The NCAAW championship contender list starts with the UConn Huskies, following Geno Auriemma’s success mantra, and teams putting up excellent performances by following up the tactics well. In the 2025-26 season, the UConn Huskies built a substantial lead in the Big East with dominant early conference wins, and now they are unbeaten in the season so far. Only the team with an impressive record matching theirs is UCLA, whose only loss came against Texas.
Now, with the March Madness just around the corner, predictions for the championship have already started to emerge. As per ESPN’s Holly Rowe, the Bruins could be a strong challenger for UConn’s current surge.
Holly Rowe Sees UCLA As Challenge To UConn In Championship
Lauren Betts leads the way for the Bruins again as she put them in the final four and championship game last season, for the first time in the program’s history. She now has a very potent support, which is clicking at the right time.
Speaking about their chances, the on-court reporter said, “It’s funny, because people do sleep on UCLA. They were the number one overall seed last year, and then they just got their butt kicked in the Final Four. So I think people maybe are quick to write them off. They’re good again, and they’re better this year, and now those players have that experience of being in that spotlight. So I do still think UCLA is a team to keep your eye on.”
The 2025-26 UCLA Bruins! 🐻#GoBruins pic.twitter.com/VanNaj6zf2
— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) November 3, 2025
The ESPN correspondent gave an exclusive interview to On3, focusing on the teams challenging for the title. The Bruins are 25-1 this season and have six players eligible for the WNBA draft, which is also a record in draft history. As for UConn, Rowe already called their dominance a blessing for other programs that are elevating their game to match the pace, and UCLA is one of them.
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The second-seeded team recently recorded a win over Indiana, limiting turnovers and controlling the game well. Coach Close was happy with the performance and pointed out one thing that encouraged her more in the game.
UCLA Coach Corry Close Happy With Progress
The veteran coach is not only planning for the 2025-26 season but also looking to the future of the program and its players. In the post-game interview, she highlighted the growth that allowed her team to win games.
“To me it’s all about growth. Seeing Gianna (Kneepkens) really be intentional about her defensive growth, getting over screens. Seeing Lena (Bilic) come in and play with great intentionality and aggression. To see Kiki come out in the second half and really set the tone on defense, and really flip the switch for her. Those are the things I’m really pleased with today,” Close said in the interview.
With just over a week remaining for the March Madness, UCLA will look to have a healthy and in-form team available to challenge UConn for the title.