The 2026 NCAA women's basketball tournament Elite Eight features a mix of familiar powerhouses and surprising newcomers. UConn and UCLA enter as the top seeds, with six of the eight teams having reached this stage last season. The defending champions from South Carolina and perennial contender Texas headline a bracket where only Michigan and Notre Dame are making their first Elite Eight appearances since 2022.

UConn remains the team to beat, entering with the nation's top-rated defense and a perfect regional final record since 2007. The Huskies' dominant performance against North Carolina showcased their defensive prowess, forcing 24 turnovers despite struggling offensively. UCLA counters with offensive efficiency, ranking second nationally in effective field goal percentage and points per play. The Bruins' senior-laden roster, featuring six 1,000-point scorers, is determined to make this their championship year.

Texas and South Carolina represent the other top seeds, both displaying championship-caliber dominance throughout the tournament. The Longhorns have won by an average of 35.3 points, while the Gamecocks avenged their only SEC loss to Oklahoma with a 26-point victory. Michigan's press and explosive offense have been the story of the lower seeds, while Notre Dame's Cinderella run, led by tournament standout Hannah Hidalgo, sets up a potential upset bid against UConn. The Fighting Irish, despite losing all four meetings with tournament teams by an average of 23 points, bring momentum as the hottest team remaining.