The bracket for the 2025 NCAA Tournament has been revealed. Like millions of people are doing across the country, it is time to print out a bracket, and predict every game of the NCAA Tournament, all the way up to which team will cut down the nets in San Antonio!
Here are my official predictions for this year’s March Madness!
South Region
Round of 64
(1) Auburn vs. (16) Alabama State
There’s no question that Auburn has lost a bit of momentum during the last stretch of the regular season. However, I trust Bruce Pearl, Johni Broom,e and this defense that should have an easy day on the court against Alabama State, who won in miracle fashion over St. Francis (PA) in the First Four. (Prediction: Auburn wins)
(8) Louisville vs. (9) Creighton
These games will be held in Lexington, Kentucky. Louisville has the location advantage in the first round, not just for this matchup with Creighton, but if they can move on to the next round against Auburn. Terrence Edwards Jr and Chucky Hepburn are dynamic scorers who can turn any game on a dime in the Cardinals’ favor. However, I expect the Bluejays faithful to show out as well. Creighton also has Ryan Kalkbrenner, the 4-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year. And the Bluejays can match up with Louisville on the perimeter with versatile guards like Steven Ashworth and Jamiya Neal. In what should be a terrific game to start the day on Thursday’s slate, I see Creighton just narrowly escaping Louisville to advance. (Prediction: Creighton wins)
(5) Michigan vs. (12) UC San Diego
One of the concerns in picking an upset that is so trendy is that everyone is picking it so surely it won’t happen. Also, the Michigan players have social media. They see the support the Tritons are getting in pulling off the 12-over-5 upset. However, even though it’s trendy, I feel inclined to side with UC San Diego. Michigan has been hot, no question. Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin are going to be a problem the Tritons must figure out early on in the game. But even with 7-footers, the Tritons are a terrific defensive team, 6th best in college basketball, and fortunately for them, the Wolverines have struggled all season long with turnovers. This game is also being played in Denver and Michigan just played this past Sunday in the Big Ten Championship. It’s a long trip and with the altitude, the Wolverines will have to adjust quickly. UC San Diego’s Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones will lead the Tritons to their first NCAA Tournament win in school history. (Prediction: UC San Diego wins)
(4) Texas A&M vs. (13) Yale
Texas A&M has been so inconsistent and Yale has been the opposite of that. They’ve been the definition of consistency this year and they’ve run the Ivy League for two seasons straight. The Bulldogs pulled off a stunner last tournament over Auburn and have the full capability of doing it once more against another SEC school. Lefty John Poulakidas is a flat-out shooter and he dropped 28 in the aforementioned win versus Auburn. But something just tells me history won’t repeat itself. The Aggies are a deep team and are an experienced bunch. Wade Taylor is going to show up like the floor general he has been and I envision a tight survival and advance scenario for Texas A&M. (Prediction: Texas A&M)
(6) Ole Miss vs. (11) North Carolina
Look, Ole Miss is a good team, but throughout the season there really hasn’t been any specific moment from the Rebels that have made them look great. They’re a team that I suspect may look winded after an exhausting SEC schedule. Jaemyn Brakefield is great to watch though. North Carolina is talented and they’ve got a three-headed monster in the backcourt that will prove to be the difference-maker in this one. Tar Heels on top. (Prediction: North Carolina)
(3) Iowa State vs. (14) Lipscomb
