The NCAA tournament field has been announced, and it promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
With Auburn, Duke, Houston, and Florida earning the coveted No. 1 seeds, the stage is set for a thrilling March Madness.
The selection committee had its hands full this year, making some surprising inclusions and exclusions that have fans buzzing.
Let’s dive into the details of this year’s bracket and what you can expect from the top teams and key matchups.
The Top Seeds: Auburn, Duke, Houston, and Florida
The NCAA tournament selection committee has chosen Auburn, Duke, Houston, and Florida as the No. 1 seeds for this year’s tournament.
Each of these teams has had a stellar season, and they will be looking to make deep runs in the tournament.
Auburn Tigers
The Auburn Tigers, led by SEC Player of the Year Johni Broome, have been chosen as the No. 1 overall seed.
Despite some late-season struggles, including three losses in their last four games and a defeat to Duke, Auburn’s strong regular-season performance earned them the top spot in the South Region.
They will face the winner of the Alabama State – St. Francis game in the first round.
Duke Blue Devils
Duke, the No. 1 seed in the East Region, is the favorite to win the tournament according to ESPN BET, with odds of +320.
The Blue Devils, who won the ACC regular-season and tournament titles, will play the winner of the American – Mount St. Mary’s game in the first round.
Despite losing star freshman Cooper Flagg to a sprained ankle, Duke managed to win the ACC tournament and will be looking to make a deep run in March Madness.
Houston Cougars
Houston, the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region, has had an impressive season, winning both the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles.
The Cougars, who have secured their fourth straight 30-win season, will face SIU Edwardsville in the first round.
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Houston’s consistency and strong performance make them a formidable contender in this year’s tournament.
Florida Gators
The Florida Gators, the No. 1 seed in the West Region, have been one of the most well-rounded teams this season.
They rank No. 1 in the KenPom offensive efficiency ratings and 10th on defense.
Florida will face Norfolk State in the first round, with a potential second-round matchup against two-time reigning national champion UConn.
The Gators’ strong performance in top-10 matchups this season makes them a team to watch.
Surprising Inclusions and Exclusions
The selection committee made some surprising decisions this year, with both North Carolina and Texas sliding in off the bubble, while Indiana, West Virginia, and Boise State did not make the cut.
North Carolina, with a 22-13 record, will play San Diego State in a First Four game, while Texas, with a 19-15 record, earned a spot based on their seven wins against Quad 1 teams.
North Carolina Tar Heels
North Carolina’s inclusion as an 11-seed, its lowest placement since seeding began in 1979, was based on favorable metrics, including an 8-0 mark against Quad 2 teams.
The Tar Heels were the last team in, and their performance in the First Four game against San Diego State will be closely watched.
Texas Longhorns
Texas, with 15 losses, tied for the most for an at-large team to earn a bid into the NCAA tournament. However, their seven wins against Quad 1 teams were enough to secure their spot.
The Longhorns will be looking to prove their worth in the tournament and make a deep run.
Key Matchups to Watch
This year’s tournament features several intriguing matchups that fans won’t want to miss. Here are some of the key games to keep an eye on:
- Auburn vs. Alabama State – St. Francis winner: Auburn’s first-round game will be crucial for the Tigers to regain their momentum after a tough end to the regular season.
- Duke vs. American – Mount St. Mary’s winner: With Cooper Flagg’s status uncertain, Duke’s first-round game will be closely watched to see how the Blue Devils perform without their star player.
- Florida vs. Norfolk State: Florida’s well-rounded team will be tested in their first-round game, with a potential second-round matchup against UConn looming.
- St. John’s vs. Omaha: Rick Pitino leads St. John’s into the tournament, and their first-round game against Omaha will be an exciting matchup to watch.
Conference Representation
The SEC made history this year with 14 teams in the tournament, breaking the previous record of 11 set by the Big East in 2011.
The Big Ten follows with eight teams, and the Big 12 has seven. The ACC, which barely avoided its worst showing since 2000, has four teams in the tournament.
SEC Dominance
The SEC’s 14 representatives showcase the conference’s strength this season.
With multiple teams in the field, there are three potential second-round games between SEC teams, which the committee typically tries to avoid. However, with so many teams in the tournament, these matchups became inevitable.
Big Ten and Big 12
The Big Ten and Big 12 also have strong showings this year, with eight and seven teams, respectively.
These conferences will be looking to make their mark in the tournament and showcase their depth and talent.
Coaching Legends and Historic Streaks
This year’s tournament features several coaching legends and historic streaks that add to the excitement.
Rick Pitino leads St. John’s into the tournament, marking his unprecedented sixth program to make the tournament.
Tom Izzo leads Michigan State to its 27th straight tournament appearance, and Gonzaga is in for the 26th time, looking to extend its streak of making the second weekend to 10 years.
Rick Pitino and St. John’s
Rick Pitino’s journey with St. John’s is a compelling storyline.
The coach has led six different programs to the tournament, and his first-round game against Omaha will be one to watch.
A potential second-round matchup against Arkansas and John Calipari would be a titanic clash between two of the game’s biggest coaching names.
Tom Izzo and Michigan State
Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans are seeded second and will face America East champion Bryant in their opener.
Izzo’s experience and leadership will be crucial for the Spartans as they look to make a deep run in the tournament.
Gonzaga’s Streak
Gonzaga, despite an “off” year, still won the West Coast Conference and is seeded eighth.
The Bulldogs face a tough path, with a potential second-round game against Houston. Extending their streak of making the second weekend to 10 years will be a significant challenge for Gonzaga.
Conclusion
The 2025 NCAA tournament promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Top seeds Auburn, Duke, Houston, and Florida are leading the way.
The selection committee’s surprising inclusions and exclusions, coupled with intriguing matchups and historic streaks, set the stage for a thrilling March Madness. Fans can look forward to an action-packed tournament filled with unforgettable moments and intense competition.
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