After two thrilling weekends of NCAA Tournament action, the 2025 Final Four field has officially been determined. What began with 68 teams has now narrowed down to just four elite contenders, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend. This year's tournament is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time since 2008 that all four No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Final Four. The matchups include the powerhouse Duke Blue Devils, led by National Player of the Year candidate Cooper Flagg, taking on the formidable Houston Cougars. Meanwhile, the Florida Gators will face off against the Auburn Tigers in the national semifinals. Florida's appearance in the Final Four is especially significant, as it marks their first trip since 2014. As the anticipation builds for the championship on Monday, April 7, only one team will walk away as the victor in San Antonio, Texas.
The NCAA Tournament's initial weekend was dominated by the expected outcomes, with chalk prevailing across the board. This trend continued into the second weekend, where the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight provided heart-stopping finishes. The Gators made headlines by overcoming a 10-point deficit against Texas Tech, securing their spot in the Final Four. On the opposite end of the bracket, Duke cruised to a decisive double-digit victory over the No. 2 seed Alabama, marking their return to the Final Four in the post-Mike Krzyzewski era. The Cougars, who reached the Final Four for the second time since 2021, delivered a statement win against No. 2 seed Tennessee, while Auburn capped off the Elite Eight with a stunning performance against Michigan State courtesy of star big man Johni Broome.
As the countdown to the 2025 Final Four begins, here are the matchups to look forward to, all times in Eastern:
Florida vs. AuburnMeet Walter Clayton Jr., arguably the best guard in the country during the 2025 season. As a first-team All-American, Clayton is the driving force behind the No. 1 seed Florida Gators. His clutch performance has been instrumental in helping Florida navigate through tough matchups, including a thrilling second-round victory over reigning national champion UConn. Joining him in the backcourt is Alijah Martin, who will make history as the first player to start for two different programs in the Final Four. Martin transferred to Florida to enhance one of the nation's top backcourts.
However, Florida's greatest strength may lie in its frontcourt depth. Starters Alex Condon and Rueben Chinyelu form a powerful tandem that poses significant challenges for opposing teams. The Gators are also backed by key reserves Thomas Haugh and Micah Handlogten, both of whom would be starters at most high-major programs. With a remarkable offensive rebounding percentage of 38.9%, Florida's physicality and depth in the frontcourt make them a formidable opponent.
After a dominant start to the season, the Auburn Tigers faced challenges late in the year, losing three of their final four games before entering the NCAA Tournament. Despite a shaky beginning against No. 16 seed Alabama State, Auburn found their rhythm and advanced through the tournament, including a comeback victory over No. 5 seed Michigan in the Sweet 16.
This will be Auburn's first Final Four appearance since 2019, as they chase their first national championship. The success of the Tigers heavily relies on Johni Broome, the SEC Player of the Year, whose recent performances have been crucial. Despite earlier struggles in the tournament, Broome bounced back with a standout game against Michigan, scoring 22 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Auburn's defensive prowess is also noteworthy, ranking in the top 10 for both offensive and defensive adjusted efficiency, demonstrating their ability to both score and defend effectively.
The Duke Blue Devils enter the final weekend of the college basketball season as the favorites to win it all. With an exceptional blend of size, experience, and talent, Duke has proven to be a formidable contender. Cooper Flagg, projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, leads a roster that boasts the tallest lineup in Division I basketball. The Blue Devils have demonstrated impressive stats, ranking first in adjusted offensive efficiency and fourth in defensive efficiency according to KenPom.
Duke's shooting stats are equally impressive, sitting in the top 15 for both 2-point and 3-point field goals. Head coach Jon Scheyer is making his first Final Four appearance after taking over from the legendary Mike Krzyzewski in 2022, marking a new era for the program. Duke's last Final Four appearance was in 2022, where they faced a heartbreaking loss to North Carolina. The team looks poised to reclaim glory under Scheyer's leadership.
The Houston Cougars, under the guidance of coach Kelvin Sampson, are known for their exceptional defensive capabilities. This season, they have excelled on the defensive end, ranking first in adjusted defensive efficiency. One of the pleasant surprises for the Cougars this year has been their shooting from beyond the arc, where they lead the nation with a remarkable 39.8% shooting percentage from three-point range. This strategic efficiency has been key to their success, with nearly one-third of their total points coming from long-range shots.
As the 2025 Final Four approaches, basketball fans can expect thrilling matchups filled with drama, skill, and determination. Only time will tell which of these top programs will emerge victorious and take home the coveted national championship title.