This one is very interesting. I keep going back and forth and will probably change my mind a dozen times ahead of the first-round tip-offs. Iowa State is banged up. Keshon Gilbert is out for the tourney and the Cyclones have not been their typical selves in the latter half of the season. Lipscomb is such a fun team to watch. They have five guys in double figures and Jacob Ognacevic is a stretch forward who attacks the glass and shoots at a 40% clip from beyond the arc. The Bisons are capable are pulling off the big upset and they surprisingly match well against Iowa State. However, I think the Cyclones are going to feel motivated with the loss of Gilbert and I expect guys like Tamin Lipsey and Nate Heise to fill the loss just enough for Iowa State to edge out a win. (Prediction: Iowa State)
(7) Marquette vs. (10) New Mexico
The Mountain West is not to be trusted in the NCAA Tournament. However, the Lobos have a matchup with a Marquette team that has not been on my good side for much of the season. They’re a talented bunch but way too often have the Golden Eagles played in lackluster fashion, to the point where you can’t put any trust in them. You can trust Kam Jones though. Jones is a star and this matchup against Donovan Dent of New Mexico is going to be must-see TV. Speaking of Dent, he is electric. He shoots the rock at a high level and he also gets his teammates involved effortlessly. Nelly Junior Joseph, whose 11.2 rebounds per game rank him third in the country, is a beast in the paint and he’s going to make it tough for Marquette to drive inside for easy baskets. (Prediction: New Mexico)
(2) Michigan State vs. (15) Bryant
If you’re going to pick a 15 seed to beat a No. 2, Bryant might just be your pick. They score 82 points a game and have some previous high-major guys in Rafael Pinzon and Earl Timberlake. However, this is Tom Izzo we’re talking about. He doesn’t bow out in the first round often. They’re 10 guys deep and have guys like Jase Richardson and Tre Holloman that make the Spartans a perfect collective. Jaden Akins is also a reliable floor general and Coen Carr brings a lot of energy to the court. He finishes near the basket with authority. (Prediction: Michigan State)
Round of 32
(1) Auburn vs. (9) Creighton
Johni Broome and Ryan Kalkbrenner will be a fascinating matchup to watch. But I give the advantage to the Tigers due to their experience and Chad Baker-Mazara being able to stretch the floor out against a solid Bluejays defense. (Prediction: Auburn)
(4) Texas A&M vs. (12) UC San Diego
The Tritons can definitely pull off another upset, but I think this is where UC San Diego’s dream ends. In their first year of eligibility, they have nothing to hold their heads down about. The Aggies squeak by and advance. (Prediction: Texas A&M)
(3) Iowa State vs. (11) North Carolina
The injuries catch up to Iowa State and North Carolina takes advantage of the opportunity. UNC stays hot from the outside and pressures the Cyclones’ perimeter to get them to the Sweet 16. (Prediction: North Carolina)
(2) Michigan State vs. (10) New Mexico
If the Mountain West had given me more faith in the past, I’d be inclined to consider this upset. But Michigan State has just been too hot for me to ignore. Sparty rolls into the Sweet 16. (Prediction: Michigan State)
Sweet 16
(1) Auburn vs. (4) Texas A&M
Texas A&M just beat Auburn, beating them up on the glass. But in this all SEC affair, I expect Auburn to come out on top and reach the Elite Eight. (Prediction: Auburn)
(2) Michigan State vs. (11) North Carolina
This is where North Carolina’s story ends. Michigan State edges the Tar Heels out to advance. (Prediction: Michigan State)
Elite Eight
(1) Auburn vs. (2) Michigan State
This is a tossup. But I think everyone counting Auburn out is just going to make them stronger. It’s one hell of a game, but Bruce Pearl gets the Tigers back to the Final Four.
