Live coverage of
2025 Men’s March Madness
This article is part of the
Bracket Central
series, offering insights on the lead-up to both the men’s and women’s
NCAA Tournaments, as well as analysis and predictions throughout the tournaments.
Initial Rounds and Upsets
The 2025 men’s NCAA Tournament has started off with some surprising results. In the first round, McNeese upset Clemson, while Colorado State triumphed over Memphis in a rare scenario where a No. 12 seed was favored. Notably, no teams seeded 13-16 managed to secure a victory post the First Four rounds for the first time since 2017.
Bracket Implications
This could mean your bracket is in solid shape, but it is vital to remember that everyone else’s might be as well. The emphasis now lies in correctly predicting the national champion, as all top contenders remain in contention.
Performance of Top Teams
Houston and Duke showcased their strength in the round of 64, while Auburn, Florida, and other leading teams also advanced past their mid-major opponents. Despite little movement in our Stock Watch, the narrowing field may lead to further surprises as the tournament progresses.
Highlights from Key Matches
Duke’s convincing win against Mount St. Mary’s puts them on a collision course with Baylor, who excels with a strong backcourt but lacks size. Cooper Flagg’s return from injury is a significant boost for the Blue Devils. Meanwhile, Florida must contend with defending champions in their next game, while Houston overwhelmed SIUE, securing a healthy J’Wan Roberts for their upcoming match against Gonzaga.
Other Notable Performances
Teams like Alabama and Maryland put on stellar displays, with Alabama’s offense bolstered by a strong showing from Mark Sears against Robert Morris and Maryland dominating Grand Canyon. A special mention goes to Kentucky, who addressed defensive concerns and limited Troy’s options while contributing to a strong team effort.
Upcoming Challenges
As the tournament advances, Michigan State aims to continue its upward trajectory against New Mexico, while Iowa State and Tennessee prepare for challenging second-round matchups. With numerous storylines developing, fans are left eager for what lies ahead in this year’s March Madness.
Note: The Bracket Central series is sponsored by E*Trade from Morgan Stanley. The Athletic retains full editorial independence, with sponsors having no influence over the reporting process.
(Illustration: Will Tullos / The Athletic; Photos: John E. Moore III, Dustin Satloff, Scott Winters / Getty Images)
