The 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket has been officially revealed, setting the stage for one of the most exciting and unpredictable months in college basketball. With 68 teams battling for the national title, fans are already debating the biggest surprises, toughest matchups, and, of course, the controversial snubs. Let’s break down everything you need to know heading into March Madness.
Top Seeds and Favorites to Win It All
Auburn has been named the No. 1 overall seed, a well-deserved honor after a dominant regular season and SEC tournament championship. Joining them as No. 1 seeds are Duke, Houston, and Florida, all of whom have shown elite talent and consistency throughout the season.
Each of these teams will have a tough road to the Final Four, but their seeding gives them a favorable path in the early rounds. However, as history has shown, top seeds aren’t always safe—just ask Purdue from last year’s tournament.
Biggest Snubs: Who Got Left Out?
While the 68 teams selected will celebrate their shot at the national title, some schools were left devastated on Selection Sunday. The two biggest snubs this year? St. John’s and Seton Hall.
- St. John’s finished the season strong, winning six of their last seven games and securing a 20-win season. Despite this, the committee left them out, raising questions about the fairness of the selection process. Coach Rick Pitino called the NCAA’s NET rankings system “fraudulent,” arguing his team deserved a spot.
- Seton Hall also won 20 games, but their Big East struggles seemed to cost them. Many analysts believe their resume was strong enough for at least a play-in game, making their exclusion one of the most talked-about decisions.
For these teams, the disappointment is real—but they’ll now have to refocus on potential runs in the NIT.
Must-Watch First Round Matchups
As always, the first round of March Madness brings thrilling games, potential upsets, and Cinderella stories waiting to unfold. Here are three first-round games that could shake up the bracket:
- (5) Arizona vs. (12) Charleston – The 12-over-5 upset is a March Madness classic, and Charleston’s explosive offense makes them a dangerous underdog.
- (7) Michigan State vs. (10) Drake – Tom Izzo’s teams always peak in March, but Drake has the firepower to pull off the upset.
- (8) Kentucky vs. (9) Texas A&M – A battle between two SEC powerhouses that could go either way.
Bracket and Schedule
The action begins with the First Four on March 18-19, followed by the main bracket starting on March 20. The Final Four and championship game will be held in San Antonio from April 5-7.
Want to fill out your own bracket? Click here to download the official 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket.
Final Thoughts
With the bracket now set, the madness is about to begin. Will the top seeds dominate, or are we in for another year of Cinderella runs and shocking upsets? One thing is certain—March Madness 2025 will be unforgettable.
Who do you think got snubbed? Which underdog is primed for a deep run? Let us know in the comments!