West Region
Round of 64
(1) Florida vs. (16) Norfolk State
No team looked better than the Gators during Champ Week. They dominated and won the SEC Tournament and have quickly become the perennial favorite to win the NCAA Tournament. Norfolk State has had a good season, but there’s no way they defeat Florida. (Prediction: Florida)
(8) UConn vs. (9) Oklahoma
The Huskies are the back-to-back National Champions and have a tough matchup in the first round against the Sooners. Oklahoma’s got Jeremiah Fears who has just been a one-man wrecking crew this season. The freshman is explosive and can hold the Sooners on his back. However, even though Oklahoma may be the more talented team, I can’t bet against Dan Hurley. He’ll at least get the Huskies to the next round. Liam McKneeley and Alex Karaban will do the trick on the inside to get the job done. (Prediction: UConn)
(5) Memphis vs. (12) Colorado State
This is my favorite matchup of the first round. Expect a high-scoring game. PJ Haggerty is one of the best guards in the country, and Nique Clifford is on a tear for the Rams. If Memphis was fully healthy, I would lean toward the Tigers and potentially even put them on a run in the bracket. But Tyrese Hunter is banged up, and Colorado State is rolling. I see this winning streak lasting at least one more game. The Rams pull off the 12-over-5 upset. (Prediction: Colorado State)
(4) Maryland vs. (13) Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon has proven me wrong before. They’re gonna travel. These games are happening in Seattle and the Lopes faithful are strong. Maryland is at a disadvantage based on location. Tyon Grant Foster is a strong guard and helped lead Grand Canyon to their upset of Saint Mary’s last season. However, Maryland’s “Crab Five” lineup is different. Derek Queen is a beast, Julian Reese is one of the best glue guys in the country and Ja’Kobe Gillespie is an efficient scorer and passer. Terps survive a difficult test against the Grand Canyon. (Prediction: Maryland)
(6) Missouri vs. (11) Drake
This is another tossup. Missouri and Drake have both had terrific seasons. Dennis Gates guiding the Tigers to the Big Dance after going winless in conference play last season is an accomplishment. Drake having a new head coach in Ben McCollum from Division II, and having a roster of Division II players that came in with McCollum, is a double great story for the Bulldogs. But only one can win and I see Drake having the slightest edge over Missouri with Bennett Stirtz hitting some big shots late in the game. (Prediction: Drake)
(3) Texas Tech vs. (14) UNC Wilmington
UNC Wilmington quietly matches up decently with the Red Raiders. The Seahawks’ Donovan Newby is fun to watch and Khamari McGriff can be tough to contain in the paint. But Texas Tech has the Big 12 Player of the Year in JT Toppin. They do have some injuries going on right now, but they are a tough-minded team that will get healthy and have the types of schemes where they can adapt quicker than most. (Prediction: Texas Tech)
(7) Kansas vs. (10) Arkansas
Bill Self vs. John Calipari. Sign me up. Kansas started the season as the preseason No. 1 team and had a very rocky season. As for Arkansas, they had a rough start but started to pick things up toward the end of the season. The Razorbacks are getting healthy and you have to wonder if the Jayhawks head is still in the game. Even though I’m skeptical, I have more faith in Self not going one and out in the tournament. (Prediction: Kansas)
(2) St. John’s vs. (15) Omaha
Bring out the garbage cans! Omaha is entering its first NCAA Tournament in program history. Unfortunately for them, they are running into a buzzsaw in St. John’s. Rick Pitino has these boys rolling and this defense is legit. Zuby Ejiofor is a force to be reckoned with, and RJ Luis can affect the game in so many different areas on the court. Red Storm roll. (Prediction: St. John’s)
Round of 32
(1) Florida vs. (8) UConn
UConn just doesn’t have enough to contend with Florida for too long. Maybe they can keep it close for a bit, but this is where the Huskies bow out of the NCAAs for the first time since 2022. (Prediction: Florida)
(4) Maryland vs. (12) Colorado State
I can envision a world where Colorado State reaches the Sweet 16. But Maryland checks all the boxes of a team that can go on a deep, deep run. It’s the best starting five in the tournament and it’ll get them to at least the next round. (Prediction: Maryland)
(3) Texas Tech vs. (11) Drake
