It’s March Madness season again! The 2025 NCAA Tournament officially tips off, and excitement is palpable as 68 teams from Division I men’s and women’s basketball prepare to compete for the ultimate prize. The action begins on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, with the First Four play-in round, featuring the lowest-ranked conference champions and at-large teams fighting for their spot in the main bracket. Meanwhile, the women's side kicks off its First Four one day later, on Wednesday, March 19. With thrilling matchups already stirring anticipation, let's break down what to expect this tournament season.
For the men's tournament, the First Four matches will air exclusively on TruTV, continuing the tradition established back in 2011. Once the round of 64 commences, viewers can catch games on CBS, TNT, TBS, and TruTV. Some of the must-watch games to look out for include:
- (7) Kansas vs. (10) Arkansas – CBS
- (8) Louisville vs. (9) Creighton – CBS
- (6) Missouri vs. (11) Drake – TruTV
- (5) Memphis vs. (12) UC San Diego – TBS
No need for cable? No worries! CBS matches will stream on Paramount+, and you can find TNT, TBS, and TruTV games via Max. The women's tournament, on the other hand, will be broadcast exclusively through the ESPN family of channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ABC, providing plenty of opportunities for fans to watch their favorite teams.
Notable women's matchups include:
- (3) LSU vs. (14) San Diego State – ESPN
- (1) South Carolina vs. (16) Tennessee Tech – ESPN
- (7) Louisville vs. (10) Nebraska – ESPN
- (8) California vs. (9) Mississippi State – ESPN2
For those seeking alternative viewing options, you can catch all the action through streaming platforms like Sling or FuboTV. Keep in mind, some games may be region-locked, so utilizing a VPN is recommended if you're traveling or just want to be on the safe side.
The Florida Gators, with a remarkable record of 30-4, have captured the No. 1 seed after dominating the SEC Tournament with victories over Missouri, Alabama, and Tennessee by a combined 45 points. Led by the exceptional Walter Clayton Jr., who averages 17.5 points per game, the Gators are solid contenders entering the tournament. Their first-round matchup will pit them against No. 16 Norfolk State, champions of MEAC.
With pundits predicting the Gators as favorites for the Final Four, it begs the question: can Coach Todd Golden's team deliver on the hype?
Looking to the South Region, one of the most captivating pairs to watch will be the No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 12 UC San Diego game. Michigan enters the tournament following a tense 59-53 victory against Wisconsin, securing the Big Ten title, whereas UC San Diego boasts impressive momentum with 15 consecutive wins, capping off their Big West championship. Also noteworthy is UC San Diego’s defense, which ranks sixth nationally, allowing only 61.6 points per game.
Another intriguing matchup to keep on your radar is the No. 8 Louisville against No. 9 Creighton game. Louisville seems to be underseeded, sitting 10th in the latest AP poll and winning 11 straight games before falling to Duke. With Creighton coming off their own strong campaign, this projection has all the makings of unpredictable excitement.
Texas A&M, seeded fourth, will face off against 13th-seed Yale, known for their gutsy performances against higher-ranked opponents. With John Poulakidas returning, Yale could be primed for another shocking upset.
Mark your calendars for these highly anticipated dates:
- First Four: March 18-19
- First round: March 20-21
- Second round: March 22-23
- Sweat 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 5
- National championship game: April 7
The NCAA Tournament selection committee released the 2025 bracket on March 16, generating excitement among fans as they finalize their brackets. With the thrill of each game drawing viewers, it's clear this year’s March Madness is set to deliver moments of suspense, incredible performances, and perhaps even some bracket-busting surprises. Just as CBS Sports remarked, "This promises to be one of the most unpredictable matchups of the first round."
So, whether you're relying on your instincts or sophisticated algorithms, there's no shortage of ways to engage with March Madness 2025. Be sure to tune in, and may the best team win!
