The 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament wrapped up in Phoenix with UCLA winning the national championship over South Carolina. The Bruins were powered by six seniors and will have a revamped roster for next season.
Much still needs to settle in women’s college basketball before we can have a real grasp on the best teams next season. A few transfers available in the portal this week — from Audi Crooks to Kymora Johnson — could dramatically change a team’s outlook. A few openings on the coaching carousel also need to be resolved.
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But that doesn’t mean we can’t speculate and project.
With no real data points to go off, USA TODAY Sports is expecting USC to be the No. 1 overall seed in the 2027 Women’s NCAA Tournament. The reason is simple: JuJu Watkins will be back and she’ll be teaming up with a stacked roster that includes Jazzy Davidson, Kennedy Smith and Saniyah Hall.
UConn is going to grab a high seed too as long as Sarah Strong is around, Michigan is bringing back its star-studded trio of sophomores and South Carolina is inevitable.
When glancing ahead to the 2027 NCAA Tournament, it’s important to remember the number of at-large bids will decrease by one. That’s because the Pac-12 has been reincarnated with former members Washington State and Oregon State, Mountain West refugees, Texas State and Gonzaga. So, we’ll have 32 automatic bids determined by conference champions and 36 at-large bids.
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Here’s a way-too-early look at what the 2027 Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket might look like.
Las Vegas 1
Los Angeles, California
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16 UC Irvine / Loyola Marymount
Norman, Oklahoma
Iowa City, Iowa
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11 Virginia Tech / Florida
Austin, Texas
1 / 12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
The UCLA Bruins celebrate on the podium after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
1 / 12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
The UCLA Bruins celebrate on the podium after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
ESPN reporter Holly Rowe speaks to UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) on the podium after the win against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
UCLA Bruins players celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
UCLA Bruins guard Charlisse Leger-Walker (5) and center Lauren Betts (51) reacts in the third quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice (1) embraces head coach Cori Close in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) reacts as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
UCLA Bruins forward Gabriela Jaquez (11) celebrates in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
10 / 12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
UCLA Bruins forward Gabriela Jaquez (11) celebrates in the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
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See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
The UCLA Bruins celebrate after the National Championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
12 / 12
See UCLA Bruins celebrate their NCAA women’s basketball championship
UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close congratulates center Lauren Betts (51) as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Philadelphia 2
Storrs, Connecticut
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16 Maryland Eastern Shore
Raleigh, North Carolina
Nashville, Tennessee
Durham, North Carolina
1 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the third quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
1 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the third quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies gestures during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
4 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Maddy McDaniel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta’niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks shoots the ball against the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks to pass the ball against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks compete for a loose ball during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Madina Okot #11 and Ta’niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reach for the ball against Serah Williams #22 and Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Maddy McDaniel #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta’niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Sarah Strong #21 and Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies reacts against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks gestures during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball between Maddy McDaniel #1 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta’niya Latson #00 and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks react against the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
21 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Members of the UConn Huskies react from the bench during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
22 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Ta’niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta’niya Latson #00 and Agot Makeer #44 of the South Carolina Gamecocks react against the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
25 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies looks on during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Blanca Quinonez #4 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
28 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Kayleigh Heckel #9 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
29 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket against Sarah Strong #21 and Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
UConn Huskies mascot, Jonathan the Husky, performs during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
31 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies reacts in front of Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
32 / 44
Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the UConn Huskies reacts during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
33 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Tessa Johnson #5 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles past Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
34 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Ta’niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Ashlynn Shade #12 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
35 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Azzi Fudd #35 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball over Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
36 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
37 / 44
Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the first quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Dawn Staley and Geno Auriemma bring intensity to SC‑UConn. See photos
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts during the second quarter against the UConn Huskies in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
39 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies reacts during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
40 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
KK Arnold #2 of the UConn Huskies drives to the basket against Ta’niya Latson #00 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Jana El Alfy #8 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks dribbles against Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Blanca Quinonez #4 of the UConn Huskies dribbles against Raven Johnson #25 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the first quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
44 / 44
Women’s Final Four showcases top-ranked teams going head-to-head
Members of the UConn Huskies huddle before the game against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Las Vegas 3
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Fort Worth, Texas
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Philadelphia 4
Columbia, South Carolina
South Bend, Indiana
Morgantown, West Virginia
Louisville, Kentucky
Last Four In: Florida, USF, UCF, Virginia Tech
First Four Out: Indiana, Mississippi State, Cal, Seton Hall
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2027 Women’s NCAA Tournament bracketology: USC on top with JuJu Watkins’ return
