Geno Auriemma Defends UConn's NCAA Title Chances

Legendary coach dismisses criticism of Huskies' strength of schedule in Big East

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:49pm

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UConn women's basketball head coach Geno Auriemma pushed back against doubts about his team's NCAA championship prospects, arguing that the Huskies' dominant record and history of success will outweigh any perceived weakness in their Big East conference schedule.

Why it matters

Auriemma's comments come as UConn prepares to enter the NCAA Tournament as the likely favorites to win their 13th national title. The Huskies' dominance has drawn some criticism due to their conference affiliation, but the legendary coach believes his team's proven track record will speak for itself.

The details

Auriemma dismissed the notion that UConn's success is diminished by playing in the Big East, noting that the Huskies have won more national championships than the combined totals of the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC. He argued that a team's championship pedigree matters more than the strength of its conference schedule, pointing to UConn's continued dominance even when they were in the weaker American Athletic Conference.

  • UConn just wrapped up an undefeated campaign in the Big East for the 2025-26 season.
  • The Huskies were named the top seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament on Selection Sunday.

The players

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who has led the Huskies to 12 national championships over his legendary career.

UConn Huskies

The women's basketball team from the University of Connecticut, which has established itself as a perennial powerhouse in the sport.

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What they’re saying

“Whatever league we're in, if we win the national championship, it won't matter. If we don't win it, it won't be because of what league we play in.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

“We have more national championships, 13, than all those leagues combined. So just because you play in those leagues doesn't make you a championship team. You still have to go out and prove it on the court.”

— Geno Auriemma, Head Coach, UConn Women's Basketball

What’s next

The Huskies will enter the 2026 NCAA Tournament as the top overall seed, setting up potential rematches with other Final Four teams from last year like UCLA, Texas, and South Carolina.

The takeaway

Geno Auriemma's unwavering confidence in his team's ability to win the national championship, regardless of their conference affiliation, underscores the Huskies' sustained dominance in women's college basketball. UConn's championship pedigree and proven track record make them the favorites to cut down the nets again in 2026.