The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, affectionately known as March Madness, is upon us. This annual spectacle captivates fans nationwide, offering thrilling games, unexpected upsets, and the pursuit of collegiate basketball glory. As we gear up for the 2025 tournament, here’s an in-depth look at the brackets, key matchups, schedules, and how you can stay engaged throughout the event.
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Selection Sunday and Bracket Release
Selection Sunday is the pivotal moment when teams learn their tournament fates. On March 16, 2025, the NCAA Selection Committee unveiled the 68-team bracket, setting the stage for the madness to commence. The bracket announcement was broadcast live on CBS at 6 p.m. ET, with detailed coverage and analysis provided by ESPN.
Printable March Madness Bracket 2025
For fans eager to participate in bracket challenges or simply follow along, a printable version of the 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket is available. This bracket includes all matchups, game times, and locations, serving as a handy guide throughout the tournament.
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Key Dates and Tournament Schedule
Understanding the tournament’s structure is crucial for fans and participants alike. Here’s a breakdown of the significant dates:
- First Four: March 18-19, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio.
- First Round: March 20-21, 2025.
- Second Round: March 22-23, 2025.
- Sweet 16: March 27-28, 2025.
- Elite Eight: March 29-30, 2025.
- Final Four: April 5, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
- National Championship Game: April 7, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Top Seeds and Regional Breakdowns
The Selection Committee has designated the following teams as the top seeds in their respective regions:
- South Region: Auburn Tigers
- West Region: Florida Gators
- East Region: Duke Blue Devils
- Midwest Region: Houston Cougars
Notable First-Round Matchups
The first round promises several intriguing games:
- South Region:
- Auburn (1) vs. Alabama State/St. Francis (PA) winner (16): Auburn enters as a strong favorite.
- Louisville (8) vs. Creighton (9): A closely matched contest that could go either way.
- West Region:
- Florida (1) vs. Norfolk State (16): Florida aims to assert dominance early.
- UConn (8) vs. Oklahoma (9): A battle of contrasting styles and strategies.
Potential Upsets to Watch
March Madness is synonymous with unexpected outcomes. Analysts have identified several matchups where lower-seeded teams could prevail:
- No. 11 VCU over No. 6 BYU: VCU’s robust defense and momentum make them a formidable opponent.
- No. 11 Drake over No. 6 Missouri: Drake’s experience in tight games could challenge Missouri’s dynamic offense.
- No. 12 Colorado State over No. 5 Memphis: An injury concern for Memphis and Colorado State’s sharpshooting set the stage for an upset.
- No. 12 UC San Diego over No. 5 Michigan: Michigan’s inconsistency might be exploited by UC San Diego’s winning momentum.
Bracket Predictions and Analysis
Experts have weighed in on their predictions for the tournament:
- Duke’s Championship Aspirations: Led by standout freshman Cooper Flagg, Duke is a popular pick to clinch the title.
- Gonzaga’s Potential Run: Despite being a lower seed, Gonzaga is anticipated to make a deep run, possibly reaching the Final Four.
- Florida’s Strong Performance: The Gators have shown consistency and are expected to advance far in the tournament.
How to Watch March Madness 2025
Fans can catch all the action across multiple platforms:
- Television: Games will be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV.
- Streaming: Live streams are available through the official NCAA March Madness Live app and network-specific platforms like Paramount+.
Participating in Bracket Challenges
Engaging in bracket challenges enhances the March Madness experience:
- ESPN Tournament Challenge: Allows fans to create and join groups, competing for prizes based on bracket accuracy.
- CBS Sports Bracket Challenge: Offers similar features with expert analysis and insights to guide your picks.
Women’s NCAA Tournament Bracket 2025
The excitement isn’t limited to the men’s tournament. The Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket has also been announced, with top seeds including:
Women’s NCAA Tournament Bracket 2025
March Madness isn’t just about men’s basketball—the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament also promises intense matchups, thrilling upsets, and historic moments. The 2025 tournament features powerhouse programs and emerging contenders battling for the national title.
Top Seeds in the Women’s Bracket
The NCAA Selection Committee has designated the following teams as No. 1 seeds in each region:
- South Region: South Carolina Gamecocks – A dominant force looking for another championship run.
- West Region: UConn Huskies – Led by star guard Paige Bueckers, UConn remains a title contender.
