The 2025 NCAA Tournament kicks off its first action-packed day with 16 first-round games across all four regions on Thursday. Expect a day filled with upsets, thrilling buzzer-beaters, and incredible highlights, starting shortly. If your bracket faces an early setback, don’t worry – there are still opportunities to make up for it with some strategic betting options.
On a day rich with excitement, the first game starts at 12:15 p.m. ET on CBS featuring No. 8 Louisville against No. 9 Creighton, and the action wraps up with No. 3 Texas Tech facing No. 14 UNC Wilmington at 10:10 p.m. ET on TruTV. With so many matchups to choose from, expert predictions are abundant. We have analyzed the statistics and dissected the matchups to present our top five betting picks for the day. This includes a few underdogs that could shock the bracket, a betting angle favoring total points in one of the earlier games, and a conference champion looking to carry its winning momentum into the next round.
Odds provided by SportsLine consensus | All times are Eastern
(5) Michigan vs. (12) UC San Diego
10 p.m. on TBS | March Madness Live
UC San Diego is being touted as a potential upset team that could disrupt brackets if they beat Michigan; however, I’m betting on a late-night finish that sees Michigan halt any “Cinderella” stories. The Wolverines will leverage their size advantage, and with ample preparation time, I expect Coach Dusty May to devise an effective defensive strategy against UCSD’s versatile offense. If Michigan’s Tre Donaldson can hold his own against the Big West Defensive Player of the Year, Hayden Gray, the Big Ten champs should keep their winning form from Indianapolis. Pick: Michigan ML -146
(3) Wisconsin vs. (14) Montana
1:30 p.m. on TNT | March Madness Live
Initially, one might anticipate a slow start with less scoring in the early game from Denver. Yet, underestimating the matchups, Wisconsin should find success against a Montana squad that previously struggled defensively in Big Sky play, especially facing a stronger opponent in this iteration of the Badgers. Montana’s best chance at winning may lie in their offensive prowess since they possess strong shooters who can effectively space the floor. With both teams achieving an over 60% rate in road or neutral settings this season, I anticipate a high-scoring affair. Pick: Over 151.5
(5) Clemson vs. (12) McNeese
3:15 p.m. on TruTV | March Madness Live
Coaching speculation surrounds McNeese’s Will Wade, expected to move to NC State following the Cowboys’ tournament journey. This overshadowed a critical factor in the matchup: Clemson’s loss of veteran guard Dillon Hunter due to injury. Hunter, described as a “glue guy” by Coach Brad Brownell, will be missed, especially with Clemson needing experienced talent to navigate McNeese’s pressure. While I predict Clemson will prevail, the point spread seems excessive against a Cowboys team that previously covered the spread against high-caliber teams like Alabama and Mississippi State. Pick: McNeese +7.5
(8) Gonzaga vs. (9) Georgia
4:35 p.m. on TBS | March Madness Live
Gonzaga has altered its lineups throughout the season, with Coach Mark Few aiming to find the right chemistry for a team that hasn’t consistently hit elite form. Their defensive performance has been lacking, making it challenging to mitigate Georgia’s size advantage, especially with standout freshman Asa Newell at 6-11. The Bulldogs’ capacity to create extra scoring opportunities through offensive rebounding could keep them competitive against Gonzaga’s high-scoring potential. Given the possibility of an upset, I favor taking the multi-possession spread. Pick: Georgia +6.5
(4) Texas A&M vs. (13) Yale
7:15 p.m. on TBS | March Madness Live
Another potential underdog to consider is Yale, which I would not be surprised to see pull off a victory here. Texas A&M, primarily a rebounding team, hasn’t been particularly strong in shooting; however, that rebounding edge may not be as significant against Yale’s solid defensive approach and rebounding prowess. If Wade Taylor IV finds his shooting touch to propel the Aggies, that would be great—though considering their 31.1% shooting from deep this season, it’s likely they won’t easily distance themselves from a Yale squad that includes several returning players from last year’s notable upset over Auburn. Pick: Yale +7.5
