Every season, we eagerly fill out our NCAA women’s Tournament brackets, searching for potential upsets. The thrill of underdogs defeating higher seeds is what makes March Madness so captivating.
First-round games kick off on Friday with 16 matches. Our USA TODAY Sports Network experts have shared seven upset predictions for the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Women’s March Madness upset picks
Harvard vs. Michigan State predictions
No. 10 Harvard vs. No. 7 Michigan State. Harvard is set to make history with their second NCAA Tournament win. Harmoni Turner, who scored 68 points in the Ivy League Tournament, will lead the Crimson. — Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY
Harvard’s Harmoni Turner is nearly unstoppable. However, the Crimson’s entire team has stepped up their game. — Barry Lachey, ZOBUZ
South Dakota State vs. Oklahoma State prediction
No. 10 South Dakota State over No. 7 Oklahoma State. The Jackrabbits excel in not making mistakes. Brooklyn Meyer is a standout player. With Haleigh Timmer and Paige Meyer, South Dakota State can score enough to upset Oklahoma State. — Cory Diaz, The Daily Advertiser
Grand Canyon vs. Baylor predictions
No. 13 Grand Canyon over No. 4 Baylor. The Lopes have a remarkable 32-2 record. Despite the challenge of beating a home team, Grand Canyon has two Power 6 wins. — Maxwell Donaldson, Gadsden Times
Grand Canyon’s offense is unmatched. They excel from 3-point range, and Baylor won’t be able to keep up. — Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY
Fairfield vs. Kansas State prediction
No. 12 Fairfield over No. 5 Kansas State. Carly Thibault-DuDonis has built a top mid-major program. The Stags are ready for an upset, especially with Kansas State’s Ayoka Lee returning from injury. — Cora Hall, Knoxville News Sentinel
Murray State vs. Iowa predictions
No. 11 Murray State over No. 6 Iowa. Murray State boasts one of the top offenses in college hoops this season. Their exceptional 3-point shooting is a significant weakness for Iowa. Katelyn Young is expected to have a standout game. — Mike Sykes, For The Win
Norfolk State vs. Maryland predictions
No. 13 Norfolk State over No. 4 Maryland. Diamond Johnson is a skilled, underrated point guard. Johnson, along with Kierra Wheeler and a deep bench, will likely take down an injured Maryland team. — Lulu Kesin, Greenville News
Maryland has faced injuries all season, and Shyanne Sellers might not be enough to overcome the Round of 64. I predict Diamond Johnson and the Spartans will upset the Terrapins, affecting many brackets. — Meghan Hall, For The Win
Iowa State vs. Michigan prediction
No. 11 Iowa State over No. 6 Michigan. Iowa State’s Audi Crooks poses a significant challenge for Michigan’s undersized team. Expect Crooks to have a performance similar to last year’s 40-point game against Maryland. — Jenna Ortiz, Arizona Republic
Women’s March Madness schedule
- First Four: March 19-20
- First round: March 21-22
- Second round: March 23-24
- Sweet 16: March 28-29
- Elite Eight: March 30-31
- Final Four: Friday, April 4 (both semifinals; first game begins at 7 p.m. ET)
- NCAA championship: Sunday, April 6 (Game scheduled for 3 p.m. ET)
Where to watch Women’s March Madness
All games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks. This includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews.
