The frenzy of March Madness is officially upon us! With both the men's and women's NCAA tournament fields set, fans are gearing up to witness an electrifying battle for the championship. This year, the women’s tournament features a competitive field of 68 teams, and unlike last year, when South Carolina was the unbeatable favorite, this season promises more unpredictability and excitement.

The prestigious No. 1 seeds this year include UCLA, South Carolina, Texas, and USC, with the Bruins taking the coveted overall top seed. Historically, No. 1 seeds have dominated the tournament, clinching the championship title 23 times since the expansion in 1994. In contrast, No. 2 seeds have managed to win only four times, and No. 3 seeds, like LSU in 2023, have taken the championship three times.

Highlighting the tournament's rich history, UConn stands out as the winningest program in women’s basketball, boasting 11 national titles under coach Geno Auriemma. This season, the Huskies are a No. 2 seed, and Auriemma has solidified his legacy by becoming the winningest coach in basketball history. Although the championship trophy has eluded them since 2016, UConn has still made it to the Final Four 15 out of the last 16 seasons.

The tournament action kicked off with two thrilling First Four games on Wednesday night. Iowa State showcased their talent as last year’s rising star, Audi Crooks, led the team to victory over Princeton. The Cyclones are set to challenge No. 6 seed Michigan next. In another historic moment, No. 16 seed Southern captured their first tournament win against UC San Diego and will encounter powerhouse UCLA on Friday.

The First Four continued on Thursday with Columbia and William & Mary securing their places in the Round of 64. Columbia pulled off a nail-biting win against Washington to snag the No. 11 seed, while William & Mary made headlines as the first sub .500 team to win an NCAA Tournament game by beating High Point. They will now face No. 1 seed Texas in what promises to be a captivating matchup.

For those eager to get involved, March Madness is best experienced with friends and family! Get your bracket ready and challenge your loved ones to join in the fun. A viewable and printable bracket for the 2025 Women's NCAA Tournament is available, offering an easy way to track the action.

Stay updated throughout the tournament as CBS Sports provides extensive coverage, including the latest news, results, and in-depth analysis of thrilling matchups. This year's tournament promises to be one for the history books—don't miss a second of the action! Are you ready to fill out your bracket and join the madness? Let the games begin!