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Friday’s First Round Schedule
The 2026 women’s NCAA tournament tips into full gear Friday with 16 first-round games across the ESPN family of networks. Here’s the complete schedule (all times ET):
| Game | Time | TV |
|---|---|---|
| (3) Duke vs. (14) Charleston | 11:30 a.m. | ESPN2 |
| (3) TCU vs. (14) UC San Diego | 12:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| (8) Oregon vs. (9) Virginia Tech | 1:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| (6) Baylor vs. (11) Nebraska | 2:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| (6) Washington vs. (11) South Dakota State | 2:30 p.m. | ESPNews |
| (5) Maryland vs. (12) Murray State | 3:00 p.m. | ESPNU |
| (5) Ole Miss vs. (12) Gonzaga | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| (1) Texas vs. (16) Missouri State | 4:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| (2) Michigan vs. (15) Holy Cross | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| (4) North Carolina vs. (13) Western Illinois | 5:30 p.m. | ESPNews |
| (2) LSU vs. (15) Jacksonville | 6:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| (4) Minnesota vs. (13) Green Bay | 6:00 p.m. | ESPNU |
| (5) Michigan State vs. (12) Colorado State | 7:30 p.m. | ESPNews |
| (7) NC State vs. (10) Tennessee | 8:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| (7) Texas Tech vs. (10) Villanova | 8:30 p.m. | ESPNU |
| (4) Oklahoma vs. (13) Idaho | 10:00 p.m. | ESPN |
Source: Yahoo Sports, 247Sports
🔥 Must-Watch Matchups
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 16 Missouri State (4 p.m. ET, ESPN)
The Longhorns enter as overwhelming favorites after dominating the SEC tournament, shooting 54% against South Carolina’s vaunted defense. Madison Booker anchors a team that ranks top-10 nationally in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
No. 2 LSU vs. No. 15 Jacksonville (6 p.m. ET, ESPN)
LSU boasts the nation’s No. 1 scoring offense at 94.5 points per game. Flau’jae Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Mikaylah Williams form one of the most potent trios in the country.
No. 3 Duke vs. No. 14 Charleston (11:30 a.m., ESPN2)
The ACC regular-season and tournament champions bring a stifling defense anchored by sophomore forward Toby Fournier, who averages over 17 points and eight rebounds.
No. 7 NC State vs. No. 10 Tennessee (8 p.m., ESPN)
A classic matchup between two programs with history. Tennessee has made every women’s NCAA Tournament but enters as a double-digit seed for only the second time, having lost seven straight.
📺 How to Watch
All games air on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews. Cord-cutters can stream through:
- ESPN app — requires cable login
- Fubo — free trial available
- Sling TV — cheapest option for ESPN networks
First-round action continues Saturday with another 16 games featuring South Carolina, UConn, and Iowa.
