Texas, West Virginia Move Up in Women's NCAA Tournament Bracketology

Longhorns earn third No. 1 seed, Mountaineers crack top 16 after conference tournament wins

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In USA TODAY Sports' latest bracketology for the Women's NCAA Tournament, the Texas Longhorns moved up to a No. 1 seed after winning the SEC Tournament, while the West Virginia Mountaineers jumped into the top 16 teams after claiming the Big 12 title. The Tar Heels of North Carolina also earned a No. 4 seed, giving them hosting rights for the opening weekend.

Why it matters

The updated bracket projections provide a glimpse into the potential matchups and regional locations for the top teams heading into the NCAA Tournament. Texas' rise to a No. 1 seed means they could play in their home state during the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight rounds, while West Virginia's inclusion in the top 16 secures them hosting duties for the opening weekend.

The details

Texas women's basketball coach Vic Schaefer said he's focused on the Longhorns' first-round matchup, but acknowledged the potential benefit of playing close to home if they advance. West Virginia's Big 12 Tournament title was enough to move them into the top 16, marking the first time they've hosted NCAA Tournament games in Morgantown since 2014. North Carolina also earned a No. 4 seed after a strong ACC Tournament showing.

  • On Sunday, March 8, USA TODAY Sports released its latest Women's NCAA Tournament bracketology projection.
  • The SEC Tournament Championship game, where Texas defeated South Carolina, took place on Sunday, March 8.

The players

Vic Schaefer

The head coach of the Texas Longhorns women's basketball team.

West Virginia

The West Virginia Mountaineers women's basketball team, who won the Big 12 Tournament to earn a top 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

North Carolina

The North Carolina Tar Heels women's basketball team, who earned a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament after a strong ACC Tournament performance.

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What they’re saying

“I'm always a one-game-at-a-time guy. So I'm going to worry like heck over that first round matchup, whoever they send to Austin. Hopefully, we'll be fortunate enough after that. I'll go wherever they send me. I'll take this team to Timbuktu. I don't care.”

— Vic Schaefer, Texas Longhorns Head Coach (USA TODAY)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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