As the NCAA basketball tournaments commence, enthusiasts are exploring unconventional methods to craft their brackets. While sports outcomes remain unpredictable, individuals have turned to unique strategies for inspiration. This article delves into three unusual techniques people employed in 2025 to design their March Madness brackets.

Among these approaches is leveraging artificial intelligence like ChatGPT, opting for team mascots as a deciding factor, and even consulting pets for guidance. Each method offers an entertaining twist to the traditional bracket-building process, showcasing creativity and humor in equal measure.

AI-Powered Predictions

The integration of AI tools such as ChatGPT into the bracket selection process represents a modern take on this annual tradition. By automating predictions, users gain insights that may not align with conventional wisdom, though initial attempts by AI might lack accuracy.

ChatGPT's involvement in creating brackets highlights both its potential and limitations. Initially, it failed to include the correct teams, demonstrating the challenges AI faces when dealing with nuanced contexts. Moreover, its selections leaned heavily toward predictable favorites, indicating a cautious approach rather than bold upsets. Despite these shortcomings, using AI adds a layer of intrigue to the otherwise random nature of sports forecasting.

Pet-Inspired and Mascot-Driven Choices

For those seeking more whimsical ways to select their brackets, turning to animal instincts or mascot appeal provides delightful alternatives. These methods rely less on analytical data and more on charm and personality traits associated with animals or mascots.

Choosing teams based on mascots transforms the experience into a playful exercise where fans pick their favorites simply because they admire the character representation. For instance, selecting Wofford Terriers purely due to their mascot exemplifies how personal preference can shape decisions without regard for performance metrics. Similarly, asking dogs for input via social media platforms injects humor and unpredictability into the mix, proving that sometimes the joy lies in the journey rather than the destination. Both approaches underscore the fun aspect of participating in March Madness while acknowledging the inherent randomness of game results.