Take a breather, college basketball enthusiasts! The past weekend was nothing short of a whirlwind, likely wreaking havoc on many brackets. Despite dodging wild first-round upsets, the NCAA Tournament stayed true to its reputation, leaving us now with the top 16 contenders of the 2025 college basketball campaign. Let’s dive into the elite group still eyeing that coveted trip to San Antonio in early April.
- Duke (33-3)
Duke reigned supreme as the popular choice to clinch the NCAA title, and they’ve certainly met expectations with a commanding opening week. Notably, Cooper Flagg appears in top form, setting the stage for an even bigger week in his budding college career. He aims to further cement his impressive legacy in Durham amid a sizzling East regional.
- Florida (32-4)
The Gators pulled off an epic win. Walter Clayton stole the show with a stellar second-half performance, toppling the two-time reigning champs to keep the dream alive. Sunday’s game epitomized the "survive and advance" mantra, and Coach Todd Golden’s squad is just delighted to be part of this lineup after that heart-pounding showdown with the Huskies.
- Houston (32-4)
Going up against Gonzaga in the Round of 32 felt like a preview of the Elite Eight for the Cougars, but Kelvin Sampson’s team avoided a late-game unraveling. They’re now poised for an exhilarating week ahead, boasting strong odds of making it back to the Final Four and chasing the program’s first-ever national championship.
- Auburn (30-5)
Although the Tigers didn’t play their best, they’re still in the dance as they head into the second weekend. Their success was bolstered by two powerful second-half surges and a matchup with Michigan that doesn’t seem too daunting for Bruce Pearl’s squad. Auburn is likely the favorite in the South regional final this weekend.
- Tennessee (29-7)
Tennessee showcased sharp skills in their opening weekend and should feel confident about returning to the Elite Eight for the second year running. Their defensive prowess was exceptional, even by their standards, which they’ll need again facing off against one of the top offenses in the country.
- Alabama (27-8)
In Sunday night’s game, Alabama proved faster than Saint Mary’s, advancing to the Sweet 16. The Crimson Tide could present an intriguing challenge to top-seeded Duke in the East if both advance to the regional final, setting the stage for an epic tournament clash.
- Kentucky (24-11)
For the first time since before COVID hit, the Kentucky Wildcats find themselves in the second weekend. This fact is intriguing until fans remember John Calipari also guided No. 10 Arkansas to the same point. The Wildcats won’t be satisfied without outdoing their former coach’s performance, which starts with yet another showdown with Tennessee.
- Texas Tech (27-8)
Despite battling injuries, the Red Raiders pushed through the first weekend. They dominated Drake in the paint on Saturday, setting up a significant clash with John Calipari and Arkansas in the Sweet 16 — a must-see matchup in college basketball.
- Maryland (27-8)
The Terps rejoiced after being on the right side of a last-second shot, although they nearly saw their hopes crushed against Colorado State. Thanks to hero Derik Queen, Maryland extended their season with a dramatic finish in Seattle.
- Michigan State (29-6)
Though they didn’t shine in either game, the Spartans upheld Tom Izzo’s March legacy with two wins, advancing in the South regional. Their standout depth during the first weekend, particularly Coen Carr’s remarkable performances, provided crucial support when needed.
- Arizona (24-12)
Early on, the Wildcats seemed defeated against Oregon but rallied to eliminate the Ducks in this former Pac-12 showdown. The win affords Caleb Love another chance to break Duke’s hearts, although it will demand a stellar performance against the tournament favorites.
- Ole Miss (24-11)
Shooting from beyond the arc and a stifling defense are proving effective for Chris Beard. Known for tournament surprises, his Rebels frustrated UNC in round one and dominated Iowa State on Sunday, giving the SEC another reason to boast about a fantastic opening week.
- Michigan (27-9)
The Wolverines rode their momentum from the Big Ten Tournament to overcome a challenging bracket. They held off UC San Diego and rallied against Texas A&M, poised to meet the No. 1 overall seed in Atlanta.
- Purdue (24-11)
Despite being underestimated as a No. 4 seed, Purdue is still standing, ready to tackle a formidable Houston squad. The Boilermakers thrive on screen plays, but how they handle Houston’s blitzing could determine their fate. I’m betting on Houston to win by a sizable margin.
- BYU (26-9)
BYU entered the tournament with momentum, and though their first matchup with VCU seemed daunting, they emerged unscathed, also dispatching No. 3 Wisconsin despite a late comeback bid, cementing their Sweet 16 spot.
- Arkansas (22-13)
Initially, it looked improbable that Arkansas would make it here following a sluggish SEC start. But the talent shone through, as they upset St. John’s to triumphantly reach the second weekend. Extending the season will be challenging, yet their five-star talent cannot be overlooked.
Players of the Week:
Walter Clayton, Florida Gators: Clayton emerged as a new March icon on Sunday in Raleigh, stepping up with 15 crucial points in the second half against UConn, vaulting Florida into the Sweet 16.
JT Toppin, Texas Tech Red Raiders: Toppin dominated in the paint, amassing 53 points alongside Darrion Williams over two games, key to Tech’s opening tournament successes.
Tyrese Proctor, Duke Blue Devils: Proctor turned his perimeter game around, going 13-18 from beyond the arc during the tournament, propelling Duke past rivals with sheer precision.
LJ Cryer, Houston Cougars: Inspired by greats from his freshman year, Cryer showcased his scoring flair against Gonzaga, tallying 30 points thanks to his flawless shooting.
Chaz Lanier, Tennessee Volunteers: Lanier’s shooting prowess fueled Tennessee’s victories over Wofford and UCLA, with his 10 three-pointers pivotal to continuing their tournament journey.
Play of the Week:
Nothing beats the thrill of a buzzer-beater in the NCAA Tournament. Derik Queen delivered just that in a crucial moment for Maryland, helping his team stave off what might have been the weekend’s biggest upset. Watch as his deft maneuvers and finish bolster his draft prospects: Video Link. Video Credit: NCAA March Madness on X.
