2026 NCAA Women's Tournament Preview: Fort Worth 1 Region

Fear the Fort, as that’s where the UConn Huskies’ journey to protect their NCAA Women’s Tournament title begins.

Cue the music, sharpen your pencil, and let it fly … March Madness is finally here. NCAA Women’s tournament will be in full swing starting Friday morning.

(Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)

The college basketball season is on pace for an explosive conclusion, one set to a soundtrack of March maladies, mayhem, and, of course, madness, as the respective roads to Indianapolis and Phoenix have officially been paved with the 68-team brackets.

Ballislife has you covered at every checkpoint on the bracket with analysis, thoughts, and more, listed below …

Top Seed: UConn
First/Second Round Locations: Carmichael Arena (Chapel Hill, NC), Gampel Pavilion (Storrs, CT), Memorial Gymnasium (Nashville, TN), Value City Arena (Columbus, OH)
Regional Final Location: Dickies Arena (Fort Worth, TX)

NCAA Women’s Tournament Fort Worth 1: Who’s In?

Azzi Fudd vs. Utah:

24 points
9-11 FG
4-4 3FG
Career-high 8 rebounds@UConnWBB x @BIGEASTWBB pic.twitter.com/xCijCYFUFi

— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) November 23, 2025

1. UConn Huskies (34-0)

Head Coach: Geno Auriemma (41st season, 1,284-165)
How They Got Here: Big East champions
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

Auriemma and Co. ended one long streak last season, finally bringing the national championship back to Storrs after what had to be an agonizing decade-long wait for the Constitution State. Now, they’ll look to end another: its been 10 tours since the Huskies were perfect, last doing so during Breanna Stewart’s final hours in 2015-16.

The latest group of Husky legends is led by the delayed not denied such as Azzi Fudd and Bianca Quinonez, as well as the homegrown (Sarah Strong) and abroad (Serah Williams) alike. Armed with one of their most complete rosters, even by UConn standards, the Huskies handled business heartily: only three of their games were decided by 15 points or fewer and but one (a Thanksgiving week showdown with Michigan at Mohegan Sun) was handled by single digits.

ANOTHER MIKAYLA BLAKES MASTERCLASS

Blakes is the first SEC player this century with 10 30-point games in a season pic.twitter.com/VWziKkAc2L

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) February 22, 2026

2. Vanderbilt Commodores (27-4)

Head Coach: Shea Ralph (5th season, 95-62)
How They Got Here: At-large (SEC)
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

When she left, she was but a learner. Now, she is the master? Time will tell what sort of challenge Ralph has for her former pack (with whom she spent 13 years as an assistant under Auriemma), but the latest culmination produced a program record in single-season wins and what will more than likely be their first appearance in the final polls since 2009.

For the time being, Ralph’s magnum opus is perhaps her work with Mikayla Blakes, the nation’s leading scorer at 27 a game, hitting a triple-decade during conference play. Four-star recruit Aubrey Galvan likewise lived up to her hype, assuring that the SEC’s top freshman honor would remain stationed in Nashville, which had gone over three decades without such a title.

Jaloni Cambridge showed out in the first half #B1GWBBT x @OhioStateWBB pic.twitter.com/OIbZoakafI

— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) March 6, 2026

3. Ohio State Buckeyes (26-7)

Head Coach: Kevin McGuff (250-116)
How They Got Here: At-large (Big Ten)
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

The good news is that the Buckeyes’ “bad loss” column on their tournament resume is completely blank, as each of their seven defeats came against ranked tournament competition. Further joy stems from the fact that the recurring hostesses are keeping it in the family as they go home for the hoop holiday again, as their rise to power was overseen by Jaloni Cambridge‘s sophomore breakout.

The All-American was kept well fed by her sister Kennedy, who put up a brilliant defensive show (3.9 steals to help make up for the limited size beyond Elsa Lemmila) upon accepting larger lineup duties after Taylor Thierry got the WNBA call.

