It’s no longer South Carolina, Caitlin Clark and everyone else

It’s No Longer South Carolina, Caitlin Clark, and Everyone Else

For much of the 2024-25 college basketball season, the dominant narrative was simple: South Carolina was the undisputed No. 1 team, Caitlin Clark was the undisputed best player, and everyone else was fighting for second place. But as March Madness unfolds, that storyline is starting to crack. The gap has closed, contenders are emerging, and the championship race is far from a foregone conclusion.

South Carolina Faces Real Competition

Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks entered the season with a target on their backs. After an undefeated 2023-24 campaign that ended with a national title, they lost key players like Kamilla Cardoso to the WNBA but reloaded with fresh talent. For most of the season, they seemed just as dominant, bulldozing through the SEC with a mix of elite defense, rebounding, and depth. But recent close calls have exposed potential vulnerabilities.

Teams like LSU, Stanford, and UConn have shown they can go toe-to-toe with South Carolina, even if they haven’t pulled off the upset yet. The Gamecocks remain favorites, but they no longer seem invincible. Their path to a second straight title is more treacherous than it looked a few months ago.

Caitlin Clark Isn’t the Only Superstar

Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking season has been nothing short of legendary. She shattered the NCAA all-time scoring record and delivered jaw-dropping performances on a nightly basis. Her deep three-pointers, dazzling passes, and competitive fire made Iowa must-watch TV. But despite her brilliance, Clark’s dominance hasn’t guaranteed Iowa a championship—or even a Final Four berth.

That’s because other stars are stepping up. Players like JuJu Watkins (USC), Paige Bueckers (UConn), and Angel Reese (LSU) have had outstanding seasons and could steal the spotlight in March. Watkins, a freshman phenom, has put USC back in the national conversation with her scoring ability. Bueckers, finally healthy, has returned to elite form and could lead UConn on a deep run. Reese, with her double-double machine reputation, has LSU looking dangerous again.

In short, Clark is still spectacular, but she’s no longer the only must-see player in the tournament.

The Field Is Wide Open

The NCAA tournament is notorious for upsets, and this year’s field feels more unpredictable than ever. Teams like NC State, Virginia Tech, and Texas have the talent to crash the party. Parity in women’s basketball has grown, and the idea of “South Carolina, Caitlin Clark, and everyone else” no longer fits the reality of this season.

Clark could still lead Iowa to a championship. South Carolina could still finish undefeated. But neither outcome feels guaranteed anymore. Instead, March Madness is shaping up to be what it’s supposed to be: chaotic, thrilling, and wide open.

For the first time in a while, it’s no longer about one team and one player. It’s about a field full of contenders, each ready to make their mark.