As the excitement builds for the 2025 NCAA Tournament, marquee names from the college basketball season are capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike. This year, Duke's Cooper Flagg and Auburn's Johni Broome are at the forefront of discussions when making 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket picks. The question on everyone’s mind is: who will emerge as the next DJ Burns, a breakout star who leads an unexpected team on a deep run during March Madness, similar to North Carolina State's performance last year?
Historically, the NCAA Tournament has seen its fair share of surprises, with four of the last eight tournaments featuring a double-digit seed reaching the Final Four. As we look ahead to March Madness 2025, it's essential to identify potential Cinderella teams that could shake up the brackets. One such team is Arkansas, which started the season as the No. 16 team in the country under new head coach John Calipari. Despite finishing as a 10 seed in the tournament, the Razorbacks have proven they can be bracket busters this year.
Before finalizing your 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket, it’s crucial to consult reliable predictions. The SportsLine model has simulated every game in the tournament 10,000 times, showcasing an impressive track record of success. Recently, it has accurately predicted over 91% of all CBS Sports brackets in four of the past six tournaments. Last year, the model was spot-on with UConn's championship run and identified 13 teams that made it to the Sweet 16, including Alabama's remarkable journey to the Final Four as a 4-seed.
Additionally, this model has consistently spotted upsets, successfully predicting 24 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds since its inception in 2016. With such proven technology at your disposal, there’s no need to rely on luck when making your 2025 March Madness picks.
As the 2025 NCAA bracket is revealed, the model is already predicting key matchups. One notable pick in the Midwest Region is No. 2 seed Tennessee, which, despite having lost to Kentucky twice this season, is projected to defeat the Wildcats in the Sweet 16. Tennessee boasts one of the best defenses in college basketball, led by experienced point guard Zakai Zeigler. The Vols have won 13 of their last 19 games and demonstrated their prowess by upsetting Auburn in the SEC Tournament semifinals.
Furthermore, Tennessee advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2023 and reached the Elite Eight in 2024, bolstering their confidence heading into the tournament. Kentucky, however, will be without its second-leading scorer, Jaxson Robinson, due to a season-ending wrist injury, making Tennessee a formidable opponent in a potential rematch.
Another anticipated surprise involves No. 5 Clemson taking on No. 4 Purdue in the second round of the Midwest. The model predicts both teams will avoid first-round upsets, setting the stage for an exciting matchup. Clemson has performed exceptionally well, winning 15 of its last 17 games since January 11, with only two losses—one in a thrilling triple-overtime game against Georgia Tech and another against Louisville in the ACC Tournament semifinals.
The Tigers' impressive win streak includes victories over top teams like Duke and North Carolina, showcasing their capability for a deep run in March Madness. With a scoring defense that ranks No. 23 nationally, allowing just 65.7 points per game, and a scoring margin that stands at +10.7 points, Clemson's halftime adjustments are critical. Given that neither team will have ample preparation time for this matchup, Clemson's adaptability could prove decisive against Purdue.
As you prepare to fill out your 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket, the key questions remain: which teams will dominate the tournament-defining matchups, and who will surprise fans with unexpected runs? By leveraging the model's history of accurately predicting bracket-busting upsets, you’ll want to review which surprises it forecasts this year before finalizing your bracket selections.
For detailed insights and expert predictions, check out the SportsLine model's complete 2025 NCAA bracket picks to stay ahead of the competition this March Madness!