Lanie Grant – C L U T C H.

| ACC Network | https://t.co/BjvNNhZjTG pic.twitter.com/mNnez6EIYO

— Carolina Women’s Basketball (@uncwbb) February 20, 2026

4. North Carolina Tar Heels (26-7)

Head Coach: Courtney Banghart (7th season 142-69)
How They Got Here: At-large (ACC)
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

Of course, just when it seemed like Banghart would be able to break through the Sweet 16 ceiling, the big bad Huskies just might stand in their way come the latter stages of regional play. Formidable challenges, of course, wait in the interim, but it’s something that UNC might be able to shoot its way out of: four different players reached double figures in their scoring average, paced by sophomore breakout Lanie Grant‘s three-point prowess (ACC-best 43.1 percent). Their defense looks equally re-energized, allowing the second-fewest points and rebounds on the Atlantic ledgers as well.

She’s at it again! @oluchi_okananwa #NCAAWBB x B1G / @TerpsWBB pic.twitter.com/YqzA0eT9v2

— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) March 6, 2026

5. Maryland Terrapins (23-8)

Head Coach: Brenda Frese (24th season, 322-74)
How They Got Here: At-large (Big Ten)
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

Another team on somewhat decent ground despite a late swoon, the Terrapins aren’t sneaking up on anyone this year after last year saw them recover from a rare misstep in the Frese era. This particular tour might be one of her best efforts yet: three different players who figured to be key pieces of the rotation (Lea Bartelme, Ava McKennie, Kaylene Smikle) all played less than 10 games this year, but the Terps still managed to place 17th in the final poll. It’s perhaps appropriate that second chances rule the day, as they ranked 12th nationally in the department (paced by Oluchi Okananwa at 3.2 a game).

If @Marcus_Freeman1 says you’re a dawg… you’re a dawg

Hannah Hidalgo: Complete https://t.co/IZitsoW5U2 #GoIrish // @HannahHidalgo pic.twitter.com/UliwTTfkwA

— Notre Dame Women’s Basketball (@ndwbb) March 2, 2026

6. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (22-10)

Head Coach: Niele Ivey (6th season, 137-48)
How They Got Here: At-large (ACC)
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

The Irish probably aren’t ready to formally resume their rivalry with the Huskies just yet (a 38-point loss in January essentially proved that), but they no doubt found their footing after a tepid start brought about by a well-earned mass exodus. Two-way threat Hannah Hidalgo crammed up her trophy cabinet in another season that inched her closer to WNBA lottery stardom, while three years of South Bend work paid off for homegrown project Cassandre Prosper.

Hitting an ACC-best 39.9 percent of their three-pointers should keep the Irish off upset watch against Fairfield and also keep them lingering as a potential regional finalist entrant.

Berry Wallace set a new career-high 2⃣9⃣ points in @IlliniWBB’s 74-71 win over Northwestern pic.twitter.com/p9fnFRceH8

— Big Ten Women’s Basketball (@B1Gwbball) January 18, 2026

7. Illinois Fighting Illini (21-11)

Head Coach: Shauna Greene (4th season, 84-46)
How They Got Here: At-large (Big Ten)
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

Against all odds, the Illini found solid tournament footing. It’s probably not what they envision they started the New Year with a 13-1 mark (which included a win over Maryland), but after losing veteran Gretchen Dolan for the season at the start of February and dropping three of their final five coming into the tournament (though one of the outliers was a B1G tournament triumph over Michigan State), there are far worse fates. Perhaps most importantly, they miss out on a potential second match with UConn, even if Vanderbilt is hardly an attractive alternative.

AUDI CROOKS

47 Points
19/25 Shooting
9/11 Free Throws

pic.twitter.com/4VKXhVQMCA https://t.co/3wtH81P5Cc

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) November 30, 2025

8. Iowa State Cyclones (22-9)

Head Coach: Bill Fennelly (31st season, 656-334)
How They Got Here: At-large (Big 12)
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

While Audi Crooks and Co. were unable to keep the momentum of a 14-0 start rolling for the whole season (the medically-induced absence of fellow interior presence Addy Brown certainly didn’t help), there were several hints of the Cyclones’ higher potential, such as wins over Iowa and Texas Tech. Even so, a full-strength ISU group dropped three of four to close out the year, including their Big 12 tournament opener. It has put them on a second-round collision course with UConn, which would be a win for the fans … but not so much for Ames.

