10 players who will decide who wins March Madness: Azzi Fudd leads way

Star players can make or break March Madness. The 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament is down to the Sweet 16 and four victories is all that separates one team from hoisting the national championship trophy on Sunday, April 5. To win out, teams will rely on their best players to lead the charge.

Will Azzi Fudd lead the UConn Huskies to back-to-back titles for the first time since the program's four-peat from 2013-16? Will No. 1 UCLA finally get over the hump and win its first title?

Can No. 10 Virginia continue to shock the world? USA TODAY Sports has followed along with every upset, buzzer-beater and matchup from the 2026 Women's NCAA Tournament.

Here are the 10 players who will ultimately decide who wins March Madness, split up by each regional bracket. Fort Worth 1 bracket UConn guard Azzi Fudd UConn has an embarrassment of riches, including senior guard Azzi Fudd. She was limited to nine points in UConn's first-round win over No.