Unbeaten UConn backed for 13th NCAA title in March Madness predictions
Top overall seeds UConn are the overwhelming favourites to claim the 2026 Women’s NCAA tournament title in Phoenix, according to a panel of college basketball experts.
The Huskies open their tournament campaign on Friday and are chasing a remarkable 13th national championship.
The storied programme are just six victories away from completing a seventh perfect season.
Top seeds dominate expert selections
A unanimous sweep of 22 analysts selected the Fort Worth 1 Region leaders to advance to the Final Four.
Thirteen of those voters tipped the unbeaten squad to lift the national trophy.
While no other college received unanimous backing to reach the semi-finals, fellow top-seeds South Carolina, Texas and UCLA garnered clear majorities.
Half of the polling panel predict an exclusive Final Four consisting entirely of number one seeds.
Toughest routes to the Final Four
Despite the dominance of the highest-ranked teams, the Sacramento 2 region presents a formidable gauntlet.
The Bruins of UCLA could face significant hurdles against highly-rated second seeds LSU or third-seeded Duke.
“With LSU, the top number two seed, and Duke, the best of the number three seeds, together with UCLA, simple math says it’s Sacramento 2.”
Charlie Creme, college basketball analyst
Ole Miss are another dangerous prospect capable of derailing the Los Angeles-based outfit.
The fifth-seeded Rebels boast impressive regular-season victories over Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and Notre Dame.
The dangerous dark horses
Looking beyond the elite top bracket, the Tigers of Louisiana State University have been identified as the premier outside threat.
Their battle-tested roster suffered five defeats this season, but all came against elite SEC opposition.
“What the Tigers learned from those defeats could help them get to the Elite Eight for the fourth year in a row.”
Michael Voepel, college basketball analyst
To complete a shock championship run, the Tigers will rely heavily on a dynamic backcourt spearheaded by Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams.
