UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina will play again in the 2026 Women's NCAA Final Four. Here's what to anticipate from each team, important matchups, and which program appears to have the best chance to win it all in Phoenix.
What to Expect during the 2026 Women's NCAA Final Four
The four No. 1 seeds from last year return for the 2026 Women's NCAA Final Four: UConn, UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina. All four teams have dominated the tournament, and the stage in Phoenix promises a rematch-heavy weekend that might result in another repeat winner or finally break the trend.
How we got here
UConn progressed through the bracket with a convincing Elite Eight victory over Notre Dame, displaying their usual depth and defensive pressure. The Huskies have not lost since the regular season and are on a long winning streak as they prepare to face Phoenix.
Texas dominated the Fort Worth region, dropping just a few points in early games before defeating Michigan 77-41 in the Elite Eight. UCLA used a balanced attack to overcome Duke in the Elite Eight, while South Carolina relied on hard defense and rebounding to advance to the Final Four.
What to expect from each team.
UConn Huskies
UConn is still widely seen as the favorite. Their mix of superb guards, size inside, and Butler-style defensive grit gives them an advantage over any opponent. With strong backcourt depth and tournament experience, the squad rarely panics in late-game situations.
“Photo: David Suh (@davidsuhphoto / IG)”
South Carolina Gamecocks
South Carolina's aggression and defensive length make them UConn's most formidable genuine opponent. They beat the Huskies in last year's title game and have the size and experience to do it again. Coach Dawn Staley's ability to control tempo and force turnovers will be crucial.
“Photo: David Suh (@davidsuhphoto / IG)”
Texas Longhorns
Texas enters the Final Four with the most balanced roster on paper. Their guards can score frequently, and their inside-out game has outperformed higher-seeded opponents in the tournament. They easily beat Michigan, Kentucky, and Oregon.
“Photo: David Suh (@davidsuhphoto / IG)”
UCLA Bruins
UCLA is the only team seeking its first championship in program history. They upset Duke in the Elite Eight with a strong inside game and efficient shooting, and their chemistry has improved throughout the season.
“Photo: David Suh (@davidsuhphoto / IG)”
Matchup previews
UConn vs South Carolina
This is a rematch of last year's final game, thus it acts as the de facto championship match. UConn plans to speed up the game, induce turnovers, and employ quick pick-and-roll strategies. South Carolina intends to keep a consistent pace, control the glass, and force UConn to shoot difficult midrange shots. If UConn's guards avoid turnovers and South Carolina's big men dominate the boards, the game might come down to a single score late.
UCLA versus Texas.
This tournament focuses on offensive firepower rather than pure physicality. Texas' guards can punish UCLA if they get hot from three, but UCLA's size and balance allow them to keep possession throughout the game. Keep an eye on how Texas handles UCLA's defensive pressure and whether their shot-makers can hold up in a track-meet situation.
What happens next?
The Final Four semifinals are scheduled for Friday, April 3, with UConn vs. South Carolina and UCLA vs. Texas. The winners will battle for the national championship on Sunday, April 5.