The eagerly awaited Selection Sunday has finally arrived, unveiling the brackets for both the men’s and women’s 2025 NCAA tournaments. Auburn secured the top overall seed in the men’s tournament, edging out Duke, while North Carolina and Texas narrowly made it into the competition amidst some disgruntled snubbed teams. In a historic moment, the SEC achieved a new March Madness record with 14 of its 16 teams qualifying for the tournament. Meanwhile, UCLA emerged as the top overall seed in the women’s bracket, alongside South Carolina, Texas, and USC. The men’s tournament kicks off on Tuesday with the First Four, though fans can start filling out their brackets immediately.
In an unprecedented achievement, Auburn was crowned the top overall seed in this year's men's NCAA tournament, surpassing strong contenders like Duke. This selection day also marked a significant milestone for the Southeastern Conference (SEC), which managed to secure spots for 14 of its 16 teams, setting a new record in March Madness history. Despite these successes, there were murmurs of dissatisfaction from several teams that felt unjustly excluded from the competition. North Carolina and Texas just barely managed to secure their places within the tournament lineup, adding intrigue to the upcoming matches.
On the women's side, UCLA led the charge as the top-seeded team, joined by South Carolina, Texas, and USC, all holding No. 1 seeds. This alignment promises thrilling matchups ahead, showcasing some of the most talented teams in collegiate athletics. Fans eager to predict the outcomes don't have to wait until the games begin; printable brackets are readily available online for both the men's and women's tournaments, allowing enthusiasts to make their picks right away. Furthermore, participants can engage in Yahoo Sports' Bracket Mayhem game for added excitement.
As the anticipation builds, the official schedule outlines key dates for each round. The men’s tournament begins with the First Four on March 18-19, followed by the first and second rounds on March 20-23. Moving forward, the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight will take place from March 27-30, culminating in the Final Four showdown at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on April 5, with the championship game set for April 7. Similarly, the women’s tournament follows a parallel timeline, commencing with the First Four on March 19-20, leading up to the Final Four in Tampa, Florida, on April 4, and concluding with the championship match on April 6.
With the brackets now revealed and schedules firmly in place, fans across the nation gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating series of games. From the early rounds to the climactic championship matches, the 2025 NCAA tournaments are set to deliver unforgettable moments filled with skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. As teams prepare to battle it out on the court, spectators can immerse themselves in the thrill of predicting winners and celebrating victories together.