2025 Women’s March Madness: Ranking the Final Four Teams – UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and UConn

TAMPA, Fla. – As the NCAA Tournament reaches its final weekend, three of the four No. 1 seeds remain standing: UCLA, South Carolina, and Texas. The surprising exception is UConn, a No. 2 seed that certainly shouldn’t be considered an underdog.

Under the guidance of Geno Auriemma, who has led the Huskies to 11 national championships, the team has a powerful incentive to capture another title before Paige Bueckers concludes her storied college career. UConn’s consistent presence in the Final Four – this marks their 16th appearance in the last 17 years – proves they are still a formidable force.

Here’s a look at the teams still vying for the crown, with rankings and key insights:

1. UConn
While UConn started the season with some inconsistencies, particularly in the frontcourt, they have found their rhythm as one of the most well-rounded teams in the tournament. A pivotal moment came on February 16, when they triumphed over South Carolina 87-58, showcasing their aggressive style and potential.

Paige Bueckers, chasing her first national championship in her final college season, has been on fire, averaging 20 points per game, and in her last three outings, that number skyrocketed to 35 points per game, while shooting an impressive 59.1% from the field and 61.9% from beyond the arc.

But it’s not just Bueckers. Freshman Sarah Strong and senior Azzi Fudd add depth, with Fudd, despite a tough Elite Eight performance, having previously dominated with a 27-point game against Arkansas State. Players like Kaitlin Chen and KK Arnold also provide key contributions, making UConn a formidable threat.

2. UCLA
As the top overall seed in the tournament, UCLA has had a historic season, with only one loss to their LA rivals, USC, though they avenged that defeat in the Big Ten Championship. Motivated and determined, UCLA dispatched a tough LSU team in the Elite Eight.

With towering players like Lauren Betts, who has been dominant in the paint, averaging 23 points and 9.3 rebounds during tournament play, UCLA has one of the nation’s best rebounding teams. Alongside her, Kiki Rice (the second-leading scorer) and Gabriela Jaquez (a rising leader, who shone with 18 points in the win over LSU) add depth to the roster.

3. South Carolina
South Carolina stands out for its lack of a single dominant scorer, making them an unpredictable force. The Gamecocks’ bench, which averages 40 points per game – the highest in the nation – plays a major role in their success. Players like Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley (known for her highlight-reel plays) are crucial contributors, while starters like Chloe Kitts and Te-Hina Paopao provide stability.

However, South Carolina has shown vulnerability at times, struggling with their offense, such as in their Elite Eight win over Duke, where they scored just 54 points. Even in their Sweet 16 victory over Maryland, their shooting was subpar at under 40% from the field.

4. Texas
Texas enters the Final Four with its own offensive concerns, particularly due to their lack of three-point shooting. Yet, they still have potential with Rori Harmon, who boasts impressive court vision, ranking third in assists this season with 5.9 per game. Madison Booker has emerged as a reliable scorer, averaging 16.5 points, while Taylor Jones, who leads the team in blocks, contributes 12.1 points per game.

Despite their offensive inconsistencies, Texas has one of the toughest defenses, able to stifle even the most potent offenses, as seen in their 66-62 victory over South Carolina in February.

As the Final Four approaches, these teams all bring their own strengths and weaknesses, making for an exciting conclusion to the tournament.