The USC women's basketball team is gearing up for an exciting challenge as they head into the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Slotted as a No. 9 seed, the Trojans will face off against No. 8 seed Clemson in Columbia, S.C., at the Colonial Life Arena. This matchup marks the first-ever meeting between these two programs, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the First Round clash.
Under the guidance of head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, now in her fifth year, USC has made the NCAA Tournament for the fourth consecutive season. The Trojans wrapped up their Big Ten season with a 9-9 record, finishing ninth in the standings.
Freshman guard Jazzy Davidson has been nothing short of phenomenal, leading the team in every major statistical category. Her impressive performance earned her the Big Ten Freshman of the Year title, along with a First Team All-Big Ten selection and spots on the All-Defensive and All-Freshman Teams.
Senior Kara Dunn also shone brightly, securing All-Big Ten Second Team honors, while Kennedy Smith joined Davidson on the All-Defensive Team.
Fans can catch all the tournament action on ESPN, which continues its long-standing tradition of broadcasting every game. This year marks the 31st consecutive year that ESPN has been the exclusive television home for the tournament, with streaming available on the ESPN App.
The Trojans boast a rich history in the NCAA Tournament with a 35-17 record and two national titles from 1983 and 1984. This year marks their 20th tournament appearance, and they’re on a streak of four consecutive appearances for the first time since the early '90s. Last year, the team reached the Elite Eight as a No. 1 seed, showcasing their potential to make a deep run.
Coach Gottlieb's impressive resume includes leading three different programs to the NCAA Tournament, underscoring her ability to cultivate winning teams. As the Trojans prepare to face Clemson, they bring with them the experience of having played 14 other teams in this year’s NCAA field, including powerhouses like UCLA, UConn, and South Carolina.
As the team prepares for their First Round matchup, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and determination. The players are focused on bringing their best game, learning from past experiences, and controlling what they can on the court. With their sights set on making a significant impact, the Trojans are ready to embrace the challenge and showcase their talent on the national stage.