Read on foxsports.comUConn Remains Heavy Favorite for 2026 Women's NCAA Title, But SEC Challengers Emerge
The UConn Huskies are the overwhelming favorites to win the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, with odds of -265 as of March 16. However, the landscape is shifting, with SEC teams like Texas and South Carolina closing the gap after a strong conference tournament showing. This analysis breaks down the latest odds, key contenders, and whether anyone can challenge Geno Auriemma's undefeated squad as March Madness begins.
The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament bracket is set, and the betting markets have spoken: the UConn Huskies remain the team to beat. As the defending champions and the nation's only undefeated team, they enter March Madness as heavy favorites. However, a closer look at the latest futures odds reveals a narrowing gap, with a surging SEC program emerging as the most credible threat to the Huskies' dynasty.
The Current Title Odds Landscape
According to the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, UConn sits firmly at the top with a moneyline of -265, meaning a bettor must risk $265 to win $100 on the Huskies lifting the trophy. This dominant position is a reflection of their perfect 34-0 regular season and the presence of star player Sarah Strong, who is averaging 18.5 points and 7.6 rebounds. The second favorite is the UCLA Bruins at +550, followed closely by the Texas Longhorns at +700 and the South Carolina Gamecocks at +800. The odds then drop significantly, with LSU at +1600 and a host of other teams, including Vanderbilt, Michigan, and Iowa, listed at +5000 or longer.
UConn: The Undisputed Favorite
The Huskies' path to a repeat championship appears clear. They finished the season ranked No. 1 and have been the consensus favorite since the preseason. Their first-round matchup is against UTSA, with Vanderbilt projected as the 2-seed in their region. The team's combination of elite talent, championship experience under legendary coach Geno Auriemma, and an unblemished record justifies their status at the top of the board. The question is not whether they are the best team, but whether anyone can muster a challenge over a single-elimination tournament.
The SEC Challenge: Texas and South Carolina
The most intriguing development in the title race is the rise of the Texas Longhorns. Their odds improved significantly after a decisive victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks to win the SEC Tournament championship. This result propelled Texas to +700, making them the primary threat from the powerful SEC conference. South Carolina, the 2025 champion who fell to UConn in last year's title game, remains a formidable contender at +800. The history between these teams adds another layer: South Carolina eliminated Texas in the 2025 national semifinals, only to then be defeated by UConn. The SEC now boasts two of the top four betting favorites, signaling a conference ready to challenge the Huskies' supremacy.
Can Anyone Actually Stop UConn?
While the odds suggest a tiered competition, the reality on the court will determine the answer. UCLA, at +550, presents a significant obstacle. The Bruins reached the Final Four last season before being soundly defeated by UConn. They possess the talent and experience to make another deep run. However, the narrative of the 2026 tournament is shaping up to be a clash between the established powerhouse from the Big East and the rising forces of the SEC. For bettors and fans, the value may lie with the contenders like Texas and South Carolina, who offer much higher payouts if they can solve the UConn puzzle in a high-stakes, win-or-go-home scenario.
