Here are our instant picks for the 2025 men’s NCAA tournament.
Change is challenging, but it can also be beneficial. This is a vital reminder as men’s college basketball approaches another year of March Madness.
The landscape of college basketball has transformed dramatically in recent seasons. The era of FBI investigations and illicit dealings is behind us; now, financial transactions between programs and players are transparent, thanks to the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. While the dynamics of deal-making in the sport may have shifted, the drama and intensity of the NCAA tournament remain as vibrant as ever.
This men’s college basketball season has been extraordinary. Preseason predictions have been upended: UConn’s hopes for a three-peat seem unlikely, Kansas has not performed like a No. 1 team since November, and many blue blood programs expected to excel have instead stumbled. In contrast, emerging stars and programs have surfaced, providing a clearer picture of the contenders heading into the tournament.
Duke appears to be a national championship favorite, bolstered by Cooper Flagg, the remarkable freshman who has exceeded all expectations and is on track to become the No. 1 overall NBA draft pick. Auburn is also a strong contender, featuring fifth-year big man Johni Broome, who brings much more to his game than just power scoring in the low post. Florida has surged in the latter part of the season, with Walton Clayton Jr. establishing himself as one of the nation’s top guards, complemented by significant depth. While the Big Ten lacks a clear national title favorite, teams like Michigan State, Maryland, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Purdue each possess established stars and believe they can advance to the Final Four.
The 2025 men’s NCAA tournament bracket is finally here. Last year, I successfully predicted the national champion in the instant bracket predictions. Can I replicate that success? Here are my instant bracket predictions.
South Region (upper left)
Auburn is the No. 1 overall seed despite losing three of their last four games. The Tigers initially appeared to be an all-time great team but are now showing signs of vulnerability. They should advance past the first round easily, but their matchup in the round of 32 will be challenging, whether against Louisville or Creighton. I still predict the Tigers will reach the Sweet 16 over Creighton.
My first upset pick is UC San Diego; I predict the Tritons will defeat the Big Ten tournament champion Michigan Wolverines. Yale is capable of giving Texas A&M a tough game, but I’m backing the Aggies in a close contest. I foresee UC San Diego as the tournament’s first true Cinderella, entering with the nation’s longest winning streak (15 games) and excelling in key metrics: strong defense, low turnovers, and a high percentage of three-point shots. Unfortunately, their journey will end against Auburn in the Sweet 16.
I expect the favorites to prevail in the bottom half of the bracket. Michigan State will defeat Marquette in the round of 32, while Iowa State will eliminate Ole Miss. I predict Michigan State will overcome Iowa State in the Sweet 16.
Will it be Auburn or Michigan State in the Final Four? I’m going with the Tigers. Despite some recent tough losses against a strong SEC schedule, they still represent an elite team and have a favorable draw if they survive the round of 32.
East Region (upper right)
Duke leads the East Region, and all eyes will be on Cooper Flagg’s health after missing the ACC tournament due to a concerning ankle injury. Regardless, Duke is expected to advance to the Sweet 16 easily by defeating Baylor.
I anticipate Arizona and Oregon will handle their business to square off in a classic Pac-12 round of 32 showdown, with Arizona progressing to the Sweet 16, where they will fall to Duke.
In the lower half of the region, I favor the favorites until the Sweet 16. Alabama vs. Wisconsin should be an exciting match, with my pick being the Badgers. I foresee Duke defeating Wisconsin in the Elite Eight, marking Jon Scheyer’s inaugural Final Four appearance.
West Region (bottom right)
Houston has earned its status as a worthy No. 1 seed again. They will handle their first-round game, but I predict they will be the first top seed to fall, facing Gonzaga in the round of 32. The Zags, who were a preseason top-10 team, experienced ups and downs this season but seem to be peaking at the right time after their WCC tournament victory over St. Mary’s. Gonzaga is a formidable 8-seed, and I expect them to upset the Cougars and reach the Sweet 16.
I foresee Will Wade and McNeese State pulling an upset over Clemson, but they will be eliminated by Purdue, who will also advance to the Sweet 16. Illinois and Kentucky will both win their matchups, setting up a captivating round of 32 clash. I’m picking Kentucky to proceed to the Sweet 16. Tennessee should have a seamless route to the Sweet 16 with a win over UCLA.
In the Sweet 16, I’ll take Gonzaga over Tennessee as the true Cinderella from the No. 8 seed perspective. The Zags, who carried Final Four aspirations in the preseason, are once again positioned as underdogs.
West Region (bottom left)
Florida is on a roll after winning the SEC tournament. They will encounter a challenging round of 32 matchup against the back-to-back defending champion UConn, but these are not last year’s Huskies. UConn has struggled defensively, allowing Florida to advance to the Sweet 16.
I predict Colorado State, led by Nique Clifford, will upset Memphis in the first round, but Maryland will eliminate the Rams in the next round. The Crab Five would have had Final Four potential with a different draw, but I don’t see them overcoming Florida. I’m backing the Gators to reach the Elite Eight.
St. John’s, under Rick Pitino, is set to face either Bill Self’s Kansas Jayhawks or John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks. I expect the Johnnies to advance, defeating Kansas.
Drake will beat Missouri in the 6/11 matchup and then reach the Sweet 16 by knocking off Texas Tech. Their journey will end against St. John’s.
The regional final will feature Rick Pitino facing Florida for a chance to reach the Final Four. Although I wish I could pick St. John’s, Florida is too strong. I’m selecting Florida as the regional champion.
Final Four
Duke vs. Gonzaga. Florida vs. Auburn.
I expect the Blue Devils to overpower the Zags. The SEC clash between Florida and Auburn promises to be a thrilling encounter, and I’m favoring the Gators.
The national championship matchup would be Duke vs. Florida, and it promises to be a spectacular game.
Duke is simply too talented to fail. This championship prediction is heavily reliant on Cooper Flagg’s health. If he performs at his best, Duke will emerge victorious.
Here’s my complete bracket:
What a remarkable conclusion this would be for Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils. I’m confident in their success if he’s healthy.
