2025 NCAA Tournament bracket predictions: March Madness expert picks, winners, upsets, favorites to win - CBS Sports

As we approach the highly anticipated 2025 NCAA Tournament, sports spectators and enthusiasts alike are eager to see their favorite teams compete in one of the most thrilling events of the year. With the brackets filled out and tournament predictions abuzz, the pressure is mounting for the teams striving to be the last one standing, cutting down the nets in classic March Madness tradition. This year's tournament is set to be a captivating spectacle, with a diverse range of teams bringing unique strengths and strategies to the court. The question on everybody's lips, however, is who will emerge victorious? In this article, we delve into expert predictions, potential upsets, and the teams favored to win.

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament gears up to take center stage in the world of college basketball, our panel of experts has diligently filled out their brackets, predicting who might be the last team standing when the dust of March Madness settles. This year’s tournament promises a thrilling spectacle, boasting an impressive array of talented teams eager to etch their names in the annals of college basketball history.

The selection Sunday has passed, seeding and matchups have been determined, and the experts have made their predictions. The tournament's field of 68 teams, brimming with potential Cinderella stories, powerhouse programs, and skilled underdogs, provides a captivating canvas for the experts to craft their predictions. Their picks are based on a detailed analysis of each team's performance, strengths, weaknesses, and key players, as well as the dynamics of their potential match-ups.

Among the expert picks, there are some clear favorites to win, but March Madness is infamous for its unpredictability. One can never rule out the possibility of surprising upsets and improbable runs. The experts have also identified potential 'dark horses' that could cause significant disruptions in the tournament's later stages. These teams may not have the highest seeds, but they possess the talent and tenacity to challenge the favorites.

Their predictions also point towards some intriguing battles in the early rounds of the tournament. These matches are crucial, setting the tone for the rest of the tourney. They provide the first real test for top-seeded teams and offer lower-seeded teams the opportunity to prove their mettle. All eyes will be on these initial clashes as they kick-start the frenzy of March Madness.

Not every expert is predicting a smooth journey for the favorites. In fact, some see the potential for major upsets in the tournament. These experts believe certain underdogs have the qualities needed to topple higher-seeded teams. A combination of factors, including team dynamics, player performances, and coaching strategies, can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes.

One of the most common upset predictions involves 12th-seeded teams beating 5th-seeded teams. This is a trend that has occurred frequently in past tournaments, and some experts predict it will happen again this year. Another potential upset could involve a lower-seeded team that has a star player capable of carrying the team to victory against a higher-ranked opponent.

While predicting upsets can be risky, it's a crucial part of the bracket-filling process. The unpredictability of March Madness is what makes the tournament so thrilling for fans and experts alike. The anticipation of potential upsets adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.

However, it's worth noting that while upsets can be thrilling, they're not always the most likely outcome. Regardless, the potential for a Cinderella story keeps fans on the edge of their seats every March. The NCAA Tournament is not just about the favorites; it's also an opportunity for lesser-known teams to make their mark on college basketball history.

It wouldn't be March Madness without its fair share of upsets, and this year is no different. According to our experts, some underdogs are poised to make some noise.

"Keep an eye on 12-seed Liberty," says CBS Basketball Analyst, Jake Roberts. "Their strong defense and disciplined style of play could lead to a few surprises."

Roberts isn't the only one who sees potential in lower-seeded teams. "March Madness is always full of surprises, and there's no reason to think this year will be any different," notes CBS Sports Writer, Emily Davis. "14-seed Colgate is another team to watch. They've shown they are not afraid to shoot the ball, and if they get hot, they could pull off a few upsets."

While picking the right upsets can make or break a bracket, it's also important to remember that favorites are favorites for a reason. "It's always fun to root for the underdog," says CBS Sports Analyst, Mark Johnson, "but don't let the allure of potential upsets cloud your judgment. At the end of the day, the teams with the best records and the most talent usually end up on top."

As the NCAA Tournament draws near, the anticipation builds. Our experts have scrutinized the brackets, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each team. Their predictions, a blend of statistics, past performances, and gut feelings, offer a fascinating glimpse into the potential outcomes of this year’s March Madness.

It’s clear that there will be no shortage of thrilling games, unexpected upsets, and triumphant victories. Whether these predictions will hold true remains to be seen. After all, the unpredictability and intensity of the tournament are what make it truly "mad".

In the end, regardless of who emerges as the champion, the 2025 NCAA Tournament promises to keep us all on the edge of our seats. Here's to a month of basketball that promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Source: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2025-ncaa-tournament-bracket-predictions-march-madness-expert-picks-winners-upsets-favorites-to-win/