Predicting each round, including the winner

With Selection Sunday behind us, the 2025 NCAA Tournament is set, and it’s time to finalize brackets. Every year, March Madness delivers stunning upsets, deep Cinderella runs, and powerhouse performances from top seeds.

While predicting the perfect bracket is nearly impossible, breaking down matchups, team strengths, and key trends can provide an edge. After extensive analysis, here are the predictions for all games—each with a reason why.

First Round: Early Upsets and Dominant Performances

Top seeds handle business as No. 1 Auburn, No. 1 Duke, No. 1 Houston, and No. 1 Florida all cruise past their opponents. However, the madness starts early with No. 13 Yale pulling off an upset over No. 4 Texas A&M, thanks to their sharpshooting from beyond the arc. No. 11 VCU also stuns No. 6 BYU with their relentless defensive pressure.

The biggest statement of the round comes from No. 8 Gonzaga, a team ranked in the KenPom top 10 but seeded too low at No. 8. They prove their worth by knocking off No. 9 Georgia. Meanwhile, No. 12 Colorado State exposes No. 5 Memphis’ backcourt injuries and secures another shocking upset.

Second Round: Cinderella Runs and Contenders Emerging

As the second round unfolds, the Cinderella story of No. 13 Yale continues with a thrilling victory over No. 5 Michigan.

Despite their deep frontcourt, the Wolverines can’t keep up with Yale’s perimeter shooting. Top teams remain steady, as No. 1 Duke, No. 1 Auburn, No. 1 Houston, and No. 1 Florida all advance, proving their dominance.

No. 5 Oregon, led by the underrated duo of Jackson Shelstad and Nate Bittle, edges out No. 4 Arizona in a hard-fought battle. Meanwhile, No. 3 Wisconsin takes down No. 11 VCU, relying on veteran experience and three-point shooting to advance.

Sweet 16: Championship Hopefuls Take Control

The tournament’s top teams begin to separate themselves in the Sweet 16. No. 1 Auburn exacts revenge on No. 13 Yale after last year’s shocking loss, with Johni Broome dominating in the paint. No. 2 Michigan State ends No. 6 Ole Miss’ run with a clutch performance from Tre Holloman.

In the East, No. 1 Duke moves past No. 5 Oregon, with Cooper Flagg and Tyrese Proctor leading the charge. No. 2 Alabama knocks out No. 3 Wisconsin as Grant Nelson shines on both ends.

In the Midwest, No. 1 Houston’s three-point shooting proves too much for No. 5 Clemson, while No. 2 Tennessee avenges two regular-season losses to Kentucky with a strong defensive effort.

The West sees No. 1 Florida overpower No. 4 Maryland, while No. 3 Texas Tech advances past No. 2 St. John’s with their elite perimeter shooting.

Elite Eight: Powerhouses Secure Final Four Spots

With a trip to the Final Four on the line, the tournament’s top seeds rise to the occasion. No. 1 Auburn outlasts No. 2 Michigan State as Broome dominates inside, supported by key contributions from Miles Kelly and Chaney Johnson.

In the East, No. 1 Duke outguns No. 2 Alabama in a high-scoring battle, showcasing elite offensive efficiency.

No. 1 Houston grinds out a tough win over No. 2 Tennessee, relying on its deep backcourt to control the tempo.

In the West, No. 1 Florida proves too balanced for No. 3 Texas Tech, using their frontcourt depth and perimeter shooting to pull away.

Final Four: The Best of the Best

The Final Four features four No. 1 seeds, setting up heavyweight clashes. In the first semifinal, No. 1 Florida takes down SEC rival No. 1 Auburn, demonstrating their versatility and ability to adapt to any playing style. Walter Clayton Jr. leads the way as the Gators advance to the title game.

In the other semifinal, No. 1 Houston’s dominant guard play gives them the edge over No. 1 Duke, securing their spot in the championship.

Championship: Florida Completes Its Dominant Run

The title game comes down to No. 1 Florida and No. 1 Houston, two teams with elite talent and depth.

In the end, Florida’s combination of experience, three-point shooting, and physicality proves too much, as we predict the Gators to claim the 2025 NCAA Tournament crown. With every key ingredient—guard play, defensive versatility, and NBA-level talent—Florida might just cement its place as the best team in college basketball.

March Madness is unpredictable, and surprises are inevitable, but these predictions outline how the tournament could unfold.

Many celebrities have been giving their own predictions, including television legend Jimmy Fallon who believes St. John’s will end up victorious.

Will the Gators complete their dominant run, or will chaos reign once again? Either way, the madness is just beginning.