March Madness 2025 Bracket Revealed

The wait is over, basketball fans! The March Madness 2025 bracket is finally here, and the excitement is off the charts. After months of jaw-dropping games, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories, the NCAA has unveiled the 68-team field for this year’s men’s tournament. Auburn has claimed the No. 1 overall seed, edging out Duke in a thrilling pre-tournament showdown. Let’s break down the bracket, highlight the teams to watch, and explore the storylines that will dominate the madness this March.

Breaking Down the 2025 March Madness Bracket

The March Madness 2025 bracket is split into four regions: East, Midwest, South, and West. Each region is packed with powerhouse programs, dark-horse contenders, and a few surprises that have fans buzzing. Here’s a quick look at how the top seeds stack up:

Auburn Tigers (No. 1 Overall Seed – South Region): The Tigers dominated the SEC this season, thanks to their high-octane offense and lockdown defense. Head coach Bruce Pearl has his squad firing on all cylinders, making them the team to beat.

- Duke Blue Devils (No. 2 Overall Seed – East Region): Despite losing the top spot to Auburn, Duke remains a title favorite. Freshman phenom Marcus Johnson has been unstoppable, averaging 22 points per game.

- Kansas Jayhawks (No. 3 Overall Seed – Midwest Region): The Jayhawks’ experience and depth make them a nightmare matchup. Can they add another championship banner to Allen Fieldhouse?

- Gonzaga Bulldogs (No. 4 Overall Seed – West Region): The Zags are back with a balanced roster. Their slow-paced, methodical style could frustrate high-scoring teams.

But the fun of March Madness isn’t just about the top seeds—it’s about the underdogs, the bracket-busters, and the chaos that unfolds over three weekends. Let’s dive deeper into each region.

South Region: Auburn’s Path to Glory

Auburn landed in the South Region, and their road to the Final Four looks challenging but manageable. Here’s what stands in their way:

- First-Round Threat: No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson (FDU) pulled off a historic upset as a 16-seed in 2023. Can they shock the world again? Probably not, but March is all about drama.

- Potential Second-Round Matchup: No. 8 seed Florida State vs. No. 9 seed Virginia Tech. Both teams play physical, slow-paced basketball—a style that could disrupt Auburn’s rhythm.

- Sweet 16 Showdown: No. 4 seed Tennessee or No. 5 seed Kentucky. The Vols and Wildcats split their regular-season games, and a third matchup would be must-see TV.

If Auburn survives the South, they’ll likely face Duke or Kansas in the Final Four. But first, they’ll need to avoid the pitfalls that have doomed top seeds in the past.

East Region: Duke’s Quest for Redemption

Duke’s placement in the East Region sets up a potential Cinderella showdown. Here’s the breakdown:

- First-Round Spotlight: No. 15 seed Colgate vs. No. 2 Duke. Colgate’s three-point shooting could cause problems, but Duke’s talent should prevail.

- Sleeper Alert: No. 6 seed St. John’s. The Red Storm are riding a 10-game winning streak and have the guard play to make a deep run.

- Elite Eight Blockbuster: A Duke vs. No. 3 seed UConn rematch. The Huskies knocked Duke out of last year’s tournament, and revenge would be sweet for Coach Jon Scheyer’s squad.

Duke’s path is tougher than Auburn’s, but their star power and coaching make them a safe bet for Houston (Final Four host city).

Midwest Region: Kansas Eyes Another Title

The Midwest Region is stacked with tradition-rich programs. Kansas leads the pack, but watch out for these storylines:

- First-Round Upset Watch: No. 12 seed Drake vs. No. 5 seed Oklahoma. Drake’s senior-heavy roster could outhustle the Sooners.
- Second-Round Drama: No. 4 seed Marquette vs. No. 5 seed Oklahoma/Drake. Marquette’s Shaka Smart thrives in March—don’t count them out.
- Elite Eight Battle: Kansas vs. No. 2 seed Houston. A clash of styles—Kansas’s offense vs. Houston’s defense—would decide who advances.

Kansas has the tools to cut down the nets, but the Midwest is a minefield of tough matchups.

West Region: Gonzaga’s Last Dance?

Gonzaga’s West Region bracket is wide open. Here’s the rundown:

- Cinderella Alert: No. 13 seed Vermont. The Catamounts have a knack for pulling off first-round upsets.

- Sweet 16 Sleeper: No. 6 seed San Diego State. The Aztecs’ defense could stifle Gonzaga’s flow.

- Elite Eight Showdown: Gonzaga vs. No. 2 seed Baylor. A rematch of the 2021 title game? Yes, please!

Gonzaga has come close so many times—will 2025 finally be their year?

5 Teams That Could Bust Your Bracket

1. St. John’s (No. 6 East): Hot at the right time, with a fearless backcourt.
2. Drake (No. 12 Midwest): Veterans + March experience = upset potential.
3. Virginia Tech (No. 9 South): Their three-point shooting can sink anyone.
4. San Diego State (No. 6 West): Defense travels, especially in March.
5. Princeton (No. 11 East): Smart, disciplined, and hungry for another Cinderella run.

3 Storylines to Watch

1. Auburn’s Pressure: Can the Tigers handle the target on their backs?
2. Freshman vs. Experience: Duke’s Marcus Johnson vs. Kansas’s senior-led squad.
3. Mid-Major Magic: Which small-school team will steal the spotlight?

How to Fill Out Your 2025 Bracket

Pick at least two 12-seed upsets: History says one will win.
- Trust teams with strong guard play: Guards win in March.
- Avoid homer picks: Your favorite team will let you down.

Final Final Thoughts

The March Madness 2025 bracket is set, and the madness begins now. Will Auburn cruise to a title? Can Duke’s freshmen handle the pressure? Will a 15-seed make history? One thing’s for sure: Grab your snacks, fill out your bracket, and get ready for the most chaotic three weeks in sports. Let the games begin!