The regular season is winding down, and before we know it, March Madness will be in full swing. South Carolina is on a mission to defend its national title, while powerhouse programs like UConn and USC are gearing up to take their best shot at dethroning the champs. This season, women’s basketball has been notably top-heavy, with far less parity than what we’re seeing on the men’s side. So while my list of title contenders might feel a little chalky, there’s good reason for that as these teams have earned their spots as the ones to watch.
UCLA (+550, DraftKings)
The Bruins currently sit atop the AP Top 25 with a perfect 20-0 record, making them the last remaining undefeated team in the country. Among the five squads with odds shorter than 10-1 to win the title, UCLA offers the best value at +550. One concern, however, is their lack of postseason experience—the program has never made it to the Women’s Final Four. Still, center Lauren Betts has elevated her game to a whole new level in her second season at UCLA. The 6’7” junior is a nightmare matchup, averaging 21.0 points and 9.9 rebounds while dominating both ends of the floor. Guard Kiki Rice has also stepped up this season, scoring in double figures in all but three games. Their recent 15-point win over No. 25 Baylor shows just how dominant this team can be when firing on all cylinders.
UConn (+450, DraftKings)
It’s hard to believe, but it’s been eight years since UConn last won a national championship—the longest drought in the program’s storied history. Injuries have been the main culprit in recent seasons, but this year, the Huskies are finally healthy (knock on wood). Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd are back on the court together and have led UConn to a perfect 10-0 record in Big East play. Freshman forward Sarah Strong has been a massive bright spot, averaging 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds while posting three straight games of 22+ points. With Geno Auriemma at the helm and a loaded roster, the Huskies have both the talent and experience to reclaim their spot at the top of women’s college basketball.
USC (+450, DraftKings)
It’s impossible to overlook a team with a superstar like JuJu Watkins. She’s led the Trojans in scoring in all but two games this season, proving time and time again that she thrives under pressure. Freshman Avery Howell recently stole the spotlight in USC’s win over Purdue, showcasing the Trojans' depth. Defensively, USC is elite—ranking 12th in scoring defense and one of only two teams with title odds shorter than 10-1 to rank in the top 15 on that end of the floor. On offense, they’re just as dangerous, sitting ninth nationally in scoring and leading the country in scoring margin. Watkins loves the big stage, and there’s no bigger one than the national championship game.
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