Make that another double-double for Uche Izoje

ACCNX x @CuseWBB pic.twitter.com/tGf8MAt6UF

— ACC Women’s Basketball (@accwbb) January 25, 2026

9. Syracuse Orange (23-8)

Head Coach: Felisha Legette-Jack (4th season, 79-47)
How They Got Here: At-large (ACC)
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2024

One of the most pleasant surprises in the major college basketball season had to be the Orange, who nearly doubled their win total after last year’s disappointing dozen. Led by Legette-Jack, the 1985 Big East Freshman of the Year who preceded Rebecca Lobo, Shea Ralph, Tina Charles, Paige Bueckers, and more, it’s perhaps all too appropriate that the charge is led by freshman breakout Uche Izoje, who fell just short of an averaged double-double at 15.5 points and 9.4 rebounds.

Colorado has now won 6 of their last 7 games and 3 in a row after beating BYU big 76-46.

Anaëlle Dutat: 19 points, 10 rebounds
Desiree Wooten: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists
Jade Masogayo: 15 points
Tabitha Betson: 11 points@CUBuffsWBB @Big12Conference pic.twitter.com/3bEntskhYN

— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) February 14, 2026

10. Colorado Buffaloes (22-11)

Head Coach: JR Payne (10th season, 186-127)
How They Got Here: At-large (Big 12)
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2024

Among the last teams left off of last year’s bracket, the Buffaloes are back at it for the fourth March run of the Payne era. The Buffs literally bullied their way back on, posting one of the better rebounding margins after the arrival of Rhode Island transfer Anaelle Dutat, one of four CU reps pulling in at least four a game. Colorado clinched its ticket with a solid showing in the Big 12 tournament, which featured an emphatic quarterfinal victory over fellow March maven Baylor.

Picking up where she left off

Jillian Huerter has 8 at the half in the MAAC Championship game!#MAACHoops x @amiradiology pic.twitter.com/zOTMWaUtxO

— MAAC Hoops (@MAACHoops) March 9, 2026

11. Fairfield Stags (28-4)

Head Coach: Carly Thibault-DuDonis (4th season, 102-26)
How They Got Here: MAAC champions
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

Seemingly free from the Marist dynasty, the final days of the MAAC were placed under new management of the Stags, who will rep the conference on the March bracket for the third straight season. Familiarity has been the name of the game, as the top trio of scorers (Meghan Andersen, Katey L’Amoreaux, MAAC tournament MVP, and outside specialist Jillian Huerter) all have at least two years of experience in the program.

Halli Poock (@HalliPoock) banks it in with 2.9 remaining. Murray State wins 89-88 pic.twitter.com/KNvaLob9aX

— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) January 25, 2026

12. Murray State Racers (31-3)

Head Coach: Rechelle Turner (9th season, 167-112)
How They Got Here: Missouri Valley champions
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

Under the watch of former Racers backcourt staple Turner, the Racers have formed their first streak of tournament appearances. Under a scoring triumvirate of Sharneece Currie-Jelks, Haven Ford, and newly-crowned conference queen Halli Poock, Murray State ranked fourth in total points this season, and Currie-Jelks’s prowess on the glass was enough to mask some sizable defensive shortcomings.

If you’re not familiar with Mia Nicastro it’s time to learn.

– Top-5 scorer in the nation (23.9 PPG)
– 12 Double-doubles T-14th in NCAA
– Western Illinois 20-4 overall & 1st in OVC

Read @QuentinWiill‘s latest interview with the veteran senior here https://t.co/Z0KzlAgV42 pic.twitter.com/ccMNw1G2ey

— The Portal Report (@ThePortalReport) February 12, 2026

13. Western Illinois Leathernecks (26-5)

Head Coach: J.D. Gravina (15th season, 241-215)
How They Got Here: Ohio Valley champions
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2017

No matter what happens on Chapel Hill, getting to this point is probably a win for the Leathernecks: they lost offensive standout Raegan McCown to an elbow injury in December but still managed to post the second-best offensive tally in the OVC. Mia Nicastro built on the momentum she generated from transfer season from Saint Louis to lead the conference in scoring at over 24 points a game, one year after she was the free-throw success rate queen.

