The South Carolina Gamecocks learn their NCAA Tournament women’s bracket seeding.

As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament approaches, the South Carolina Gamecocks, led by the legendary Dawn Staley, have once again proven themselves to be one of the premier programs in the country. After a dominant regular season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Gamecocks have earned a coveted spot in the tournament, where they will compete against the nation’s best teams in pursuit of a national championship.

On Selection Sunday, the Gamecocks were eagerly awaiting the announcement of their NCAA Tournament seeding, a moment that would set the tone for their March Madness run. South Carolina, with its impressive record and a roster stacked with talent, has built a reputation as a perennial contender in women’s basketball, and their seeding in the 2025 tournament would reflect that.

When the announcement came, the Gamecocks were placed as a No. 1 seed, earning the top spot in the Midwest Region. This seeding was well-deserved after an incredible regular season that saw the Gamecocks dominate both the SEC and non-conference competition, solidifying their position as one of the most dangerous teams in the field. With this high seeding comes the expectation of a deep tournament run, and South Carolina fans are buzzing with excitement as they anticipate another potential national championship bid.

But what exactly does this seeding mean for the Gamecocks, and what challenges lie ahead as they embark on their quest for a second NCAA title in four years? Let’s break down what we know about South Carolina’s seeding and look at their potential path through the tournament, analyzing the teams they could face along the way and the factors that will determine their success.

A Historic Season: South Carolina’s Dominance in 2025

The South Carolina Gamecocks had an unforgettable season in 2025, entering the NCAA Tournament with a 31-2 overall record and an undefeated 16-0 record in SEC play. Their only two losses came in non-conference games against tough competition, but those losses did little to dampen their national standing. Under the guidance of Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks were once again one of the most well-rounded teams in college basketball, with an offense that could score in a variety of ways and a defense that could stifle even the most potent of offenses.

A huge part of South Carolina’s success this season has been the exceptional play of Aliyah Boston, a player who has already cemented herself as one of the best in women’s college basketball history. The two-time national player of the year candidate has been dominant in both scoring and rebounding, and her leadership on the court has been the backbone of the Gamecocks’ success. Alongside Boston, Zia Cooke, Bree Hall, and Laeticia Amihere have provided scoring and depth, and the team’s overall balance has been a key factor in their success.

What truly sets South Carolina apart from other teams is their defensive prowess. The Gamecocks have consistently been one of the best defensive teams in the country, with the ability to lock down opponents and force turnovers. Their commitment to defense, combined with their potent offense, makes them one of the most complete teams in the tournament.

With their No. 1 seed, South Carolina enters the NCAA Tournament with the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, as Columbia is one of the designated host sites for the tournament. The Gamecocks will not have to travel far for the first few rounds, giving them a significant home-court advantage as they look to advance to the Final Four.

A Look at the Midwest Region

As the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region, South Carolina’s bracket is set up to give them a path to the Final Four, but that path will not be without its challenges. The Gamecocks will have to navigate a bracket filled with talented teams, many of which are capable of pulling off upsets. Let’s take a closer look at the potential matchups that lie ahead for South Carolina.

First-Round Opponent: A Potential Underdog

In the first round, South Carolina will face the No. 16 seed, which is typically a team that has earned its spot in the tournament through a conference championship or by making a deep run in its respective conference tournament. While it’s unlikely that a No. 16 seed will pose a serious threat to the Gamecocks, this is the first step in the tournament, and South Carolina must remain focused and avoid any early-round surprises.

South Carolina’s size, athleticism, and depth will be a challenge for any first-round opponent. However, the Gamecocks will not underestimate anyone, and coach Dawn Staley’s emphasis on discipline and preparation will ensure that the team is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. If the Gamecocks can come out of the first round unscathed, they will move on to face a more difficult opponent in the second round.

Second-Round Opponent: Potential Challenges from High-Seeded Teams

In the second round, South Carolina will likely face the winner of the No. 8 vs. No. 9 seed matchup. These teams could provide a more difficult test for the Gamecocks, as they will be more battle-tested and may have key players capable of disrupting South Carolina’s flow. While South Carolina is the superior team on paper, they must remain focused and execute their game plan effectively.

Teams in this part of the bracket may include powerhouses like UConn, Texas, or Iowa State. Each of these teams has the potential to cause problems for South Carolina, with talented rosters and strong coaching staffs. For example, UConn, led by Geno Auriemma, has the ability to stifle South Carolina’s offense with their tough defense and rebounding. Texas has a potent offense with players like Rori Harmon who can create matchup nightmares for South Carolina’s defense.

The key for the Gamecocks in the second round will be continuing their defensive dominance and limiting the impact of opposing star players. If South Carolina can execute their game plan and stay true to their defensive identity, they will advance to the Sweet Sixteen with confidence.

Sweet Sixteen and Beyond: Potential Elite Opponents

As South Carolina advances through the tournament, they will likely face increasingly tougher competition. In the Sweet Sixteen, the Gamecocks could face a No. 4, No. 5, or No. 6 seed, which are typically teams that have shown the ability to compete at a high level throughout the season. Some of these teams may have key players who are capable of leading their teams to upsets, so South Carolina will need to be prepared for a tough battle.

In the Elite Eight, a potential matchup with a team like Stanford, LSU, or Maryland could be on the horizon. These teams have the talent and experience to challenge the Gamecocks, and the outcome of this game could determine which team advances to the Final Four. Each of these teams has strengths that could exploit any weaknesses South Carolina might have, but the Gamecocks have proven throughout the season that they can handle adversity and rise to the occasion in big games.

Key Factors for South Carolina’s Success

While South Carolina’s road to the Final Four and beyond will not be easy, the Gamecocks have several factors working in their favor. Here are a few key areas that will determine their success in the NCAA Tournament:

1. Aliyah Boston’s Leadership: Boston, the centerpiece of South Carolina’s team, has the ability to dominate both ends of the floor. If she stays healthy and continues to perform at a high level, the Gamecocks will be in a strong position to make a deep run. Her leadership on the court will be essential in tight games.
2. Depth and Balance: South Carolina is one of the most well-balanced teams in the country. With players like Zia Cooke, Bree Hall, and Laeticia Amihere, the Gamecocks have a versatile offense that can score in a variety of ways. Their depth allows them to maintain a high level of intensity on both sides of the ball.
3. Defensive Dominance: South Carolina has been one of the best defensive teams in the country for years, and their ability to control the tempo of the game with their defense will be key to their success. If they can continue to shut down opposing offenses and force turnovers, they will be difficult to beat.
4. Coaching Excellence: Dawn Staley is one of the best coaches in women’s basketball, and her experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable in the tournament. Her ability to make adjustments and inspire her players will play a critical role in South Carolina’s success.

 A Path to Glory

The South Carolina Gamecocks have earned their place as the No. 1 seed in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, and with a roster full of talent, experience, and leadership, they are primed for another deep run. While the road to the Final Four will not be easy, South Carolina has all the pieces in place to make a championship push.

With Aliyah Boston leading the charge, Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks will look to continue their dominance and claim their third NCAA title in the program’s history. The journey ahead will be challenging, but South Carolina’s blend of talent, defense, and coaching experience makes them one of the favorites to lift the trophy at the end of March Madness. As the tournament begins, all eyes will be on Columbia, South Carolina, to see if the Gamecocks can live up to their No. 1 seed and achieve greatness once again.