The bracket is out, the matchups are set, and with games about to begin, here are my quick reactions to each region, the teams to watch, and a few matchups that could shape the first weekend. As always, this time of year, matchups will matter just as much as seeds.

This is the toughest region in the bracket for me. UConn earned the No. 1 seed, but the road is far from easy with Iowa State, Syracuse, Maryland, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Illinois, and Vanderbilt all here.

One of the more interesting storylines is Shea Ralph landing on UConn’s side after previously coaching under Geno Auriemma. Notre Dame is a team to watch, especially with Hannah Hidalgo capable of taking over any game, though the Irish first have to get past a solid Fairfield team. A potential Notre Dame-Vanderbilt matchup would feature two of the country’s top scorers in Hidalgo and Mikayla Blakes. Illinois also feels like a team that could make some noise.

UConn is still the favorite, but I would not be surprised if someone gives the Huskies a real scare before the Elite Eight.

UCLA headlines another strong region and still looks like the team to beat. The Bruins have had one of the best seasons in the country, with their only loss coming to Texas back in November.

This bracket still has some bite to it with Ole Miss, Duke, and LSU all in the mix. Duke, especially, is the kind of team that can turn a game into a grind. UCLA remains the favorite here, but this is not a light draw.

Texas earned this region after beating South Carolina in the SEC Tournament title game and enters March with real momentum—the Longhorns open against Missouri State, led by former Notre Dame assistant Beth Cunningham.

Michigan is the No. 2 seed, and Louisville sits at No. 3, but West Virginia and Kentucky are two teams that could shake things up. Tennessee also adds intrigue with a first-round rematch against NC State from earlier this season.

South Carolina may have the clearest path to the Final Four of any No. 1 seed. That does not mean easy, but compared to the rest of the field, this region looks a little cleaner on paper.

Oklahoma stands out most after already beating South Carolina during the regular season. Michigan State is another team worth watching, while Iowa and TCU add depth to this region that may not get the credit it deserves.

Fort Worth 1 is the strongest region in the bracket. UConn sits at the top, but its depth makes it so difficult.

Notre Dame stands out first because Hannah Hidalgo can change a game in a hurry. Illinois is another team worth watching in that region. West Virginia feels like a team that could carry its momentum into a deeper run, and Oklahoma has already shown it can knock off elite teams.

Iowa State vs. Syracuse, Notre Dame vs. Fairfield, Baylor vs. Nebraska, Kentucky vs. James Madison, NC State vs. Tennessee, and Clemson vs. USC all stand out as first-round games worth circling.

Right now, my Final Four picks are the same four teams that got there last year: UConn, UCLA, South Carolina, and Texas.

The bracket is set. Now it is all about who handles the moment and can survive the chaos that always seems to find March.