Introducing the Top Four Teams in the Women’s March Madness Tournament, from USC to South Carolina

As the 2025 Women’s March Madness tournament kicks off, the stage is set for an intense battle for the title. The top four teams—each earning a No. 1 seed in their respective regions—are poised for a deep run, with last year’s champions, South Carolina, and 2023 victors LSU leading the charge. Also in the mix are Texas, aiming for its second NCAA title, and UCLA, hoping to break through to the Final Four for the first time in school history. Let’s break down what each team has shown during the regular season.

Breaking Down the Top Four Teams in Women’s March Madness

No. 1 UCLA – (1) Spokane Regional 1
With a stellar 30-2 record and a 16-2 mark in the Big Ten, UCLA (1) secures the overall No. 1 seed. The Bruins have been dominant this season, suffering just two losses—both to Southern California. However, UCLA avenged these defeats by taking down USC and clinching the Big Ten title, which earned them an automatic bid to the tournament. The Bruins also knocked off another top contender, South Carolina, fueling their Final Four hopes.

In the tournament’s opening round, UCLA will face the winner of the play-in game between UC San Diego and Southern on Friday, March 21, at Pauley Pavilion. The game will be broadcast live at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.

No. 2 South Carolina – (1) Birmingham Regional 2
The reigning champions, South Carolina (30-3, 15-1 SEC), are ready to defend their crown. Despite a loss to UCLA, head coach Dawn Staley feels her team’s strength of schedule should have earned them the overall top seed. The Gamecocks had a dramatic run, defeating Texas in their first meeting before falling to them in the second, only to bounce back and capture the SEC tournament title. Their only other loss came at the hands of UConn, the No. 5 seed overall.

In their first round, South Carolina will take on (16) Tennessee Tech on Friday, March 21, at Colonial Life Arena. The game will be aired at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.

No. 3 Texas – (1) Birmingham Regional 3
Texas (31-3, 15-1 SEC) has had a standout season. Their only two losses were to South Carolina, with another defeat coming from Notre Dame—a tough opponent. Notre Dame, seeded No. 9 overall, also made a major impact on the regular season, and there’s potential for a thrilling rematch between Texas and the Fighting Irish soon.

In the tournament’s first round, Texas will face the winner of the play-in game between High Point and William & Mary on Saturday, March 22, at the Moody Center. Tune in at 9:45 p.m. ET on ESPN2 for the broadcast.

No. 4 Southern California – (1) Spokane Regional 4
Southern California (28-3, 16-1 Big Ten) is back in contention and ready for a deep run. The Trojans’ only two losses this season were to Notre Dame and Iowa, with a notable regular season victory over UCLA. However, their efforts fell short in the Big Ten title game against UCLA, highlighting the fierce competition among the top teams.

In the first round, Southern California will meet (16) UNC Greensboro on Saturday, March 22, at the Galen Center. The game will be broadcast at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.

The Women’s March Madness tournament promises to be filled with drama, with these top teams all hungry for the ultimate prize. Make sure to tune in for all the action as the competition heats up!