Top 16 Seeds Announced: A Pre-Tournament Glimpse
The NCAA women’s basketball selection committee unveiled the top 16 seeds for the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Sunday, providing a tantalizing preview of the teams that could make a deep run when the tournament officially kicks off. UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and Notre Dame were named as the No. 1 seeds. The committee’s chair, Derita Dawkins, expressed confidence in the selections, stating, "We were pretty certain as a group that we had the right four on the one line." These top seeds have demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the season, making them strong contenders for the championship.
UCLA Bruins: The Overall Top Seed
UCLA, the overall No. 1 seed, has been a dominant force this season, boasting an impressive record and an array of talented players. The Bruins would potentially host the Friday-Sunday games on the second weekend, giving them an extra day of rest before the Final Four in Tampa, Florida. Joining UCLA in the Spokane Regional are No. 2 seed LSU, No. 3 seed Duke, and No. 4 seed Tennessee. LSU, which handed UCLA its first loss of the season, was strategically moved to this region to adhere to the principle of splitting top teams from the same conference. This move ensures a competitive and balanced bracket, setting the stage for some thrilling matchups in the early rounds.
Fighting Irish of Notre Dame: A Strong Contender
Notre Dame, another No. 1 seed, is projected to host the Spokane Regional alongside No. 2 seed USC, No. 3 seed Kansas State, and No. 4 seed Kentucky. The region promises to be a hotbed of talent, with a potential Elite Eight matchup featuring two of the nation’s top players: JuJu Watkins of USC and Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame. Such a match could be a fan favorite and a pivotal moment in the tournament, highlighting the depth and skill of the women’s college basketball landscape.
South Carolina Gamecocks and Texas Longhorns: Powerhouses in Birmingham
South Carolina and Texas, both No. 1 seeds, are set to compete in the Birmingham Regional. South Carolina is joined by No. 2 seed North Carolina State, No. 3 seed TCU, and No. 4 seed Oklahoma. The Gamecocks have been a perennial powerhouse, known for their stout defense and dynamic offense. Texas, selected as the third overall No. 1 seed, has secured an impressive 10 Quadrant 1 victories, outpacing Notre Dame’s six. This strong showing against top-tier opponents solidifies the Longhorns’ position and sets them up for a challenging but promising tournament run.
Additional Top 16 Seeds and Regional Assignments
The remaining top 16 seeds include several other formidable teams. Texas’s regional includes No. 2 seed UConn, No. 3 seed North Carolina, and No. 4 seed Ohio State. These teams bring a wealth of experience and talent, making the Birmingham Regional a showcase of elite basketball. Teams just outside the top 16, such as Alabama, Baylor, Michigan State, Ole Miss, and West Virginia, will also be keen to prove themselves as the tournament approaches. The committee’s goal is to create a balanced and competitive bracket, and these additional seeds play a crucial role in achieving that.
Impact of Conference Realignment and Future Reveals
The demise of the Pac-12 has left only four power conferences, which has necessitated some strategic adjustments in the bracket. Dawkins noted that this season’s realignment has presented unique challenges, requiring the committee to carefully consider the placement of teams to ensure a fair and exciting tournament. The NCAA will have one more in-season reveal on February 27, providing teams and fans with a final update before the official seedings are announced on March 16. These reveals give teams a clear idea of where they stand and what they need to do to improve their seeding.
Excitement and Anticipation for the Final Four
The Final Four is set to take place in Tampa, Florida, on April 4, with the NCAA championship game following two days later. As teams prepare for the upcoming big games, including South Carolina hosting UConn and Texas visiting LSU, the selection committee remains watchful, ready to make adjustments if necessary. The in-season reveals have been a valuable tool since 2015, helping teams and fans alike build anticipation and strategize for the tournament. With the top seeds and regions now clearer, the stage is set for a memorable and competitive NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
