 and trying for a chance to continue to the championship game on Apr. 6.

A lot is different this year, with teams like the University of Iowa losing record-breaking Caitlin Clark and dropping to the No. 6 seed. This is much different than the past three years, as they have previously been the No. 1 and 2 seed. Additionally, the undefeated University of South Carolina has faced their first loss since the last season against No. 1 team University of California Los Angeles, with a perfect record of 38-0 in the 2023-2024 season. 

With four different regions in the tournament, the No. 1 seeds are USC (South Carolina), UCLA, USC (Southern California), and University of Texas Austin. Only losing twice this season, both to rival USC (Southern California), UCLA takes the overall No. 1 seed for the first time in school history. USC (South Carolina), the defending champions, have demonstrated that they are an experienced group of players who know what it takes to win a national title. Coach of USC (South Carolina), Dawn Staley, explained, “I’m a little bit surprised because we manufactured our schedule to be the No. 1 overall seed. It’s hard enough to win a national championship; we don’t need a chip on our shoulder.” As for USC (Southern California) and Texas, both teams have been consistent throughout the season, with no doubt that they, too, have a chance at winning the tournament. 

Though the number one seeds are projected to be the best in the tournament, the No. 2 seeds cannot be overlooked. With UConn’s Bueckers, and TCU’s Hailey Van Lith who led the way to her team’s Big 12 Tournament win, this schedule will definitely make for an interesting March Madness. 

Additionally, more than only winning is on the line. The games start on Mar. 19, and whoever comes out on top will have a chance to get paid, similar to how the Men’s National Championship has been for years. From No. 1 UCLA to No. 68, William & Mary, this March Madness is sure to be an unparalleled tournament.

(Sources: CBS Sports, ESPN, NYT, SAN)