March Madness 2025 is here, and basketball fans are gearing up for one of the most exciting tournaments of the year.
With Selection Sunday on today, the NCAA will reveal the 68-team bracket, setting the stage for upsets, Cinderella stories, and championship runs. Here’s what to expect from this year’s tournament.
Top Contenders & No. 1 Seeds
The top-seeded teams are shaping up to be some of the strongest in recent years. Among the favorites:
- Auburn Tigers – Despite some late-season struggles, Auburn locked in a No. 1 seed with their dominant SEC performance and strong defensive play.
- Duke Blue Devils – With freshman phenom Cooper Flagg leading the way, Duke looks like a serious title contender, but his recent ankle injury raises questions.
- Houston Cougars – The Big 12 champs had an impressive 22-1 conference record and are a balanced team on both ends of the floor.
- Purdue Boilermakers – Returning Zach Edey, last year’s National Player of the Year, Purdue is looking to erase past tournament disappointments with a deep run.
Bubble Teams Fighting for a Spot
Selection Sunday always leaves some teams on the edge of their seats. The biggest bubble teams hoping to sneak into the tournament include:
- North Carolina Tar Heels – With a mixed record in Quad 1 games, UNC’s tournament hopes depend on a strong ACC Tournament performance.
- Texas Longhorns – A shaky end to the season has left them right on the bubble.
- Xavier Musketeers – Consistency issues have made their case less convincing, but a strong finish could secure their spot.
Cinderella Teams to Watch
Every year, a lower-seeded team shocks the world with a deep run. Potential bracket busters in 2025 include:
- Drake Bulldogs – Led by coach Ben McCollum and Bennett Stirtz, they have the experience and cohesion to pull off upsets.
- Florida Atlantic Owls – A Sweet 16 team in 2023, FAU has the firepower to shake up the tournament again.
- Grand Canyon Antelopes – Dominated the WAC and could be this year’s surprise mid-major.
Key Dates & Tournament Schedule
- Selection Sunday – March 16, 2025
- First Four – March 18-19, 2025
- First Round – March 20-21, 2025
- Sweet 16 – March 27-28, 2025
- Final Four – April 5, 2025
- National Championship – April 7, 2025
Bracket Predictions & How to Win Your Pool
Filling out a perfect bracket is nearly impossible, but here are some tips:
- Pick a few upsets early – A 12-seed over a 5-seed happens almost every year.
- Don’t bet against history – Top seeds dominate the Final Four, but at least one underdog usually sneaks in.
- Watch for hot teams – A team peaking at the right time (like UConn in 2023) can go far.
March Madness 2025 is set to be one of the most unpredictable tournaments in recent memory. With powerhouse programs, underdog stories, and breakout stars, fans are in for a wild ride. Get your brackets ready!
- March Madness 2025: Brackets, Predictions & Teams to Watch - March 16, 2025
- Arsenal vs Chelsea LIVE: Can Chelsea Maintain Their Top-Four Push? - March 16, 2025
- Kylian Mbappé Surpasses Ronaldo’s First-Season Goal Tally at Real Madrid - March 15, 2025
