One month into the women’s college basketball season, and if the opening stretch is any indication, we’re in for a wild ride. Between heavyweight showdowns, unexpected upsets, and scoreboard-breaking blowouts, the early slate has delivered everything fans could hope for - and then some.
With the calendar flipping to December, it's not too early to start thinking about March. Charlie Creme’s latest bracketology drop gives us a clearer picture of how things are shaping up, and there’s plenty to unpack.
No Shock at the Top: One Seeds Holding Strong
Let’s start with the top of the bracket - and really, there’s no surprise here. The four one seeds remain unchanged from the preseason, and for good reason.
UConn leads the pack as the top overall seed after an 8-0 start that includes statement wins over ranked opponents Louisville and Michigan. This Huskies squad looks every bit the powerhouse we expected, with a blend of veteran leadership and high-level execution on both ends of the floor.
Right behind them is Texas, fresh off a dominant showing at the Player’s Era Championship. The Longhorns didn’t just win - they beat South Carolina and UCLA, two other one seeds in this projection. That’s the kind of résumé-building performance that sticks with the committee come March.
South Carolina and UCLA round out the one-line, and despite their losses to Texas, they’ve looked every bit like national title contenders. Both teams are deep, disciplined, and dangerous - exactly what you want in a top seed.
Now, LSU fans might be wondering why their Tigers aren’t on that top line, especially with their eye-popping offensive numbers. Scoring over 100 points in all eight games is no small feat, but the lack of ranked opponents on their schedule so far is holding them back. Their upcoming matchup with Duke on December 4 could be a defining moment - a chance to prove that their high-octane offense can hold up against top-tier competition.
Big Ten Flexing Its Muscle
The Big Ten is making a serious statement early in the season. Thirteen teams from the conference are projected to make the tournament - the most of any league in Division I. That’s not just depth; that’s dominance.
Five of those teams are sitting comfortably as top-four seeds: UCLA (1), Michigan (2), Maryland (3), USC (4), and Iowa (4). With eight teams currently ranked in the Top 25, it’s clear the Big Ten isn’t just filling out the bracket - they’re aiming to control it.
And it’s not just about the teams - it’s about the stars. Lauren Betts at UCLA, Olivia Olson at Michigan, Ava Heiden at Iowa, and Jaloni Cambridge at Ohio State are just a few of the names lighting up the stat sheets and highlight reels.
These are players who can take over games, and they’re going to make life miserable for opposing defenses all season long. When March rolls around, don’t be surprised if the road to the Final Four runs through the Big Ten.
Mid-Majors on the Move
While the power conferences tend to dominate the bracketology headlines, the real March magic often comes from the mid-majors. And this year, there are a few names already circling on upset-watch lists.
Princeton is a prime example. The Ivy League squad is 8-1, with quality wins over Georgia Tech, Penn State, Villanova, and Seton Hall.
Their only loss came against a tough Maryland team, but even that was a learning opportunity. With three players averaging over 14 points per game, the Tigers have the balance and firepower to make noise in March.
Don’t let that seven seed fool you - this is a team built to bust brackets.
Tulsa and Howard are two more mid-majors trending up. Tulsa has climbed to a projected 13 seed after a solid 5-2 start, with both losses coming in tight games. Mady Cartwright is leading the charge with 17.0 points per game, and she’s the type of player who can catch fire and flip a game in an instant.
Howard, sitting at 6-3, has already picked up a signature win over Providence. Zennia Thomas is doing it all for the Bison, averaging 16.2 points and nearly eight boards a night.
She brings a physical presence that’s tough to match, especially for teams unfamiliar with her style. These are the kinds of teams that could turn a high seed’s tournament dreams into a nightmare.
Bubble Watch: Big Names on the Outside Looking In
Every bracketology release comes with its share of surprises, and this one is no different. The “First Four Out” list includes some programs that, on paper, look like they belong in the field.
Kansas headlines that group with a 6-2 record. They’ve got a quality win over Minnesota - a team projected as a 10 seed - but a stumble against Dayton in the Fort Myers Tip-Off hurt their case. Still, with S’Mya Nichols averaging over 20 points per game, the Jayhawks have the kind of talent that makes you think they’ll find their way in eventually.
California, Clemson, and BYU round out the list. Cal and Clemson both sit at 6-2 and 5-3, respectively, with solid wins under their belts.
BYU, at 7-1, has the record but may need a few more marquee wins to solidify their spot. It’s a reminder that the bubble is always crowded, and with mid-major conferences pushing multiple teams into the conversation, the margin for error is razor-thin.
Final Thoughts
A month into the season, we’re already seeing the early outlines of what could be a thrilling March. The top seeds look as strong as advertised, the Big Ten is a juggernaut, and the mid-majors are lurking with upset potential. There’s still a long way to go, but if these early trends hold, we’re in for a tournament full of drama, star power, and more than a few surprises.
So buckle up. The road to the Big Dance is just getting started - and it’s already heating up.