The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is here, bringing excitement for fans everywhere. After an intense week of conference tournaments, some teams found themselves on the outside looking in. Notable absences include West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio State, and Boise State, who all missed the cut.
On the flip side, Texas, Xavier, San Diego State, and North Carolina managed to secure the last spots in the tournament. With a competitive field of 68 teams ready to battle, it’s time for fans to dive into their brackets.
We reached out to college basketball experts, John Fanta and Michael Cohen, for their predictions.
John Fanta’s Predictions
John sees some intriguing matchups ahead. He predicts major upsets with No. 13 Yale beating No. 4 Texas A&M, No. 13 Akron defeating No. 4 Arizona, and No. 13 High Point getting past No. 4 Purdue. For his first No. 1 seed to lose, he thinks it will be Auburn, making an exit in the Sweet 16 against UC San Diego. When it comes to the Final Four, John is backing Michigan State, Florida, Duke, and Houston, with Florida taking the title.
Michael Cohen’s Insights
Michael’s bracket also hints at surprises. He expects a No. 12 seed, UC San Diego, to upset No. 5 Michigan in the first round. He agrees with John on Auburn being the first No. 1 seed to bow out, likely in the Elite Eight against Michigan State. His top four picks for the Final Four are the same as John’s. However, he believes Duke will clinch the national championship.
The Bigger Picture
This year’s tournament comes after a season marked by unpredictability. According to a recent survey by the NCAA, about 72% of fans feel this year’s bracket is more competitive than in previous years. With fans engaged in discussions on social media, topics like potential upsets and sleeper teams are trending. Platforms like Twitter are buzzing with excitement, as fans share their thoughts and predictions.
Historically, the first round often delivers surprises, embodying the spirit of March Madness. Last year, No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s made a jaw-dropping run to the Elite Eight, showcasing that anything can happen in the tournament.
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is shaping up to be thrilling, with fans eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama. Stay tuned as the games progress, and let’s see how these predictions play out!
For a full bracket and more detailed insights, check out the official NCAA tournament page here.
Check out this related article: NCAA Officially Lifts Ban on Name, Image, and Likeness Recruitment: What It Means for Student-Athletes
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