March Madness Shakes Up: UConn Still the Favorite After Virginia Stuns Iowa

Upsets Change the Landscape

On Monday night, the Virginia Cavaliers pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the 2-seed Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2026 Women's Basketball Championship, marking the first major surprise of the tournament. This 13.5-point victory stands as the largest upset since 2023, according to ESPN Research.

The Ripple Effects

The Cavaliers' success had far-reaching ramifications for the odds. They handed the South Carolina Gamecocks a much clearer path to the semifinals, shifting their championship odds from +900 to +750. What's more, TCU also saw a significant uptick in their odds, now sitting at 100-1 after improving from 150-1. They'll face Virginia next in a high-stakes match.

“When you think you know how the narrative will unfold, March Madness reminds you otherwise.”

Top Contenders and Their Odds

As we dive into the remaining contenders, the UConn Huskies currently stand strong at -255. Their odds did see a slight improvement, but they remain the favorite by a considerable margin. Still in the race are:

• UCLA Bruins (+450)
• Texas Longhorns (+750)
• LSU Tigers (17-1)

No changes yet from the favorites; however, Vanderbilt saw their odds lengthen from 60-1 to 75-1, while Michigan's odds improved from 100-1 to 80-1.

The Final Challenge Begins

So far, only one perfect bracket remains in ESPN's Women's Tournament Challenge — a rare feat indeed! This unblemished entry predicts a Final Four of UConn, UCLA, Texas, and TCU, with the Longhorns crowned as national champions. It's worth noting that these odds can shift dramatically in the upcoming rounds.

Your Takeaway

The odds are constantly evolving, a reflection of the unpredictable thrill of March Madness. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just someone enjoying the spectacle, this year's tournament promises to keep us on the edge of our seats!

For real-time updates on betting odds, check out DraftKings Sportsbook, where the odds are subject to change.