The storybook journey of Drake’s 2024-2025 season ends here. Toppin leads Texas Tech into another March Madness victory. (Prediction: Texas Tech)
(2) St. John’s vs. (7) Kansas
Another great coaching matchup. Pitino vs. Self. Kansas has a lot of talent to advance but the momentum the Red Storm have right now is just too strong to bet against. (Prediction: St. John’s)
Sweet 16
(1) Florida vs. (4) Maryland
Again, I love this Florida team. Walter Clayton Jr is a stud. Alex Condon can dominate any game he wants. And they are a deep and loaded roster. However, the favorite doesn’t always win. Last year people were on Auburn’s bandwagon and they lost in the first round. I think the Terrapins are the exact opponent that can trip the Gators up. Give me a slight upset here. (Prediction: Maryland)
(2) St. John’s vs. (3) Texas Tech
St. John’s struggle to shoot the rock from beyond the arc makes me cautious to advance them any further. Texas Tech can beat you in a lot of ways and I think they do that once more. Pitino’s road to the Final Four is cut short. (Prediction: Texas Tech)
Elite Eight
(3) Texas Tech vs. (4) Maryland
For 14 consecutive tournaments, a team seeded 4 or higher has made it to the Final Four. I believe Maryland is the best No. 4 seed and their recent losses at the buzzer will motivate them to reach San Antonio. (Prediction: Maryland)
East Region
Round of 64
(1) Duke vs. (16) Mount St. Mary’s
Mount St. Mary’s played a hard-fought and overall well-rounded game at the First Four over American University. However…they ain’t beating Duke. No way. Cooper Flagg and Maliq Brown may be banged up, but they’ll blow past the Mountaineers into the second round. (Prediction: Duke)
(8) Mississippi State vs. (9) Baylor
Josh Hubbard for Mississippi State and VJ Edgecombe are two terrific players to watch. Hubbard averages nearly 20 points per game and once he gets going, it’s light out. Edgecombe is a freshman phenom with great length and is efficient around the rim. This is a tossup game but I lean slightly toward the Bulldogs over the Bears, simply due to Baylor’s inconsistencies throughout the season. Chris Jans gets his first win as coach of Mississippi State. (Prediction: Mississippi State)
(5) Oregon vs. (12) Liberty
Liberty’s got a nice core of guys that can contribute and lead the Flames on the court at any given time. However, the game’s in Seattle. Location isn’t everything, but that advantage, coupled with the duo of Jackson Shelstad and Nate Bittle, gives me reason to believe the Ducks will be just fine and avoid the 12-over-5 upset. Oregon advances. (Prediction: Oregon)
(4) Arizona vs. (13) Akron
Press the panic buttons on this one. This is tempting. Akron ran through the MAC with a chainsaw. They lost one conference game all year long. John Groce is a proven coach. He has experience in these tournaments. And, the Zips have two guards Nate Johnson and Tavari Johnson that can cause problems for Arizona. But I really like how the Wildcats played in the Big 12 Tournament. Caleb Love is on a hot streak, and Jaden Bradley and KJ Lewis are becoming more consistent at the right time. Take the Wildcats here but hold your breath. (Prediction: Arizona)
(6) BYU vs. (11) VCU
This is gonna be a battle. The Cougars have been one of the hottest teams in America since February, and VCU has been overlooked all season long. Richie Saunders can shoot it from anywhere and they’ve got over 5 guys who shoot over 35% from three. VCU wins on the defensive end. They’re relentless on that side and Max Shulga paces them on both offense and defense. In the end, I love how BYU has been playing and expect them to win a tight one over the Rams. (Prediction: BYU)
(3) Wisconsin vs. (14) Montana
John Tonje is just THAT guy. He’s a special talent in the college game and he can turn any game into his shoot-around. Tonje also has a contemporary piece in the backcourt with John Blackwell and a solid in-and-out forward in Steven Crowl. Montana has players that can keep up with the Badgers for a bit. Four guys average in double figures with each of them shooting 40% or better from field goal percentage. However, I still got Wisconsin comfortably getting by the Grizzlies. (Prediction: Wisconsin)
(7) Saint Mary’s vs. (10) Vanderbilt
