March Madness is upon us, and the excitement is palpable as the NCAA Tournament brackets for both the men’s and women’s divisions have been unveiled. This year’s Selection Sunday has thrown up some intriguing matchups, potential upsets, and compelling storylines that promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
From Auburn and UCLA securing the top seeds to the betting favorites and surprising seeds, here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
Top Seeds and Key Matchups
The 2025 NCAA Tournament is set to be a thrilling spectacle with Auburn securing the overall No. 1 seed for the men’s tournament, while UCLA takes the top spot for the women’s division. The journey to *One Shining Moment* kicks off with the First Four, where Alabama State and Saint Francis will tip off the men’s tournament season, and Princeton and Iowa State will do the honors for the women.
Men’s Tournament Highlights
The men’s tournament features Auburn as the No. 1 overall seed, ready to face the winner of the Alabama State and Saint Francis game. Betting favorites for the men’s title include:
- Florida (+350)
- Duke (+360)
- Auburn (4-1)
- Houston (6-1)
- Alabama (15-1)
Among the standout matchups, Kansas and Arkansas will see coaches Bill Self and John Calipari face off yet again. The storied rivalry adds another chapter as they meet in the first round, with Providence, Rhode Island, hosting this clash of titans.
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Women’s Tournament Highlights
The women’s tournament also promises fireworks, with UCLA leading the pack as the No. 1 overall seed. Betting favorites for the women’s title include:
- South Carolina (+270)
- UConn (+275)
- UCLA (5-1)
- USC (+550)
- Texas (6-1)
- Notre Dame (6-1)
One of the most anticipated matchups could be a potential Elite Eight clash between No. 1 seed Texas and No. 2 seed TCU in Regional 3. Another monumental matchup could see Southern California and UConn face off in Regional 4, following their thrilling December encounter where USC edged UConn 72-70.
Teams to Watch and Potential Upsets
This year’s tournament features several teams that could either surprise or disappoint. Iowa, entering the post-Caitlin Clark era, is seeded No. 6 and will face Murray State in the first round. Despite their lower seeding, Iowa has a history of strong performances and could be a dark horse.
Men’s Potential Upsets
Gonzaga, ranked No. 9 by Ken Pomeroy but seeded eighth in the Midwest, could be a team to watch. They have a potential second-round matchup against Houston, which could be one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. Meanwhile, Utah State makes its third consecutive tournament appearance with its third different head coach, Jerrod Calhoun, aiming to break past the opening weekend.
Women’s Potential Upsets
Michigan, a No. 6 seed, could be on upset alert given their reliance on three standout freshmen. They open against the winner of the Iowa State-Princeton play-in game. Another team to watch is Notre Dame, which dropped to a third seed after losing three of its last five games. They will face 14th-seeded Stephen F. Austin in the opening round.
Conference Dominance and Notable Absences
The Big Ten has made a significant impact in this year’s women’s tournament, putting a record 12 teams into the field, including top seeds UCLA and Southern California. The SEC follows with 10 teams, and the ACC with eight. In contrast, the Ivy League has made history by getting three teams into the tournament for the first time.
State and Regional Representation
The state of North Carolina boasts nine teams in the tournament, with Duke, High Point, North Carolina, and UNC-Wilmington representing the men’s field, and Duke, High Point, N.C. State, North Carolina, and UNC-Greensboro in the women’s field. On the flip side, the basketball hotbed of Philadelphia has no representation in either tournament.
Notable Absences
Ohio State, ranked No. 39 by Ken Pomeroy, is the top team that didn’t make the field. Utah State, the weakest at-large team, is ranked No. 52. Providence, Rhode Island, will host some of the most decorated coaches in NCAA history, including Rick Pitino, Bill Self, and John Calipari, who bring a combined five NCAA championships to the site.
Individual Stars and Storylines
Individual performances often define March Madness, and this year is no exception. UConn’s Paige Bueckers will attempt to lead the Huskies to their 12th NCAA title, and Iowa State’s Audi Crooks aims to replicate her previous March Madness heroics.
Women’s Key Players
South Carolina’s rigorous schedule has prepared them well, having faced all four No. 2 seeds this season. UConn’s Paige Bueckers is another player to watch, as she seeks to end the Huskies’ title drought since 2016. UConn, the No. 2 seed in Regional 4, could face Southern California in a rematch of their December thriller.
Men’s Key Players
For the men, Utah State’s Ian Martinez and McNeese State’s head coach Will Wade, who will face his former team Clemson, are among the notable figures. The Kansas-Arkansas game will also feature a coaching duel between Bill Self and John Calipari, adding another layer of intrigue.
Conclusion
The 2025 NCAA Tournament promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions. It will be filled with potential upsets, standout performances, and historic moments. This year’s March Madness is set to deliver unforgettable memories. For more detailed coverage and live updates, visit AP News.
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