South Carolina Favored for 2026-27 NCAA Women's Championship
The Gamecocks and Huskies lead the odds, with USC and Texas also posing significant threats.
The South Carolina Gamecocks enter the 2026-27 NCAA women's basketball season as the favorites to win the national championship, according to early odds. The season tips off on Sunday, October 30.
The Gamecocks, co-favorites with the Connecticut Huskies, are seeking their third title since 2022. South Carolina has reached the championship game four times in recent years, securing victories in two of those appearances. UConn, which won the championship two seasons ago, also holds strong odds to repeat.
Championship Contenders
South Carolina (+250) and Connecticut (+250) are closely matched in odds. The USC Trojans (+450) emerge as a significant contender, fueled by the return of star player JuJu Watkins. Last season, even with Watkins sidelined for parts of the year, USC reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament, led by freshman guard Jazzy Davidson.
The Trojans have further bolstered their roster with the addition of top-ranked high school recruit Saniyah Hall. This potent combination positions USC as a strong threat for the national title.
Texas (+900) is another team with odds inside 10/1. The Longhorns came close to upsetting UCLA in last season's tournament and return All-American Madison Booker, who is coming off a strong collegiate season.
Notable Rosters and Coaching
Beyond the top contenders, several other teams possess significant talent but will face challenges from the established powerhouses. Both South Carolina and UConn have retained their key players from the previous season. The Huskies return Sarah Strong, while the Gamecocks welcome back Joyce Edwards. Both teams have developed depth with players ready to contribute.
While UConn demonstrated significant winning margins last season, questions remain about their preparedness for the intense competition of the later tournament rounds. South Carolina, conversely, often enters the tournament battle-tested from navigating the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC). This experience could provide a crucial advantage.
Coach Dawn Staley of South Carolina is recognized as a leading figure in the sport, consistently maximizing her team's performance on both ends of the court. Her leadership is a key factor in the Gamecocks' consistent success.
The betting odds as of Friday, October 30, list South Carolina at +250 and Connecticut at +250 to win the national championship. USC follows at +450, with Texas at +900. Other teams in contention include Michigan (14/1), LSU (16/1), Vanderbilt (20/1), UCLA (22/1), Duke (25/1), and Notre Dame (30/1).