In the backdrop of San Antonio, the excitement surrounding the 2025 NCAA Tournament is reaching new heights as the Sweet 16 approaches. In a remarkably predictable turn of events, all No. 1 seeds have moved on to the next round, with only one surprise team, Arkansas, a No. 10 seed, still in contention. As fans and analysts alike sift through their busted brackets — with perfect brackets now a thing of the past — many are getting ready to reset their predictions.
As the tournament progresses, experts are looking closely at their original champion picks. For some, like one analyst who had backed Auburn, there’s hesitance given the Tigers’ recent struggles, posting a lackluster 3-3 record in their last six games. Despite this, the belief remains that Auburn can regain its dominant form showcased during the earlier parts of the season. Auburn still poses a threat, so the analyst is sticking by their choice for a championship victory over Houston in early April.
Meanwhile, another expert remains optimistic about their choice of Houston. The Cougars have managed to power through their matchups so far, displaying versatility that allows them to remain competitive even when one aspect of their game falters. Despite a shaky performance against Gonzaga in the second round, star guard LJ Cryer shone brightly, scoring 30 points and showcasing the depth of talent on the team. This strength, along with their solid defense, creates a dynamic team poised for continued success.
On the flip side, Duke continues to make a strong case for its championship potential. Having showcased exceptional skills and playing with impressive confidence, Duke has breezed through rounds without much difficulty. The experts are bullish about their chances of meeting Florida, who, despite a testing second-round game against UConn, possesses a talented roster capable of upsetting any team.
The stride into the Sweet 16 is brimming with potential showdowns as teams carry the hopes of their fans and communities. With matchups ahead, everyone is eager for action — who will rise to the occasion? Will the top seeds remain dominant, or will they face unexpected challengers? As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be glued to the court, waiting to see how the drama of March plays out.
