2025 March Madness is upon us, showcasing the excitement of college basketball as fans eagerly anticipate the clash of the finest teams they’ve supported throughout the season on a grand stage.
The tournament also presents a golden opportunity for numerous underdog teams to shine, introducing them to a national audience that may be unfamiliar with their talent. As millions of viewers prepare to discover new players and teams, here’s a unique insight into each squad participating in this year’s tournament.
[MORE: 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament bracket here]
SOUTH
1. Auburn: Auburn, under the leadership of Bruce Pearl, has secured the No. 1 overall seed, boasting a remarkable 16-5 record in Quad 1 matchups, the highest in the nation.
16. Alabama State: Alabama State’s journey is noteworthy, with head coach Tony Madlock guiding his son, guard TJ Madlock, who shines as one of the team’s leading scorers and top rebounders.
8. Louisville: Senior guard Terrence Edwards Jr. has been on fire lately, averaging 21.6 points per game with impressive shooting percentages of 49.8% from the field and 41.3% from beyond the arc since February 1.
9. Creighton: Center Ryan Kalkbrenner has made history as the second player in Big East history to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors four times, averaging 2.7 blocks per game, the highest in the tournament.
5. Michigan: The Wolverines rely on a formidable duo of 7-footers, Vladislav Goldin and Danny Wolf, who have both experienced Cinderella moments at previous schools, contributing to their current scoring prowess.
12. UC San Diego: The Tritons stand out as one of six teams with 30 wins this season, largely due to their top-ranked defense, led by guard Hayden Gray, who tops the nation in steals with an impressive average of 3.2 per game.
4. Texas A&M: Texas A&M excels in offensive rebounding, achieving a remarkable 42% offensive rebound rate, the best in the tournament, showcasing their tenacity on the boards.
13. Yale: Yale emerges as a formidable 13th seed, ranking highest among lower-seeded teams in both KenPom and NET ratings, with impressive shooting stats of 49% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range.
6. Ole Miss: Ole Miss is recognized for its disciplined offensive play, boasting the lowest turnover percentage among tournament teams at 11.3%, a statistic that has historically not favored tournament success.
11. North Carolina: North Carolina’s participation in the tournament raised eyebrows, especially after their disappointing 1-12 record against Quad 1 opponents this season.
3. Iowa State: The Cyclones face a significant setback with the absence of second-leading scorer Keshon Gilbert due to injury, as they struggle with offensive consistency, recording more turnovers than assists in recent games.
14. Lipscomb: Lipscomb’s Cinderella potential appears dim, having faced defeats against tournament teams like Arkansas and Kentucky by substantial margins earlier in the season.
7. Marquette: Marquette enters the tournament struggling, with a 5-7 record in their last 12 games, including a disappointing 1-6 against tournament-bound teams during that period.
10. New Mexico: Nelly Junior Joseph leads all tournament players in rebounds, averaging 11.2 per game, though he faced challenges in earlier matchups, including a low of four boards against St. John’s.
15. Bryant: Bryant is under the guidance of Phil Martelli Jr., the son of the legendary Saint Joseph’s coach, as he prepares to make his NCAA Tournament debut, following in his father’s footsteps.
WEST
1. Florida: Florida’s offensive prowess has been a key factor in their recent success, winning 12 of their last 13 games while maintaining the highest offensive rating in the nation according to KenPom.
16. Norfolk State: Norfolk State’s Brian Moore Jr. stands out as a top scorer in the tournament, averaging 18.4 points per game, with a notable performance against Tennessee earlier in the season.
8. UConn: UConn aims for history as they seek to become the first team since UCLA to win three consecutive titles, despite entering the tournament as an unusually low No. 8 seed under Dan Hurley.
9. Oklahoma: Oklahoma faced challenges in a competitive SEC, finishing with a 6-12 conference record, yet they triumphed against non-conference opponents who made the tournament.
5. Memphis: Memphis’s PJ Haggerty stands out as the tournament’s leading scorer, averaging 21.8 points per game, contributing to their strong performance against tournament teams.
12. Colorado State: Nique Clifford of Colorado State is a versatile player, ranking in the top 50 for points and rebounds while also contributing assists, showcasing his all-around game.
4. Maryland: Maryland’s Derik Queen is a standout freshman, averaging 16.3 points and nine rebounds, anchoring a defense ranked ninth in the nation for defensive rating.
13. Grand Canyon: Grand Canyon is known for its fast-paced style, ranking 15th in KenPom’s adjusted tempo, making them one of the most exciting teams to watch in the tournament.
6. Missouri: Missouri excels at drawing fouls, leading the nation in free throw-to-field goal attempt ratio, though they struggle with free-throw shooting percentage.
11. Drake: Drake’s defense has been formidable, allowing the fewest points per game this season, aided by their slow tempo, which limits opponents’ scoring opportunities.
14. UNC Wilmington: UNC Wilmington’s offensive efficiency ranks among the best for mid-major teams, showcasing their ability to score effectively throughout the season.
