2025 NCAA Men's Final Four Predictions: Expert Picks and Championship Insights

Discover the 2025 NCAA Men's Final Four predictions from ESPN's top analysts. Get insights on which teams are favored to win and who might cut down the nets in San Antonio.

The 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With the bracket set and the field of 68 teams ready to compete, ESPN's panel of 58 analysts has weighed in with their predictions for the Final Four and the national champion. Here's a breakdown of their expert picks and insights.

Duke Dominates the East

Duke is the clear favorite in the East region, with 77% of analysts predicting the Blue Devils will advance to the Final Four. Jay Bilas and Kevin Brown are among the many who see Duke cutting down the nets in San Antonio. The ACC Network's Wes Durham even went as far as to predict all four No. 1 seeds making the Final Four.

Spartans vs. Tigers in the South

The South region is a battle between the top-seeded Tigers and the 2-seed Spartans, with 58% of analysts favoring the Tigers. Both teams are looking to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2019. Texas A&M, known for its strong offensive rebounding, also received a vote from commentator Scott Williams.

Houston Aims for Home Glory

Houston is the most popular pick in the Midwest region, with many analysts predicting the Cougars will make a deep run in their home state. Tennessee, with one of the best defenses in the country, is the second-most popular pick. Clemson, riding a 15-2 run, also received some support.

Florida's Strong Presence in the West

Florida is the overwhelming favorite in the West region, with support from Joe Lunardi and Dick Vitale. The Gators have a history of success in the tournament, and this year looks no different. St. John's, led by Rick Pitino, is the next most popular pick.

Championship Predictions

The race for the national championship is tight, with Duke and Florida tied as the top picks. Houston is the only other team with double-figure votes. Analysts are split, but the consensus is that this year's tournament will be one for the ages.

Final Thoughts

Whether you agree with the experts or have your own predictions, the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament promises to deliver thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. Be sure to fill out your bracket and join the excitement!

What to Read Next

Trump's Executive Order Shakes Up College Sports: Preserving Opportunities and Regulating Athlete Payments
NCAAM

Trump's Executive Order Shakes Up College Sports: Preserving Opportunities and Regulating Athlete Payments

President Trump's executive order aims to preserve college sports opportunities and regulate athlete payments, sparking debates on NCAA policies and athlete rights.

NCAA Tournament Expansion Decision Expected This Fall: What It Means for College Basketball
NCAAM

NCAA Tournament Expansion Decision Expected This Fall: What It Means for College Basketball

NCAA president Charlie Baker hints at a fall decision on expanding the men's and women's basketball tournaments, with potential changes by 2026.

Navigating the New Era of NCAAM Recruiting: Challenges and Uncertainties in the Revenue-Share Model
NCAAM

Navigating the New Era of NCAAM Recruiting: Challenges and Uncertainties in the Revenue-Share Model

Explore the complexities and uncertainties in NCAAM recruiting as coaches and players adapt to the new revenue-sharing model and evolving NIL regulations.

New NCAA Regulations Shake Up Athlete NIL Deals: What You Need to Know
NCAAM

New NCAA Regulations Shake Up Athlete NIL Deals: What You Need to Know

The College Sports Commission has rejected numerous NIL deals, signaling a major shift in how college athletes can profit from their name, image, and likeness.

New Legislation Aims to Reshape NCAA Sports Funding and NIL Regulations
NCAAM

New Legislation Aims to Reshape NCAA Sports Funding and NIL Regulations

Explore the latest legislative efforts to regulate NCAA sports funding and NIL payments, aiming to set national standards and protect Olympic programs.

NCAA March Madness Expansion: Future Prospects and Strategic Insights
NCAAM

NCAA March Madness Expansion: Future Prospects and Strategic Insights

Exploring the potential expansion of the NCAA March Madness tournaments, discussing the viability and strategic implications for college basketball.

NCAA Announces 2026-27 Division I Basketball Committee Chairs: Newton and Darger Take the Helm
NCAAM

NCAA Announces 2026-27 Division I Basketball Committee Chairs: Newton and Darger Take the Helm

The NCAA has appointed Martin Newton and Liz Darger as chairs for the 2026-27 Division I men's and women's basketball committees, marking a significant leadership transition.

Auburn's Rising Star Tahaad Pettiford Faces DUI Arrest: Impact on NCAA Basketball Future
NCAAM

Auburn's Rising Star Tahaad Pettiford Faces DUI Arrest: Impact on NCAA Basketball Future

Auburn's promising basketball star Tahaad Pettiford was arrested for DUI, raising concerns about his future in NCAA basketball and his impact on the team's upcoming season.

Top Indiana High School Basketball Stars Since 2000: From Greg Oden to Skylar Diggins
NCAAM

Top Indiana High School Basketball Stars Since 2000: From Greg Oden to Skylar Diggins

Explore the top high school basketball talents from Indiana since 2000, featuring legends like Greg Oden and Skylar Diggins.

Duke Basketball's All-Time Roster: Cooper Flagg's Historic Rise and the Legends Who Shaped the Blue Devils
NCAAM

Duke Basketball's All-Time Roster: Cooper Flagg's Historic Rise and the Legends Who Shaped the Blue Devils

Explore Duke Basketball's all-time roster, featuring legends like Grant Hill and Christian Laettner, and the rise of Cooper Flagg in NCAA history.

Ryan Alpert Joins Georgia Tech as New Athletic Director: A Strategic Move for Future Success
NCAAM

Ryan Alpert Joins Georgia Tech as New Athletic Director: A Strategic Move for Future Success

Georgia Tech appoints Ryan Alpert as the new Athletic Director, aiming to bolster its sports programs and financial strategies.

Grand Canyon University Accelerates Move to Mountain West Conference for Enhanced NCAA Competitiveness
NCAAM

Grand Canyon University Accelerates Move to Mountain West Conference for Enhanced NCAA Competitiveness

Grand Canyon University accelerates its transition to the Mountain West Conference, enhancing its NCAA competitiveness and offering immediate championship opportunities for its student-athletes.

Big East and ESPN Reunite: A New Era of College Sports Broadcasting
NCAAM

Big East and ESPN Reunite: A New Era of College Sports Broadcasting

The Big East Conference and ESPN announce a six-year media rights deal, promising extensive coverage of college sports, including women's basketball and Olympic events.

Zakai Zeigler Drops Fifth-Year Eligibility Bid, Continues NCAA Lawsuit
NCAAM

Zakai Zeigler Drops Fifth-Year Eligibility Bid, Continues NCAA Lawsuit

Zakai Zeigler of Tennessee has dropped his bid for a fifth year of NCAA basketball eligibility but continues his lawsuit against the NCAA, challenging its eligibility rules.

Caden Pierce to Redshirt and Transfer: Princeton Star's Strategic Move for 2026-27 Season
NCAAM

Caden Pierce to Redshirt and Transfer: Princeton Star's Strategic Move for 2026-27 Season

Princeton's Caden Pierce, the 2023-24 Ivy League Player of the Year, plans to redshirt next season, finish his degree, and enter the transfer portal for his final collegiate season in 2026-27.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.