This matchup is between two teams with very different styles. Vanderbilt is all offense first. Guys like Jason Edwards, Tyler Nickel, and Devin McGlockton lead the Commodores, as Vanderbilt scores almost 80 points per game as a team. Meanwhile, Saint Mary’s has the fifth-best defense in the country, giving up just under 61 points per game. Augustas Marciulionis is an all-around point guard who can pressure you on the perimeter while also drilling you from all spots on the court on offense. Frontcourt players like Paulius Murauskas and Mitchell Saxen are also great pieces to have on either side. The Gaels can play deep and that’s the key to giving Randy Bennett and his squad the opening round dub. (Prediction: Saint Mary’s)
(2) Alabama vs. (15) Robert Morris
There are some questions about the health of Grant Nelson for Alabama, but this is still the highest-scoring offense in the country and they should have no trouble getting past Robert Morris. Shoutout to Robert Morris though for having a turnaround season after a losing record last year. (Prediction: Alabama)
Round of 32
(1) Duke vs. (8) Mississippi State
This will be an exciting game. Cooper Flagg against Josh Hubbard is appointment viewing. I favor the Blue Devils to get by the Bulldogs and into the Sweet 16. Look for guards like Don Knueppel and Tyrese Proctor to dictate this one. (Prediction: Duke)
(4) Arizona vs. (5) Oregon
An old Pac-12 matchup here. This is a tossup kind of game but I slightly lean toward the Wildcats getting by the Ducks. (Prediction: Arizona)
(3) Wisconsin vs. (6) BYU
I love this Wisconsin team. But…I like BYU just a bit more. Kevin Young gets BYU to the Sweet 16 in his first season at the helm. (Prediction: BYU)
(2) Alabama vs. (7) Saint Mary’s
Don’t be surprised if Saint Mary’s pulls off the upset. It’ll be a battle but I think Mark Sears and the Crimson Tide offense prevails over defense in this game. (Prediction: Alabama)
Sweet 16
(1) Duke vs. (4) Arizona
Another close game, but I just can’t bet against Duke right now. I’m banking on them being healthy. With Flagg, only a few teams can beat them. (Prediction: Duke)
(2) Alabama vs. (6) BYU
Love Alabama for offensive reasons. Hate them for defense. They don’t defend and BYU can score it. Give me the Cougars to advance into the Elite Eight (Prediction: BYU)
Elite Eight
(1) Duke vs. (6) BYU
Again, I wish I had the guts to do it. I love this BYU team, but Duke will have the Prudential Center rocking and at their fingertips. Duke heads to the Final Four once again. (Prediction: Duke)
Midwest Region
Round of 64
(1) Houston vs. (16) SIU Edwardsville
SIUE has been a fun story entering the Big Dance. Unfortunately for them, they have to contend with a powerful bunch of Houston Cougars. L.J. Cryer is a star. Emmanuel Sharp is an intelligent guard. Milos Uzan is an all-around asset to have. Plus, J’Wan Roberts is expected to play and he is a must-have not only in the paint but also as a leader of this team. He’s experienced and Houston has just too much to contend with. (Prediction: Houston)
(8) Gonzaga vs. (9) Georgia
Georgia doesn’t have a lot of size. Asa Newell is an NBA prospect and he has all the tools to be great. But Gonzaga is as consistent as it comes in March. Mark Few will have his team prepared. Graham Ike can size up with Newell, Khalif Battle, and Nolan Hickman can facilitate and score at will, and they have a good deal of experience on their side. I like the Zags to knock off the Bulldogs. Great season though for Mike White and Georgia. (Prediction: Gonzaga)
(5) Clemson vs. (12) McNeese
Last year, McNeese was a popular upset pick as a 12 seed. They then proceeded to be blown out by Gonzaga. Now, people are liking the Cowboys to potentially do some damage, but I’m not falling for it. This Clemson squad is legit. Ian Schieffelin and Viktor Lakhin are a dynamic pair along the frontcourt, and Chase Hunter is a sharp shooting guard who can control the tempo of the game. Another negative for McNeese, is that head coach Will Wade is expected to leave for the NC State job. Is his head even in the game? Clemson wins in a big way. (Prediction: Clemson)
(4) Purdue vs. (13) High Point
Braden Smith is an All-American first-teamer. He can alter the game in basically every single area of the court. Trey Kaufman-Renn leads the Boilermakers at 20.2 points per game, good for 14th best in the country. However, something about the way Purdue’s been playing got me irked. And High Point has so much energy right now. This is their first NCAA Tournament appearance and they have a Top 20 offense that can get the Panthers their first win. Kezza Giffa’s got a lot of jump and power to his game. High Point pulls off the stunner and sends the runner-up from a year ago packing early.
