It is that time of year—whether you are a fan or just someone who likes to predict who will win a National Championship, March Madness has arrived. Every year, a few teams put the “madness” into March and become beloved Cinderella stories, and this year, a few teams stick out as top candidates. Who could emerge this year?
Teams Poised to Shock the Bracket in Women’s March Madness
No. 11 Seed Iowa State Cyclones
One of the main teams that sticks out as a potential Cinderella is the Iowa State Cyclones. They only made it to the Round of 32 last year, but they lost in an incredibly hard-fought game against Stanford.
Their senior guard, Emily Ryan, had 36 points in this game, and freshman Addy Brown scored 18. In the Cyclone’s first tournament game last year, true freshman Audi Crooks scored 40 points while shooting 90% from the floor.
The big three of Crooks, Brown, and Ryan are one of the most talented big threes in the country and were expected to be one of the better teams in college basketball this season.
But the Cyclones are 1-8 this year against ranked opponents, and with only a 22-11 record, they are playing Princeton for a spot in the tournament as an 11-seed. Crooks, Ryan, and Brown give Iowa State a chance against any team in the country and could be a dangerous 11-seed.
No. 6 Seed Flordia State Seminoles
The Florida State Seminoles are one of the most dangerous six-seeds in the tournament. Their junior superstar, Ta’Niya Latson, leads the nation in scoring at almost 25 points per game. Center Mikayla Timpson averages over 17 points and 10 rebounds per game and blocks over three shots per game, which is among the top five in the country.
BLOCK PARTY❌🔥
Makayla Timpson continues to show why she is a semifinalist for our Naismith Women’s College Defensive Player of the Year, presented by @moleculesleep 🏆🤩
The @fsuwbb ⭐️ is 3️⃣rd IN THE NATION in blocks per game (3.19) AND tied the all-time single game @accwbb… pic.twitter.com/u66LK1XPhy
— Naismith Awards (@NaismithTrophy) March 15, 2025
The Seminoles are one of the highest-scoring teams in the league, averaging 87 points per game.
This year, Florida State has beaten three different ranked opponents, including a massive win over Notre Dame at the end of the season. The Seminoles have a great chance to make a deep run in the tournament.
No. 7 Seed Vanderbilt Commodores
The Vanderbilt Commodores are a highly talented team that landed as a seven-seed in the tournament. Star freshman guard Mikayla Blakes has put the world on notice this year, putting up two separate 50-point games.
Meanwhile, Sophomore Khamil Pierre is averaging 20 points a game and just under 10 rebounds, making her and Blakes one of the deadliest scoring duos in the nation.
Vanderbilt ended the season 22-10, but playing in the SEC, they have faced some tough competition during conference play. During the season, the Commodores beat ranked teams like Tennessee and Alabama and gave teams like LSU tough matchups.
Vanderbilt has a young superstar who can get her shot off at any point, and they have seen all of the tests during their season, making them dangerous to advance in the tournament.
KEEP READING: Which Side of the Women’s 2025 NCAA Tournament Bracket is Strongest?
March Madness always brings incredible intrigue and suspense. Iowa State, Florida State, and Vanderbilt are just three of the many programs that hope to go on a Cinderella run this March, and in a one-and-done tournament, anything can happen.
Don’t miss a moment of March Madness! Download your 2025 NCAA Tournament printable bracket and stay on top of every game, matchup, and Cinderella story. Get yours now!
