Barack Obama, the former President of the United States, has once again joined the nationwide fervor surrounding March Madness by filling out his 2025 NCAA Tournament brackets. As the tournament officially kicked off on Thursday, March 20, precisely at 12:15 p.m. EDT, fans across the country could feel the excitement intensifying not just in arenas but also in homes, offices, and sports bars.
Spanning over a decade, Obama has been a recognized voice in the annual NCAA tournament deliberation, a tradition that resonates deeply among basketball devotees. 75However, it’s no surprise to those who have followed him closely that he has selected the Duke Blue Devils as champions for this year's tournament. This choice exemplifies his longstanding affinity for the team and reflects a broader trend of enthusiasts rallying around powerhouse programs during the tournament.
This year, the SEC has catapulted itself into the limelight, boasting an impressive 14 out of its 16 teams in the competition, a record that has captured the attention of pundits and fans alike. Given this backdrop, Obama rounded out his Final Four picks with strong SEC representation, featuring Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee alongside Duke.
Yet, the excitement doesn’t end there. Obama’s picks for the women's bracket reveal a keen eye for the formidable programs leading the charge. Notably, he has predicted No. 1 seeds UCLA, USC, and South Carolina, along with No. 3-seeded Notre Dame to emerge from their brackets. In taking a further step, Obama confidently placed his bets on South Carolina to repeat as national champions—an indication of the program's continued prowess.
On the women's side, Obama is particularly optimistic about the performances of Ole Miss and Mississippi State. He has earmarked both teams to progress beyond the first round: No. 5 seeded Ole Miss women are expected to decisively defeat No. 12 Ball State, while No. 9 Mississippi State women are slated to triumph over No. 8 California. However, the road looks rougher in the next phases; Obama anticipates No. 1 USC defeating Mississippi State in the Round of 32 and No. 1 UCLA taking out Ole Miss in the Sweet 16.
Meanwhile, the outlook for the men’s teams hails a different narrative. Surprisingly, Obama hasn’t shown confidence in either Ole Miss or Mississippi State men’s teams to advance past the initial round. He has predicted No. 9 Baylor to knock off No. 8 Mississippi State and has selected No. 11 North Carolina to upset No. 6 Ole Miss, undoubtedly inspired by North Carolina's recent emphatic victory against San Diego State.
Games will be held throughout the weekend, with Ole Miss women facing Ball State on Friday at 5 p.m. in Waco, Texas, while their male counterparts go head-to-head with North Carolina at 3:05 p.m. in Milwaukee. Mississippi State's men will also compete against Baylor on Friday in Raleigh, kicking off their campaign at 11:15 a.m. Additionally, Mississippi State’s women are set to tackle California on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in Los Angeles.
The buzz surrounding March Madness goes beyond mere games; it encapsulates a cultural phenomenon that compels fans and casual observers alike to engage with college basketball’s elite. Obama's predictions and his influence within this arena continue to highlight the tournament's significance, further enriching the annual narrative of excitement, competition, and community celebration.
As brackets across the nation unfold, fans will be glued to their screens, with their hopes intertwined in each vacillating score and buzzer-beater. Indeed, the NCAA tournament has become a showcase of talent, strategy, and fanfare, with Obama’s insight adding an extra sprinkle of intrigue to the unfolding drama.
Whether one is cheering for the underdogs or rooting for established heavyweights, March Madness promises to deliver action and surprises. Following Obama's lead in bracketology is an enjoyable tradition for many; as the storylines develop, the anticipation grows, ensuring that this tournament—like those in the past—will have its fair share of unforgettable moments.
In retrospect, the 2025 NCAA Tournament not only offers a chance to watch thrilling games but also serves as a reminder of the joy and camaraderie that sports foster, echoing the sentiment that this annual event remains a cornerstone of American cultural life.
