Bracket Predictions for the 2025 NCAA Tournament Revealed

WICHITA, Kan. — As the 2025 NCAA men’s basketball tournament approaches, experts are making their final predictions, revealing insights into potential surprises and standout players. The first round of games kicks off on March 17, and many bracket experts, including sports analyst Kerry Miller, encourage fans to trust their instincts when filling out their brackets.

Miller, who has analyzed numerous games and player performances in preparation for this year’s tournament, shared his picks based on current trends. ‘There is no singular right way to pick your bracket, so just do what I always do and go with your gut,’ he said. He stressed that his gut feeling comes from months of watching games and analyzing data.

One notable prediction includes the matchup between Texas and Xavier. Miller pointed out that both teams are closely ranked, making it a potential buzzer-beater situation. Texas has been involved in three overtime games recently, while Xavier has struggled with close losses earlier in the season. ‘Give us a last-second splash from one of those stars at about midnight ET on Wednesday,’ Miller suggested.

Upset predictions are also on the table, with Miller highlighting Alabama State over Saint Francis as a possible shocker, even though it might not correspond with seeding expectations. The team will face a greater challenge in their next matchup against Auburn.

In discussing key players to watch, Miller spotlighted Matt Rogers from American, who had an impressive performance in the Patriot League championship, scoring 25 points. He may have the opportunity to showcase his talents in the opening round against Mount St. Mary’s.

Other notable matchups include the expected classic between BYU and VCU, with BYU leading offensively and VCU dominating in defensive metrics. Miller also pointed to Liberty as a historical 12-over-5 upset possibility against Oregon, emphasizing their strong three-point shooting as an advantage.

In the Midwest Region, Miller predicts Houston will dominate against Gonzaga, citing Houston’s recent form. However, a potential upset could occur as High Point takes on Purdue, where many believe the Huss Bus might rally public support for the underdogs.

The South Region brings another intriguing matchup as Yale, known for their upset potential, faces Texas A&M. Yale’s defense could be critical in this game, as they are known to struggle against strong three-point shooting teams.

As the tournament unfolds, Miller noted the presence of mid-major stars like Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones of UC San Diego, who could make a significant impact. ‘If any mid-major is built to handle Michigan, it’s the Tritons,’ he remarked.

During the excitement, fans are encouraged to monitor injuries, as Texas Tech recently announced that Chance McMillian would miss their first-round game against UNC Wilmington due to an upper-body injury. This announcement raises questions about the team’s resilience as they prepare for March Madness.