(6) Illinois vs. (11) Xavier
Illinois scares me, for both good and bad reasons. The good is that they have a lot of talent. Freshman Kasparas Jakucionis is a lengthy, versatile forward who can really keep a defense on their toes. But it’s all about the consistency of the other guys. Will the rest of the talented crew show up and will the defense cave in easily? Xavier has a new fire to them, especially after knocking off Texas in the First Four. Teaneck’s own Zach Freemantle is finally playing in the NCAA Tournament, and Ryan Conwell just dropped 38 points in the Big East Tournament. Musketeers beat the Illini. (Prediction: Xavier)
(3) Kentucky vs. (14) Troy
Six players average in double figures for Kentucky. Otega Oweh scores 16 a game, Koby Brea is one of the best shooters in the game, Jaxson Robinson and Lamont Butler are consistent pieces and overall, there’s an energy this team has on the court that can only be compared to a select few. Troy’s two leading guys are nontransfers in Tayton Conerway and Myles Rigsby can make this interesting, but Kentucky gets past the first round and avoids any upset. (Prediction: Kentucky)
(7) UCLA vs. (10) Utah State
A west coast showdown in Lexington is a bit of a toss-up. UCLA has had a lot of hot streaks throughout the season. Tyler Bilodeau is a reliable piece to have in the paint and Eric Dailey is a threat beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Utah State’s Ian Martinez is a stud and is one of the most underappreciated players in basketball. It’s gonna be close, but the Bruins survive and advance over the Aggies. (Prediction: UCLA)
(2) Tennessee vs. (15) Wofford
Wofford can struggle to score at times and Tennessee only gives up 63 points per game. This is a matchup nightmare for the Terriers in my eyes. Tennessee’s guard play may be the best in the country. Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler flourish under pressure and lead the Volunteers on.
Round of 32
(1) Houston vs. (8) Gonzaga
Hmm. Be careful. Gonzaga has made it to the Sweet 16 nine straight times. Will this be 10? Although it wouldn’t be shocking, they haven’t looked great against top-tier opponents since early in the season. Houston wins a hard-fought bout to advance. (Prediction: Houston)
(5) Clemson vs. (13) High Point
High Point’s journey ends here. It’s been a short run, but Clemson uses their experience and frontcourt power to shut down the Panthers and dance into the Sweet 16. (Prediction: Clemson)
(3) Kentucky vs. (11) Xavier
Xavier is capable of making a deep run, but Mark Pope has done a tremendous job with this Wildcats team and they have too many weapons for the Musketeers to slow down. Kentucky moves on. (Prediction: Kentucky)
(2) Tennessee vs. (7) UCLA
UCLA has had its moments throughout the season. They can keep this interesting but the Vols are gonna be prepared to no end to reach another week in March Madness. (Prediction: Tennessee)
Sweet 16
(1) Houston vs. (5) Clemson
Clemson was able to reach the Elite Eight last year. They have a lot of key players from that team this year. But they’re facing a Houston team that matches up very well against the Tigers. Clemson’s strengths are Houston’s strengths. In the end, the Cougars down the Tigers to advance. (Prediction: Houston)
(2) Tennessee vs. (3) Kentucky
An SEC bout that goes down to the wire. Ultimately, Tennessee has too much all around to disrupt Kentucky, as Rick Barnes gets the Vols to their second consecutive Elite Eight appearance. (Prediction: Tennessee)
Elite Eight
(1) Houston vs. (2) Tennessee
This is gonna be a fierce matchup. These teams don’t beat themselves, you have to beat them. In this one, Houston barely scrapes by a tough and strong-minded Tennessee squad to reach the Final Four. (Prediction: Houston)
Final Four
(1) Auburn vs. (4) Maryland
I believe in this Auburn team. Their losing over the last few weeks will ignite something in them, and Johni Broome will bring the Tigers one step closer to a National Championship. Maryland has had a good, long run and keeps things close. (Prediction: Auburn)
(1) Duke vs. (1) Houston
A marquee matchup on a prime stage. Two No. 1 seeds go at it with the Cougars narrowly defeating Duke, ending their championship dreams. Houston is in the National Championship game. (Prediction: Houston)
National Championship
(1) Auburn vs. (1) Houston
A battle of No. 1 seeds. A battle of two programs that have never won a National Championship. Something’s gotta give. In my mind, Houston is the most balanced team coming into the tournament. They may not be getting the brighter spotlight as opposed to Duke and the SEC teams, but the Cougars are a legitimate force. Auburn has had an amazing season, but the night ends with Kelvin Sampson and the Houston Cougars cutting down the nets in San Antonio for the 2025 National Championship! (Prediction: Houston)
It’s going to be a fun ride this March! Sit back, get comfortable, and enjoy the Madness!