7. Kansas: Kansas’s head coach Bill Self has a remarkable tournament history, winning at least one game in 23 of his 25 tournament appearances, showcasing his coaching acumen.
2. St. John’s: St. John’s boasts one of the most efficient defenses in the tournament, ranking third in defensive rating, making them a challenging opponent for any team.
15. Omaha: Omaha has proven to be a strong contender against the spread, boasting an impressive 23-9 record, making them an intriguing option for bettors.
EAST
1. Duke: Duke’s impressive 31-3 record has earned them both ACC regular-season and tournament titles, with freshman Cooper Flagg being a standout player on both offense and defense.
16. Mount St. Mary’s: Mount St. Mary’s Carmelo Pacheco is the tournament’s top 3-point shooter by percentage, though he missed vital games due to injury, raising questions about his impact.
8. Mississippi State: Mississippi State’s recent performance has been shaky, yet guard Josh Hubbard has emerged as a scoring leader, averaging 22.4 points during a challenging stretch.
9. Baylor: Baylor has struggled against top-tier teams this season, finishing with a disappointing 5-12 record against Quad 1 opponents, raising concerns about their tournament readiness.
5. Oregon: Oregon’s head coach Dana Altman has a strong track record in the tournament, with a remarkable 16-6-1 record against the spread, making them a reliable choice for bettors.
12. Liberty: Liberty remains undefeated in games where they allow fewer than 70 points, emphasizing their defensive strength throughout the season.
4. Arizona: Arizona is among the few higher-seeded teams with a losing record in Quad 1 matchups, creating uncertainty about their performance in the tournament.
13. Akron: Akron’s John Groce has a solid tournament record against the spread, yet he seeks his first tournament victory with the Zips, having previously achieved success at Ohio.
6. BYU: BYU enters the tournament hot, winning nine of their last ten games and demonstrating their capability against tournament-bound teams.
11. VCU: VCU is gaining traction as a popular Cinderella candidate, boasting a strong ranking in KenPom and only one loss since early February.
3. Wisconsin: Wisconsin’s free-throw shooting stands out as the best in the nation at 82.6%, a stat that could prove vital in close tournament games.
14. Montana: Montana has been labeled the luckiest team this season according to KenPom’s luck rating, raising eyebrows about their potential in the tournament.
7. Saint Mary’s: Saint Mary’s head coach Randy Bennett enters his 11th tournament appearance, having advanced past the first weekend only once in the previous ten attempts.
10. Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt’s schedule has been tough, facing tournament teams in their last 15 games, resulting in a mixed record of 6-9 during that stretch.
2. Alabama: Alabama’s offense continues to dominate, leading the nation in points per game for the second consecutive year, showcasing their scoring ability.
15. Robert Morris: Robert Morris stands out against the spread, with a 25-8 record this season, making them one of the more reliable teams in the tournament.
MIDWEST
1. Houston: Houston’s defensive strategy under Kelvin Sampson has proven effective, ranking second in points allowed per game and showcasing their defensive prowess.
16. SIU Edwardsville: SIU Edwardsville celebrates its first NCAA Tournament appearance at the Division I level, led by cousins Ray’Sean Taylor and Brian Taylor, who have made significant contributions.
8. Gonzaga: Gonzaga’s Mark Few has maintained a tournament-winning streak since 2008, although this year’s seed marks their lowest since 2016.
9. Georgia: This tournament marks Mike White’s first appearance with Georgia, having previously succeeded in his tournament runs with Florida.
5. Clemson: Clemson showcases a resilient team, with three of their six losses coming in overtime, indicating their competitive nature.
12. McNeese: McNeese faced challenges against NCAA Tournament teams this season, losing all three of their matchups by narrow margins.
4. Purdue: Purdue’s Trey Kaufman-Renn has emerged as a standout player, significantly improving his scoring average this season, showcasing his development.
13. High Point: High Point features one of the tournament’s most efficient offenses, boasting an impressive offensive rating that ranks among the best in the nation.
6. Illinois: Illinois’s Kasparas Jakucionis is a player to watch, aiming for a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, with a strong scoring average this season.
11. Xavier: Xavier’s three-point shooting ability is a key asset, ranking second among tournament teams, making them a threat from beyond the arc.
3. Kentucky: Kentucky’s challenging schedule has prepared them well, as they faced one of the toughest slates in the nation, despite a mixed record in Quad 1 games.
14. Troy: Troy’s defense has proven to be difficult to penetrate, with opponents shooting just 40.3%, showcasing their defensive capabilities.
7. UCLA: UCLA has consistently reached the second weekend of the tournament under Mick Cronin, showcasing their ability to perform when it matters most.
10. Utah State: Utah State’s offensive efficiency ranks among the best for lower-seeded teams, making them a potential surprise in the tournament.
2. Tennessee: Tennessee’s defense is formidable, ranking among the top two in the nation, known for their ability to limit opponents’ shooting percentages.
15. Wofford: Wofford’s center Kyler Filewich gained attention as the tournament MVP in the Southern Conference, noted for his unique granny-style free-throw shooting technique.
