UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina have claimed their spots in Phoenix for the 2026 women’s Final Four.
Having déjà vu? You aren’t the only one.
This marks just the second time in history the same four teams have reached the Final Four in back-to-back years (1995-96), and just the fifth time all four No. 1 seeds have advanced, a testament to the dominance at the top this season.
With undefeated runs, revenge matchups and history on the line, here’s what you need to know about each team heading into championship weekend.
👉 Full tournament schedule
🏆 Interactive bracket
UConn Huskies
All eyes are on UConn, who enter the Final Four at a perfect 38-0 and have consistently been the team to beat this season. The Huskies have dominated on both ends of the floor, combining one of the most efficient offenses and a defense that consistently limits opponents’ scoring opportunities.
Even in its lowest-scoring outings of the season, UConn never looked vulnerable. The Huskies beat North Carolina and Notre Dame by an average of 19.5 points, leaning on Sarah Strong’s 21-point effort on Sunday to fend off the Fighting Irish. With her 15 combined blocks and steals in the regional rounds, it’s no wonder that she is the nation’s top defensive player conversation.
But, UConn’s depth showed, too. Freshman Blanca Quiñonez poured in 20 points to power the Huskies past Notre Dame, 70-52 into the Final Four.
Now they’ll face a familiar foe in South Carolina in a rematch of last year’s national championship game.
South Carolina Gamecocks
For the sixth straight season the Gamecocks are back in the final four, continuing one of the most consistent runs in women’s college basketball. After a tight battle with TCU on Monday night, South Carolina pulled away for 78-52 win, using a dominant second-half surge to showcase its depth and experience as its golden ticket to success in the NCAA tournament.
Last year, the Gamecocks suffered an 82-52 loss to UConn, and this time around, that memory sets the stage. South Carolina now returns the Final Four with a clear chance at redemption, using last year’s loss as fuel in a high-stakes rematch.
UCLA Bruins
UCLA enters the Final Four still searching for its first national championship, but the Bruins have played like a team ready to break through. At the center of it all is Lauren Betts.
Betts is averaging 24 points and 8.5 rebounds while shooting an impressive 70.2% from the field, anchoring both ends of the floor for the Bruins. Her presence has created matchup problems for every opponent.
The challenge ahead is a familiar one. UCLA’s one loss this season came against Texas in the Players Era championship 76-65. Although some can argue, these are much different teams now.
Texas Longhorns
After reaching the Final Four last season for the first time since 2003, the Longhorns are now one step closer to their first national title since 1986. Coach Vic Shaefer’s squad has carried its momentum from last year’s run into an even more dominant showing this postseason.
The Longhorns made a statement in the Elite Eight, routing No. 2 seed Michigan 77-41, tying the third-largest margin of victory in Elite Eight history.
Texas set the tone early, missing just one shot in the first quarter to build a quick double-digit lead and never allowing Michigan back within reach. Madison Booker has averaged 22.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during this tournament — and shows no signs of slowing down as Texas prepares to face UCLA.
Rori Harmon led the way in the early season meeting, scoring 26 points and five assists, to Booker’s 16 points.