- East Region: Stanford Cardinal – Their balanced attack and strong defense make them a formidable opponent.
- Midwest Region: Iowa Hawkeyes – Caitlin Clark’s electrifying offense makes Iowa a must-watch team.
Key Dates for the Women’s NCAA Tournament
- First Four: March 19-20, 2025
- First & Second Rounds: March 21-24, 2025
- Sweet 16 & Elite Eight: March 28-April 1, 2025
- Final Four: April 5, 2025 (Cleveland, Ohio)
- National Championship Game: April 7, 2025
Fans can find a printable Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket here.
Bracket Predictions and Expert Picks
Bracketologists have been busy analyzing matchups and making bold predictions for March Madness 2025. Here are some potential Cinderella teams and must-watch matchups:
Men’s Bracket – Possible Cinderella Runs
- Drake (11) over Missouri (6) – Mid-majors often shine in March, and Drake has the experience to pull off an upset.
- VCU (11) over BYU (6) – A deep defensive squad that could make noise.
- Kent State (12) over Illinois (5) – A high-powered offense and veteran leadership could spell trouble for Illinois.
Women’s Bracket – Cinderella Watch
- Florida Gulf Coast (12) over Michigan (5) – The Eagles are known for three-point shooting and could stun Michigan.
- Princeton (11) over Tennessee (6) – Ivy League teams have played spoiler in the past, and Princeton has the defense to do it.
How to Watch March Madness 2025
The NCAA Tournament will be broadcast across multiple networks, ensuring fans don’t miss a single moment of the action.
Men’s Tournament TV Schedule
- CBS Sports: Key matchups, including the Final Four and Championship.
- TBS, TNT, and TruTV: Coverage of first and second-round games.
- ESPN & ESPN2: Selection Sunday and bracket analysis.
Women’s Tournament TV Schedule
- ESPN & ESPN2: All games from the First Four to the Championship.
- ABC: Special coverage of the Final Four.
Streaming Options
- March Madness Live App (NCAA)
- Paramount+ (CBS games)
- ESPN App (Women’s tournament games)
- Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV offer streaming options for all games.
Selection Sunday 2025: What You Need to Know
One of the most anticipated moments of the college basketball season is Selection Sunday when teams learn their tournament fate. Here’s everything you need to know:
Men’s Selection Sunday 2025
- Date: March 16, 2025
- Time: 6 PM ET
- Channel: CBS
- Where to Watch: CBS, NCAA March Madness Live App, Hulu, YouTube TV
Women’s Selection Sunday 2025
- Date: March 17, 2025
- Time: 8 PM ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Where to Watch: ESPN, ESPN App, Hulu, YouTube TV
Final Four 2025 Locations
The road to the Final Four culminates in two major cities:
- Men’s Final Four: Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
- Women’s Final Four: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
March Madness Bracket Challenge 2025
Think you can predict the perfect bracket? Join one of these popular bracket challenges:
- ESPN Tournament Challenge – Free to enter with prizes for the best brackets.
- CBS Sports Bracket Challenge – Compete against friends and analysts.
- Yahoo Fantasy Bracket – Offers expert picks and insights.
Pro Tip for Your Bracket:
- Pick at least one Cinderella team (11th seed or lower) to win two rounds.
- No. 1 seeds usually make it to the Elite Eight, but one or two could fall early.
- Be wary of No. 5 vs. No. 12 matchups – historically, 12-seeds win 35% of the time.
March Madness Tickets & Locations
Want to experience March Madness live? Here’s where you can buy tickets:
- Official NCAA Ticket Exchange (NCAA.com)
- StubHub, Vivid Seats, and Ticketmaster
- Prices: Start at $100 for early rounds, up to $2,000+ for Final Four games.
Notable Tournament Venues
- South Region: Memphis, TN
- West Region: Los Angeles, CA
- East Region: Brooklyn, NY
- Midwest Region: Indianapolis, IN
Final Thoughts on March Madness 2025
March Madness 2025 is set to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory. With top-tier teams, legendary coaches, and rising stars, fans are in for a month of unforgettable basketball.
✔ Bookmark this page for updates on the tournament. ✔ Print your brackets and join a March Madness Challenge. ✔ Tune in to CBS, ESPN, and live streaming services to catch all the action!
🏀 Who will cut down the nets in April? Let the madness begin! 🏀