Ranking the 2025 March Madness women’s Final Four teams in 2025.
Ranking the 2025 March Madness Women’s Final Four Teams: A Deep Dive Into the Elite Four.
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The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has been a whirlwind of intense action, incredible upsets, and storylines that will be remembered for years to come. As the dust settles, we now have the final four teams standing, each with its own unique set of strengths, weaknesses, and narratives. These teams have battled through the toughest competition in college basketball, and their journey to this point has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at each of the four teams that have made it to the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament Final Four, ranking them based on their overall performance, individual star power, team chemistry, and their path to the Final Four. With March Madness always throwing curveballs, the rankings will reflect both the current state of each team as well as the dynamics that could influence the title game.
1. UConn Huskies: The Undisputed Heavyweights Ranking the 2025
Record: 32-3
Key Players: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Lou Lopez Sénéchal
For the majority of the past two decades, the UConn Huskies have been the gold standard in women’s college basketball. Even though their dominance was challenged at times, especially by teams like South Carolina and Stanford in recent years, UConn has reasserted its place at the top of the women’s basketball world in 2025. Coming into the tournament as a top seed, the Huskies have been nothing short of dominant, rolling through the competition with ease.
What makes UConn particularly scary is the combination of veteran leadership, depth, and perhaps the best backcourt in the country. Paige Bueckers, who had a breakout freshman year before battling injuries, is back to her brilliant best. She’s been a consistent force in both scoring and playmaking, capable of taking over a game with her high basketball IQ and clutch shooting. Alongside Bueckers, Azzi Fudd has emerged as an elite offensive weapon, capable of scoring in a variety of ways. Together, they form one of the most potent guard tandems in college basketball.
UConn also benefits from exceptional coaching. Geno Auriemma, one of the most successful coaches in NCAA history, has once again shown his ability to adapt and get the best out of his players, even with a mix of experience and fresh talent. The Huskies’ defense is aggressive, and their offense runs smoothly through Bueckers, who often dictates the tempo and playmaking for the entire team.
In terms of experience, UConn has been here before, with several players on the roster having deep tournament runs under their belts. This experience, paired with their talent and coaching, makes UConn the most dangerous team in the Final Four.
While UConn’s road to the Final Four hasn’t been without a few bumps, they’ve proven to be a well-rounded team that can adapt to different styles of play. Their mix of veterans and young talent, led by Bueckers and Fudd, make them the team to beat.
2. South Carolina Gamecocks: Powerhouse Under Dawn Staley Ranking the 2025
Record: 31-2
Key Players: Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, Laeticia Amihere
The reigning national champions, South Carolina is back in the Final Four and is looking to defend their title. Under head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has firmly established itself as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. Their physicality, depth, and suffocating defense have been their trademarks throughout the tournament, and they’ve shown time and time again that they can beat you in a variety of ways.
Aliyah Boston, the two-time National Player of the Year, has been a dominant force throughout the season and the tournament. Her combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes her virtually unstoppable on both ends of the court. Boston has the ability to dominate in the post, but she’s also shown the versatility to step out and hit mid-range jumpers and even occasional three-pointers. Alongside her, senior guard Zia Cooke provides explosive scoring, both off the dribble and beyond the arc. Her ability to take over games, especially in clutch moments, has been key to South Carolina’s success this season.
What sets South Carolina apart from many teams in the country is their depth. Players like Laeticia Amihere and Kamilla Cardoso provide invaluable contributions off the bench, adding to the team’s already loaded frontcourt. This depth allows South Carolina to keep up the pressure throughout an entire game, wearing down opponents and maintaining high levels of intensity on both offense and defense.
South Carolina’s defense has been nothing short of spectacular. Their ability to switch on defense, clog the lanes, and contest shots makes them a nightmare for opponents, especially those who rely on fast-paced or perimeter-heavy play. Coach Staley has created a defensive juggernaut that forces teams to adjust their game plans, which is a huge advantage as they head into the Final Four.
Despite the loss of some key players from their championship run last year, South Carolina has reloaded and looks just as dangerous as ever. With a deep roster, a dynamic star in Aliyah Boston, and one of the best coaches in the game, South Carolina is a legitimate threat to repeat as national champions. They will certainly not be intimidated by the other teams in the Final Four and will come to play with their typical grit and determination.
