On3's seven women's basketball title contenders

There’s more parity in women’s college basketball than ever before. Sure, South Carolina could realistically go back-to-back, but there are plenty of teams that have and will continue to challenge them along the way. On3 breaks down the seven teams that we feel have the best chance of winning a national title. 

South Carolina

Last national title: 2024

They’ve done it twice in the last three years and they can do it again – despite three losses, including a home falter to UConn. South Carolina, while not as dominant as in prior years, has one of the best resumes in the sport and continues to be the team to beat. Their wins include NC State, Duke, TCU, Texas, LSU, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

They have the best bench in the country, a killer defense and size and athleticism that rivals anyone. They’ve struggled since losing Ashlyn Watkins to an ACL tear and don’t have a true star on roster, but they still stand as a true threat to win it all. 

Texas

Last national title: 1986

Texas has knocked off four consecutive ranked opponents, including South Carolina and LSU. They have one of the best duos in the country in Madison Booker and Rori Harmon and have incredible size in the post. 

They haven’t made a Final Four since 2003, but this season the Longhorns have a legit shot to win it all. Their one downfall is perimeter shooting. They don’t have an elite shooter on the roster, which has hurt them in a few key matchups. They rank 349th nationally with just 10.8 attempts from deep per game. 

LSU

Last national title: 2023

LSU proves time and time again that, despite a lackluster non-conference schedule, the Tigers are always a team to watch out for in tournament play. They have multiple threats on the court at all times, including Aneesah Morrow, who’s a near lock for a double-double every time she steps on the floor. She’s averaging 18.1 points, 14.4 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. 

Their lack of size other than Morrow is the main concern for the Tigers, along with the absence of a strong facilitator. LSU has had a few games where they haven’t looked their best, but they tend to come through in crunch time – a valuable asset to have in the NCAA Tournament. 

Notre Dame

Last national title: 2018

Notre Dame has the best backcourt in the country with Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo. That duo immediately makes the Irish one of the favorites to win a title this year. Their depth was a concern early in the year, but they’ve gotten relatively healthy and proven that their starters have the motor to play most of the game, if necessary. 

Hidalgo is averaging 24.9 points per game, which ranks second nationally. She’s also averaging 5.2 rebounds, four assists and four steals, while shooting 49% from the field and 41% from deep. Miles is averaging 16.7 points, six rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.4 steals.

UCLA

Last national title: N/A

UCLA was the final undefeated team in the country with a 23-0 record before losing at USC. It was hard to find a fault with this team early in the season. They’re arguably the most complete team in the country and have a star post player in Lauren Betts, who dominates competition. She’s a NPOY candidate, averaging 19.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.8 blocks per game.

The Bruins rank fourth nationally with 44.5 rebounds per game and fourth in assists with 20.7 per game. They’ve suffered just that one road loss to the Trojans in a loaded Big Ten conference and they undeniably have a shot at winning it all this year.

USC

Last national title: 1984

It took some time and there are still a few concerns, but USC looked the best it has all year in a signature victory over then-undefeated UCLA. JuJu Watkins is one of the best players in the country, Kiki Iriafen is a more-than-capable post presence and the star-studded freshman class is adjusting to the college ranks. There are times where the Trojans have to rely too heavily on Watkins, but she puts on a show when she needs to and gets the win. 

The Trojans are first nationally with seven blocks per game and are really strong offensively. Watkins ranks fourth in the country, averaging 24.2 points per game. She’s also averaging 6.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.9 blocks per game. 

UConn

Last national title: 2016

The UConn Huskies proved they belong on this list when they demolished South Carolina on the road Sunday, 87-58. Even when Paige Bueckers’ shot isn’t falling, the Huskies have the pieces to make up for it. Azzi Fudd has been on a tear lately and Sarah Strong has been a staple in the post. Health is always the concern for UConn, but as long as they stay healthy, UConn will always be in the mix to make it all the way.

Fudd, since her return, has averaged 13.4 points per game, while shooting 49% from the field and 48% from deep. They haven’t won a title since 2016, but this is the first season in a few years where injuries don’t feel like they’re weighing this team down.