The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is just around the corner, and excitement is building as teams prepare for March Madness, where 68 squads will compete in a do-or-die battle for the national championship.
It will officially kick off with the First Four games on March 18, as announced in the official schedule. From there, the madness will begin, and the path to the final will take shape as each team fights for its place in history.
Several teams are emerging as the leading contenders for the coveted No. 1 seeds. Meanwhile, other programs are looking to improve their position in the bracket, backed by strong performances during the regular season.
March Madness bracket 2025: Expert picks
Projected No. 1 seeds
The 2025 March Madness drew closer, with Selection Sunday taking place on March 16. As conference championships concluded, analysts began outlining the bracket and predicting the top contenders for the title.
A detail view of the bracket after the Connecticut Huskies beat the Purdue Boilermakers 75-60 to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship in 2024 (Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Among the teams best positioned to occupy the top four spots in the tournament bracket, Auburn, Duke, Houston and Florida stand out, according to sources like Fox Sports and Sporting News. Here’s the reason behind it:
- Duke: Led by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, Duke enters the tournament as one of the favorites. Flagg, widely projected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has dominated throughout the season. His recent injury scare raised concerns, but he is expected to suit up for the tournament, keeping Duke’s championship hopes alive.
- Auburn: Despite some late-season losses, Bruce Pearl’s squad has remained a top contender. Their defensive intensity and deep bench make them a dangerous team in the tournament.
- Houston: With Kelvin Sampson’s elite defensive schemes, Houston has been nearly impossible to score against. If they can avoid offensive droughts, they could be on their way to a Final Four appearance, according to NBC Sports.
- Florida: The Gators cruised through the SEC with an explosive offense and stellar perimeter defense. They have the ability to light up the scoreboard from beyond the arc, making them a legitimate threat for a deep tournament run, as NY Post reported.
Bubble teams
As always, Selection Sunday brought its fair share of drama and controversy, especially for teams living on the bubble. Some squads celebrated their unexpected inclusion, while others were left heartbroken, questioning what more they could have done.
Head coach Dusty May of the Florida Atlantic Owls puts their team name on the bracket after defeating the Kansas State Wildcats at the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament in 2023. (Source: Elsa/Getty Images)
One of the biggest surprises was North Carolina, a team that many analysts believed had not done enough to secure a bid. With a 1-12 record against Quadrant 1 opponents, the Tar Heels were on shaky ground, yet they somehow snuck into the field, sparking heated debates.
Some critics argue that their storied program history and strong fan base might have played a role in the committee’s decision. Whether they truly belong will be determined soon enough, as they face San Diego State in the First Four, a matchup that could silence—or amplify—the doubters.
On the flip side, West Virginia found itself on the wrong side of the bubble, despite a solid performance in conference play. Many expected them to slide into one of the final spots, but the committee instead opted for teams with stronger non-conference résumés.
These last-minute decisions highlight the delicate balance the selection committee must navigate—weighing historical prestige, conference performance, and strength of schedule. For the teams that made it in, the real test begins now.
Notable conference dynamics
- Atlantic Coast conference (ACC)
The ACC, once the gold standard for NCAA basketball, is experiencing a transitional period. With legendary coaches like Mike Krzyzewski and Roy Williams retired, programs such as Duke are carrying the conference’s banner. However, it will be crucial for bubble teams like North Carolina to secure an at-large bid, according to Duke Basketball Report.
- Southeastern conference (SEC)
The SEC is rapidly emerging as one of the most competitive conferences in the country. Powerhouses like Auburn and Florida are leading the way, while mid-tier teams are battling for postseason life. Recent high-profile wins—like Florida’s victory over Alabama—have strengthened the conference’s national reputation.
- Big Ten conference
The Big Ten remains one of the deepest conferences in college basketball. Bubble teams such as Ohio State and Indiana are under pressure to deliver in the conference tournament. Meanwhile, Purdue is also making a case for a high seed, adding another layer of intrigue to the Big Ten’s postseason race.
Upcoming key matchups
With the bracket set, all eyes turn to the most intriguing matchups of the first round and beyond. These games feature powerhouse programs, rising underdogs, and stylistic clashes that could define this year’s March Madness.
A detail view of a Wilson basketball with the March Madness logo before game between the Wisconsin Badgers and Penn State Nittany Lions at Kohl Center on March 08, 2025. (Source: John Fisher/Getty Images)
- North Carolina vs. San Diego State (First Four)
The tournament kicks off with a dramatic First Four battle between North Carolina and San Diego State. North Carolina, a team that barely made the cut, is looking to prove the selection committee right after an inconsistent season filled with ups and downs.
On the other side, San Diego State, a defensive powerhouse, is eager to recapture the magic of their Final Four run in 2023. The key to this game? UNC’s fast-paced offense vs. SDSU’s defensive grit.
If the Tar Heels can speed things up and knock down their threes, they’ll be dangerous—but if San Diego State controls the tempo, they could grind out a low-scoring win.
- Utah State vs. UCLA (10 vs. 7 Seed)
One of the most intriguing first-round games features Utah State taking on UCLA. Utah State comes in as a dangerous No. 10 seed, boasting one of the most balanced offenses in the nation.
Meanwhile, UCLA has been inconsistent this season, but their tournament pedigree and defensive intensity make them a formidable opponent. This is a classic high-powered offense vs. lockdown defense matchup, and whoever dictates the style of play will likely advance.
If Utah State can push the tempo, they have the firepower to pull off the upset—but if UCLA turns this into a defensive slugfest, they should move on.
- Florida vs. Tennessee (Potential Sweet 16 Rematch)
Looking ahead, a potential Sweet 16 clash between Florida and Tennessee is already generating buzz. These SEC rivals split their regular-season meetings, with both games showcasing physical, grind-it-out basketball.
Florida has one of the best frontcourts in the country, while Tennessee boasts an elite perimeter defense. If this rematch happens, expect an intense battle featuring two teams that know each other inside and out. The key matchup? Florida’s inside scoring vs. Tennessee’s ability to force turnovers.
