The NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, a thrilling spectacle known as March Madness, officially kicks off on Thursday, March 20, 2025. As teams prepare to battle for the coveted championship, 16 first-round games will unfold, setting the stage for dramatic moments and unforgettable memories.
The excitement begins today at 12:15 p.m. ET when the 8th-seeded University of Louisville faces off against 9th-seeded Creighton University, a match-up rife with potential upsets. The Cardinals, perhaps under-seeded for this tournament, will play in their home state of Kentucky, aiming to capitalize on the local support.
This matchup marks the start of a marathon day of basketball. Just 25 minutes later, at 12:40 p.m. ET, No. 4 Purdue takes on No. 13 High Point. Purdue, with ambitions of advancing far in the tournament, will likely encounter a tough challenge from a High Point team eager to make a name for itself during its inaugural tournament appearance.
No. 3 Wisconsin, competing against No. 14 Montana at 1:30 p.m. ET, is also expected to bring their A-game. Wisconsin is coming off a strong performance in the Big Ten tournament, though they will have to deal with the altitude in Denver, where the game will be played, giving Montana a possible edge.
As the clock strikes 2:00 p.m. ET, the top-ranked Houston Cougars take to the court against 16th-seeded Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. This is a significant moment for the Cougars, who are anticipated to swiftly advance against the first-time participants, whereas SIUE, fresh from winning the Ohio Valley Conference championship, hopes to make history.
At 2:50 p.m. ET, another high-seed, Auburn, enters the fray against No. 16 Alabama State. After their thrilling win against Saint Francis, which ended with a 70-68 score, the Hornets of Alabama State find themselves in a daunting position, attempting to become only the second 16-seed in history to defeat a 1-seed.
The day continues with additional matchups, including No. 5 Clemson versus No. 12 McNeese at 3:15 p.m. ET, No. 6 Brigham Young against No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth at 4:05 p.m. ET, and No. 8 Gonzaga battling No. 9 Georgia shortly thereafter. Each of these games contains its own narratives, rivalries, and opportunities for explosive plays.
As evening descends, renowned teams like No. 2 Tennessee—against No. 15 Wofford—enter the arena at 6:50 p.m. ET, while the storied Kansas Jayhawks prepare for their contest with No. 10 Arkansas at 7:10 p.m. ET. For Kansas, this season has been filled with ups and downs, but their pedigree in the tournament suggests they may find a spark when it matters most.
Following those games, No. 4 Texas A&M meets No. 13 Yale at 7:25 p.m. ET. Yale's return to the tournament—having previously eliminated a top seed last year—positions them as a formidable opponent, underscoring just how unpredictable March Madness can be.
The matchup between No. 6 Missouri and No. 11 Drake at 7:35 p.m. ET promises to be another thrilling contest, particularly given Drake's recent strong performances. Meanwhile, at 9:25 p.m. ET, UCLA, one of the tournament's traditional powers, will face No. 10 Utah State.
The day rounds out with a late-night showdown featuring No. 2 St. John's against No. 15 Omaha at 9:45 p.m. ET, followed by a contest of No. 5 Michigan against No. 12 UC San Diego at 10:00 p.m. ET. Finally, No. 3 Texas Tech meets 14th-seeded UNC Wilmington at 10:10 p.m. ET, wrapping up an exhilarating first day filled with high hopes and potential surprises.
Fans can catch all these exhilarating matchups across major television networks including CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV. Streaming options are also available through platforms such as Paramount+ and Max, ensuring that no viewer misses a moment of the action.
As the teams gear up for battle, bracket predictions and excitement fill the air. Will we witness historic upsets? Which teams will advance to the next round? With so many dynamic players and passionate fanbases, the 2025 March Madness tournament is poised to deliver unforgettable moments that define this beloved season of college basketball.
The complete tournament schedule includes the Second Round on March 22-23, the Sweet 16 on March 27-28, the Elite Eight on March 29-30, and culminates in the Final Four on April 5, followed by the National Championship on April 7, both set to take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
As the anticipation builds and the games unfold, fans from all corners prepare to join in the festivities that only March Madness can bring. Buckle up for a wild ride!
