UConn and UCLA Vie for Top Women's NCAA Tournament Seed

Debate over whether UCLA should be the No. 1 overall seed after dominant Big Ten title win

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The UConn Huskies and UCLA Bruins are expected to be the top two seeds in the upcoming women's NCAA Tournament, but there is an argument that UCLA should be considered for the overall No. 1 seed after their dominant 51-point win over Iowa in the Big Ten championship game. UConn coach Geno Auriemma said he would have no issue if the selection committee decided to make UCLA the top overall seed.

Why it matters

The decision on the top overall seed could impact the tournament bracket, with the No. 1 overall team potentially getting an extra day of rest before the Final Four. History suggests the undefeated team is usually awarded the top seed, but UCLA's impressive resume has them in the conversation.

The details

UConn and UCLA have been the top two teams in the selection committee's top 16 reveals over the last month, with UConn holding the No. 1 spot. Both teams have been dominant in their conference tournaments. However, UCLA picked up three first-place votes in the latest AP Top 25 poll, ending UConn's eight-week run as the unanimous No. 1. The Bruins' 51-point win over Iowa in the Big Ten title game has sparked the debate over whether they should be the top overall seed.

  • UConn and UCLA have been the top two seeds in the selection committee's top 16 reveals over the last month.
  • The selection committee will reveal the full NCAA Tournament bracket on Sunday, March 17, 2026.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team.

UConn Huskies

The women's basketball team from the University of Connecticut, a perennial powerhouse in the sport.

UCLA Bruins

The women's basketball team from the University of California, Los Angeles, a top contender for the NCAA Tournament title.

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What they’re saying

“I wouldn't be surprised and I would be OK with it. I don't really care one way or the other, you know, I don't know, the last time we've been a number one seed, it's been a couple of years. … If you said UCLA is the number one, number one, I would say, wow, they're really damn good and I would have absolutely no problem with that. I mean, look what they did the last game they played.”

— Geno Auriemma, UConn Head Coach (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The NCAA Tournament selection committee will reveal the full bracket, including the top overall seed, on Sunday, March 17, 2026.

The takeaway

The debate over the top overall seed in the women's NCAA Tournament highlights the strength of both UConn and UCLA this season. While history suggests the undefeated team is usually awarded the top spot, UCLA's impressive resume has them firmly in the conversation, raising questions about how the selection committee will approach this decision.