Howard looks to run pick and roll action with Zoe Stewart and Zennia Thomas. Great awareness from Syracuses defense to step in and defend face up. Zennia does a great job of using her skillset to spin off her right shoulder for the bucket pic.twitter.com/aFK8AQuvzh

— Nick Andre (@NickAndreATR) December 1, 2025

14. Howard Bison (26-7)

Head Coach: Ty Grace (11th season, 184-146)
How They Got Here: MEAC champions
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2022

The digits may not help much in Columbus, but few teams on the bracket enter the tournament with more momentum than the charging Bison: not only did they earn revenge against Norfolk State for three consecutive MEAC title game defeats, but they won each of their final 14 games. Zennia Thomas took home conference player of the year honors, posting 15.2 points and 8.0 rebounds in her second season from Kentucky.

— Nick Andre (@NickAndreATR) December 1, 2025

15. High Point Panthers (27-5)

Head Coach: Chelsea Banbury (7th season, 140-78)
How They Got Here: Big South champions
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2025

While it will be asking a lot to take down second-ranked Vanderbilt, High Point is used to some spring surprises, previously reaching the Division II Sweet 16 shortly before their ascension at the turn of the century. They’ve now formed their first streak of Division I tournament showings thanks to the arrival of UNLV junior transfer Macy Spencer, the newly-minted Big South Player of the Year.

Cheyenne Rowe with the midrange jumper

| ESPN+#BuiltToRise x @UTSAWBB pic.twitter.com/duejW6vjHZ

— The American (@American_Conf) March 12, 2026

16. Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners (18-15)

Head Coach: Karen Aston (5th season, 82-77)
How They Got Here: American champions
Last NCAA Tournament Appearance: 2009

Deja vu hit the right way for the Roadrunners this time: after last year’s 17-1 effort ended in American heartbreak against a Rice team that didn’t have a winning record, UTSA flipped the script to make it back on the bracket for the first time in 17 years. The reward for the Roadrunners, led by senior forward Cheyenne Rowe (14.0 points, 8.8 rebounds), is facing the mighty Huskies, who previously faced Aston when she was at the helm of Texas.

All Region Team (Fort Worth 1)

Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt
Audi Crooks, Iowa State
Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
Azzi Fudd, UConn
Sarah Strong, UConn

Fort Worth 1 Region Outlook

The Favorite: UConn

What did you expect?

The Wary: Iowa State

It feels foolish to count out a team that boasts a healthy Crooks, Brown, Arianna Jackson, and more. That, however, didn’t bode well in the late stages of the season, where the patience of Ames was not rewarded. Things are bad enough with UConn likely looming in the Round of 32, but ninth-placed Syracuse, especially with Izoje capable of countering the Cylones’ interior forces, is intimidating enough.

The Cinderella: Fairfield

The Stags have the perfect ingredients for a potentially sizable run in March Madness: brilliant, sharpshooting, lineup familiarity, and not a chance of facing UConn until the Elite Eight.

NCAA Women’s Tournament Fort Worth 1 Regional Schedule

Round
Date
Game/Score
Location
Time (ET)
TV

1st Round
Friday, Mar. 20
(5) Maryland vs. (12) Murray State
Chapel Hill, NC
3 p.m.
ESPNU

1st Round
Friday, Mar. 20
(4) North Carolina vs. (13) Eastern Illinois
Chapel Hill, NC
5:30 p.m.
ESPNEWS

1st Round
Saturday, Mar. 21
(3) Ohio State vs. (14) Howard
Columbus, OH
11:30 a.m.
ESPN2

1st Round
Saturday, Mar. 21
(6) Notre Dame vs. (11) Fairfield
Columbus, OH
2 p.m.
ESPN

1st Round
Saturday, Mar. 21
(1) UConn vs. (16) UTSA
Storrs, CT
3 p.m.
ABC

1st Round
Saturday, Mar. 21
(8) Iowa State vs. (9) Clemson
Storrs, CT
5:30 p.m.
ESPN2

1st Round
Saturday, Mar. 21
(2) Vanderbilt vs. (15) High Point
Nashville, TN
7 p.m.
ESPNEWS

1st Round
Saturday, Mar. 21
(7) Illinois vs. (10) Colorado
Nashville, TN
9:30 p.m.
ESPN2

Staff Regional Final Predictions

Geoff Magliocchetti: UConn over Ohio State

Geoff Magliocchetti is on X @GeoffJMags

Editor’s Pick

Ballislife’s March Madness Sale You Don’t Want to Miss!

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