3. Stanford Cardinal: Championship Pedigree and Balanced Attack Ranking the 2025
Record: 30-4
Key Players: Cameron Brink, Haley Jones, Ashten Prechtel
Stanford has long been one of the most consistently successful programs in women’s college basketball, and their 2025 squad is no exception. After making it to the Final Four, the Cardinal are poised to make a deep run with a roster that is both experienced and talented. Their balanced attack, led by several versatile players, gives them the ability to adapt to different styles and matchups.
Cameron Brink has been a force all season long, particularly on the defensive end. The 6’4″ forward is one of the best shot blockers in the nation, and her ability to disrupt opponents both in the paint and on the perimeter is a key part of Stanford’s success. Brink can also stretch the floor, providing a versatile offensive weapon that makes her difficult to defend against.
Alongside Brink, Haley Jones has continued her remarkable career at Stanford. As one of the most well-rounded players in the country, Jones excels in nearly every facet of the game—scoring, rebounding, passing, and leadership. She has the ability to take over a game in multiple ways, and her experience and poise under pressure are invaluable to the Cardinal’s success.
Stanford’s depth, like South Carolina’s, is another key factor in their Final Four run. Players like Ashten Prechtel and Francesca Belibi have stepped up when needed, providing valuable minutes and contributing both offensively and defensively. The Cardinal also benefit from excellent coaching by Tara VanDerveer, one of the most accomplished women’s basketball coaches in history, whose tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of her players make her a constant threat in the tournament.
Stanford’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor is evident in their impressive defensive metrics and balanced scoring attack. They’ve been able to win games by adjusting to their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses, which makes them a formidable opponent in the Final Four.
4. Iowa Hawkeyes: Offensive Powerhouse Led by Caitlin Clark Ranking the 2025
Record: 29-6
Key Players: Caitlin Clark, Monika Czinano, McKenna Warnock
While Iowa might not be as deep or defensively dominant as some of the other teams in the Final Four, their offense has been an absolute juggernaut, and they are more than capable of keeping up with any team in the country. Caitlin Clark, one of the most dynamic and prolific players in women’s basketball history, is the engine that drives Iowa’s success.
Clark has had a historic season, breaking numerous records and consistently putting up absurd numbers. Her ability to score from anywhere on the floor—whether it’s from beyond the arc, driving to the basket, or pulling up for mid-range jumpers—makes her an offensive nightmare. She’s also one of the best playmakers in the country, averaging nearly 8 assists per game, which allows her to create opportunities for her teammates. In a high-scoring, fast-paced game, Clark’s presence on the floor is an equalizer against even the most talented defenses.
In addition to Clark, Iowa also has a strong supporting cast. Monika Czinano has been a reliable force in the paint, providing scoring and rebounding consistency, while McKenna Warnock has developed into one of the team’s key players, contributing in various ways both offensively and defensively. Iowa’s offense is predicated on pushing the ball up the court and taking advantage of fast-break opportunities, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch in the tournament.
However, Iowa’s biggest weakness lies in its defense. While they can certainly hold their own, they are not as stingy or dominant on the defensive end as some of the other teams in the Final Four. Their ability to outscore their opponents will be put to the test, especially against teams like South Carolina and UConn, which can match their intensity and skill.
Despite their defensive concerns, Iowa’s high-powered offense, led by Caitlin Clark, makes them a dangerous underdog in the Final Four. They have the ability to shock teams with their explosive scoring runs, and if they can tighten up defensively, they could be a serious threat to win it all.
Conclusion: The Final Four Picture Ranking the 2025
As the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament heads toward its thrilling conclusion, these four teams have proven their worth and are now ready to battle it out for the ultimate prize. UConn, South Carolina, Stanford, and Iowa each bring their unique strengths to the table, and all are capable of winning the national championship.
UConn, with its combination of star power, experience, and depth, enters the Final Four as the team to beat, but don’t count out defending champions South Carolina, who have the grit and talent to repeat. Stanford’s balanced attack and strong defense make them a formidable opponent, while Iowa’s high-scoring offense and the brilliance of Caitlin Clark could propel them to an upset victory.
The Final Four is always a time for surprises, and this year’s edition promises to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory. Each team has its own path to glory, and it’s anyone’s guess which squad will come out on top. One thing is for sure: March Madness will continue to live up to its name, with the women’s Final Four providing the excitement, drama, and talent that fans have come to expect.
Ranking the 2025
