2026 Women's NCAA Basketball Championship Predictions and Preseason Analysis

The 2025-26 women's college basketball season opens with the reigning NCAA champion UConn Huskies positioned as the overwhelming favorite to capture their 13th national title. According to ESPN's comprehensive preseason analysis, the Huskies return with a potentially more dominant roster despite losing Paige Bueckers to the WNBA, setting the stage for what could be another championship run in Phoenix.

National Championship Favorites

UConn stands as the consensus pick among ESPN analysts to repeat as national champions. Charlie Creme notes that the Huskies "might be even more dominant this season" despite losing Bueckers, pointing to the addition of Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams and the return of a healthy Azzi Fudd. The combination gives UConn two potential All-Americans alongside Sarah Strong, who has a legitimate chance to be the national player of the year. Michael Voepel adds that UConn should "cruise through the Big East again," positioning them for a favorable NCAA tournament seed that could smooth their path to the Final Four.

Final Four Contenders

Beyond UConn, several programs emerge as serious championship threats. UCLA returns as the Big Ten front-runner after making their first Final Four appearance in the NCAA era last season. Coach Cori Close has seven seniors and two juniors, creating an experienced roster capable of challenging for the title. South Carolina, despite losing Chloe Kitts to a season-ending injury, remains a formidable opponent with the addition of transfer Ta'Niya Latson, who led all Division I players in scoring last season at Florida State.

Texas and LSU round out the primary championship contenders. The Longhorns, picked by SEC coaches to win the conference, feature Madison Booker, who won conference player of the year honors in both the Big 12 and SEC during her first two seasons. LSU returns Flau'jae Johnson, an All-America candidate, and should challenge in the loaded SEC conference race.

Conference Landscape

The SEC appears particularly stacked this season, with South Carolina, Texas, and LSU all possessing No. 1 seed potential according to preseason Bracketology. The conference race could be decided when South Carolina visits LSU on Valentine's Day in a game scheduled for ABC broadcast. The ACC features more uncertainty with significant roster turnover, while the Big Ten sees UCLA as the clear favorite with questions about whether Maryland or Michigan can emerge as legitimate challengers.

Key Players to Watch

Sarah Strong of UConn emerges as the preseason favorite for national player of the year according to multiple ESPN analysts. Her development, combined with a healthy Azzi Fudd, gives UConn an unmatched offensive arsenal. Other players in the conversation include UCLA's Lauren Betts, Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo, Texas's Madison Booker, and South Carolina's Ta'Niya Latson, who transferred from Florida State after leading the nation in scoring.

The freshman class features several impact players, with USC's Jazzy Davidson earning multiple picks for freshman of the year honors. Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez also receives consideration in what appears to be a strong incoming class across multiple programs.

Season Outlook

While UConn enters as the clear favorite, the path to Phoenix features multiple legitimate challengers. The experience gained by UCLA and Texas from last season's Final Four appearances could prove valuable, while South Carolina seeks redemption after not playing their best in last season's championship game. The loaded SEC conference should prepare its top teams for tournament success, setting up what promises to be an exciting race to the national championship.