The Texas Longhorns have secured the coveted No. 1 seed in the upcoming 2026 NCAA Women’s Tournament, highlighting the strength of women’s college basketball programs in Texas. A total of six teams from the Lone Star State have earned their spots in this year’s tournament, with Texas leading the way as a top contender.
Joining Texas in the tournament are the No. 3 seed TCU Horned Frogs, No. 6 seed Baylor Bears, and No. 7 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders. Additionally, the First Four play-in games will feature Stephen F. Austin looking to advance against Missouri State, while UTSA has also made the cut as a No. 16 seed, set to face the formidable No. 1 seed UConn.
Texas Longhorns Prepare for Tournament
The Longhorns will commence their tournament journey against the winner of the First Four match-up between Missouri State and Stephen F. Austin. With a remarkable regular season and impressive conference performance, Texas enters the tournament with high hopes for a championship run. Junior forward Madison Booker has been pivotal for the team, leading in both scoring and rebounds.
TCU and Baylor Aim for Upset Potential
TCU, another strong contender, has earned a No. 3 seed and will take on UC San Diego in the first round. The Horned Frogs have gained recognition as a rising force in women’s basketball, driven by senior point guard Olivia Miles, who has consistently performed at a high level, averaging close to 20 points per game.
Baylor returns to the tournament as a No. 6 seed, facing the winner of a First Four clash between Nebraska and Richmond. With a rich history of postseason success, the Bears are well-positioned to challenge higher-seeded teams and make a significant impact.
Texas Tech Looks to Build Momentum
As a No. 7 seed, Texas Tech will meet Villanova in the opening round. Led by seniors Bailey Maupin and Gemma Nunez, the Red Raiders have shown notable improvement throughout the season, aiming to carry that momentum into the tournament as they seek to advance past the early rounds.
First Four Challenges
Stephen F. Austin will first need to overcome Missouri State in a play-in game, with the winner earning the right to face the top-seeded Longhorns. Under the guidance of Head Coach Len Bishop, who has led the program to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, the Ladyjacks are determined to capitalize on this opportunity.
UTSA, as a No. 16 seed, faces a challenging matchup against the top-ranked UConn, but both teams are eager to extend their seasons and potentially create an upset in the early rounds.
Looking Ahead
With teams strategically placed across various regions, Texas programs have multiple avenues to make their mark in the tournament. Should several teams progress beyond the initial rounds, Texas could again play a pivotal role in the later stages of March Madness, potentially sending a representative to the Final Four in Phoenix.
