As of March 16, 2025, at 10:10 p.m. ET, the field for the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is officially set. This marks the beginning of one of the most thrilling three-week periods in sports, often referred to as "March Madness." Following intense conference tournament action, the bubble burst for several teams, leaving them out of the coveted "Big Dance." Notable teams such as West Virginia, Indiana, Ohio State, and Boise State found themselves on the outside looking in.
Despite the disappointment for these teams, the tournament welcomes four late entrants: Texas, Xavier, San Diego State, and North Carolina. With a total of 68 teams competing, the excitement is palpable, and it’s time for fans to start filling out their brackets.
We consulted with FOX Sports college basketball experts, John Fanta and Michael Cohen, to provide their predictions for the tournament. Let’s take a closer look at their insights and expected outcomes.
John Fanta, a well-known college basketball broadcaster and reporter for FOX Sports, has made some bold predictions. He anticipates significant first-round upsets, including:
No. 13 Yale defeating No. 4 Texas No. 13 Akron overcoming No. 4 Arizona No. 13 High Point toppling No. 4 PurdueFanta also predicts that the first No. 1 seed to lose will be Auburn, who he expects to fall to UC San Diego in the Sweet 16. His picks for the Final Four include Michigan State, Florida, Duke, and Houston, with Florida ultimately emerging as the national champion.
Michael Cohen, another prominent writer for FOX Sports, has shared his insights as well. He identifies No. 12 UC San Diego as a strong contender to cause a first-round upset against No. 5 Michigan.
Similar to Fanta, Cohen believes that Auburn will be the first No. 1 seed to exit the tournament, predicting their loss in the Elite Eight against Michigan State. His Final Four predictions mirror Fanta's, featuring Michigan State, Florida, Duke, and Houston, but he foresees Duke claiming the national championship title.
John Fanta is recognized for his extensive coverage of college basketball, including calling games on FS1 and serving as the lead host on the BIG EAST Digital Network. To keep up with his analyses and updates, follow him on Twitter at @John_Fanta.
Michael Cohen covers both college football and basketball for FOX Sports. You can stay connected with his insights by following him on Twitter at @Michael_Cohen13.
For avid fans and basketball enthusiasts, staying informed is crucial during this exciting tournament season. To receive personalized news and updates, consider creating or logging into your FOX Sports account. Follow your favorite leagues, teams, and players to get tailored newsletters directly to your inbox.
