Top NCAA Women's Basketball Contenders: South Carolina, UConn, and More Eyeing the 2025 Championship

South Carolina Gamecocks

Despite a 29-point loss to UConn earlier in the season, the South Carolina Gamecocks (30-3) remain a strong favorite to make their fifth consecutive Final Four appearance. With a deep and talented roster, including SEC Tournament MVP Chloe Kitts and standout freshman Joyce Edwards, the Gamecocks are poised to make another championship run. Their recent dominance in the SEC, including a conference tournament title, underscores their national championship potential.

UCLA Bruins

UCLA (30-2) has long been one of the best women's basketball programs without an NCAA Final Four appearance. This year, the Bruins are looking to change that behind the stellar play of center Lauren Betts, who averages 19.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. With a seasoned backcourt featuring Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, and Londynn Jones, UCLA has the experience and talent to make a deep tournament run.

UConn Huskies

After a stretch of four consecutive NCAA titles from 2013 to 2016, UConn has been searching for its next championship. This season, the Huskies (31-3) are led by star guards Paige Bueckers (19.0 PPG) and Azzi Fudd (12.8 PPG), along with forward Sarah Strong (16.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG). With a healthy roster and a motivated Bueckers, UConn is a serious threat to reclaim the national title.

USC Trojans

USC (28-3) captured the Big Ten regular-season title but fell short in the tournament final against UCLA. Led by sophomore guard JuJu Watkins (24.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.5 APG), the Trojans have the star power and team cohesion to make a championship run. USC's storied history, including national titles in 1983 and 1984, adds to the excitement surrounding this year's squad.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Notre Dame (26-5) has had a roller-coaster season, but the Irish remain a formidable contender due to their elite guard play. Hannah Hidalgo (24.2 PPG), Olivia Miles (16.2 PPG), and Sonia Citron (13.8 PPG) form one of the nation's best backcourts. If Notre Dame can regain its early-season form, it could once again be a force in March Madness.

Texas Longhorns

In their first year in the SEC, Texas (31-3) tied for the regular-season title and boasts the conference's best defense. Coach Vic Schaefer's defensive expertise has the Longhorns in position to make a deep tournament run. However, Texas will need to improve its offensive output, particularly from beyond the arc, to compete with the nation's elite teams.