2026 women’s NCAA Tournament odds: UConn is the team to beat for Texas, UCLA, South Carolina
After dominating women’s college basketball throughout the season, it’s only fitting that Connecticut, South Carolina, Texas and UCLA are all back in the women’s Final Four for the second consecutive season. The four No. 1 seeds blitzed women’s college hoops with a combined 143-7 record — with four of the losses coming to each other in the regular season.
All four juggernauts have been favored by more than double digits in every tournament matchup. The top seeds held up their end of the bargain by winning each game by at least 12. Setting the stage for an epic weekend, 2026 is only the second time the women’s Final Four is running it back from the previous year and the fifth time all four No.
1 seeds made the Final Four. While the major storyline is Connecticut going for its seventh undefeated season, the other three teams also have had incredible runs to Phoenix. UConn enters the Final Four as heavy favorites Led by the All-American duo of sophomore forward Sarah Strong and senior guard Azzi Fudd, the Huskies are riding a 54-game winning streak dating back to last season.
The Huskies have won every game but one by double digits and haven’t been seriously challenged very often. Last year’s Final Four saw the Huskies win by an average of 28. 5 points per game while dominating UCLA and South Carolina.
While it’s hard to envision UConn winning by that much in this Final Four, the team’s star power, depth and a ferocious defense make the Huskies the clear team to beat in Phoenix. UCLA, Texas and South Carolina chase an upset Although it might seem like the Huskies will cruise to another national championship, the Final Four is filled with decorated teams. The UCLA Bruins (+650) have lost only once all season behind All-American center and double-double machine Lauren Betts.