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HBCUs Howard, Southern Earn 2026 NCAA Women's Tournament Bids
Howard to face Ohio State, Southern to play in First Four against Samford
Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:49am
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Howard University and Southern University have earned bids to the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, with Howard receiving a No. 14 seed and facing No. 2 seed Ohio State in the first round, while Southern will compete in the First Four against Samford for a chance to take on the tournament's No. 1 overall seed, the South Carolina Gamecocks.
Why it matters
This is a significant achievement for the HBCU women's basketball programs, as they continue to make strides and gain more national exposure on the biggest stage of college basketball. The matchups present exciting opportunities for these teams to showcase their talents against top-tier competition.
The details
Howard clinched the MEAC automatic berth by winning both the regular season and tournament titles, finishing 26-7 overall and 13-1 in league play. The Bison will face a tough test against Ohio State, who boasts a high-powered offense and a raucous home crowd in Columbus. Southern secured the SWAC's automatic bid and will now face Samford in the First Four, with the winner advancing to take on the No. 1 overall seed, the South Carolina Gamecocks, in Columbia.
- Howard won the MEAC regular season and tournament titles in 2026.
- The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament First Four will take place on March 16, 2026.
- The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament first round will be played on March 18-19, 2026.
The players
Howard University
A historically Black college and university (HBCU) located in Washington, D.C., Howard University's women's basketball team captured the MEAC automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Southern University
An HBCU located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Southern University's women's basketball team earned a spot in the 2026 NCAA Tournament First Four after winning the SWAC championship.
Ohio State University
A Division I university in Columbus, Ohio, with a highly competitive women's basketball program that earned a No. 2 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
South Carolina Gamecocks
The women's basketball team of the University of South Carolina, which earned the No. 1 overall seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
Samford University
A private university in Birmingham, Alabama, whose women's basketball team secured an automatic bid to the 2026 NCAA Tournament First Four by winning the Southern Conference championship.
What’s next
The First Four games will take place on March 16, 2026, with the winner of the Southern-Samford matchup advancing to face the No. 1 overall seed, the South Carolina Gamecocks, on March 18 or 19, 2026. Howard will take on Ohio State in the first round on March 18 or 19, 2026.
The takeaway
The inclusion of Howard and Southern in the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament is a testament to the continued growth and competitiveness of HBCU women's basketball programs. These teams have the opportunity to make a statement on the national stage and inspire the next generation of HBCU basketball players.
