Bracketology: ESPN releases final preseason predictions for 2025 NCAA Tournament

ESPN released its final preseason bracketology predictions for the 2025 NCAA Tournament this coming March.

It’s already college basketball season? Yup, it’s just around the corner and we can’t wait for one of the wildest months in sports.

Without further ado, let’s dive into ESPN’s predictions courtesy of bracketology expert Joe Lunardi!

ESPN Bracketology: On The Bubble

It should be worth noting Rutgers was ranked No. 25 in the preseason AP Poll and features two potential NBA lottery picks: Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. It could be a special season in Piscataway but they’ll still have to work for a spot in the tournament, per this Bracketology. Traditional tournament teams like Wisconsin and Villanova are on the outside looking in right now.

Last Four Byes: Kansas State, Saint Mary’s, Ole Miss, Maryland
Last Four In: Rutgers, Miami, Pittsburgh, VCU
First Four Out: Wisconsin, Villanova, Iowa, Providence
Next Four Out: New Mexico, Louisville, Northwestern, NC State

ESPN Bracketology: Midwest Region – Indianapolis

Kansas is the top seed in this region and could very well be the favorite to win the whole thing this season. Good for Purdue for grabbing a high projection despite losing Zach Edey to the NBA.

1. Kansas vs. 16. Quinnipiac
8. Clemson vs. 9. Oregon

5. Marquette vs. 12. McNeese
4. Purdue vs. 13. High Point

6. UCLA vs. 11. Pittsburgh/VCU
3. Arizona vs. 14. Arkansas State

7. Xavier vs. 10. Saint Mary’s
2. Auburn vs. 15. Lipscomb

South Region – Atlanta

Alabama is a popular selection to win it all as well and the Crimson Tide get the top seed in this region. It helps that they have center transfer Cliff Omoruyi. A new look Arkansas team under John Calipari gets a six seed here.

1. Alabama vs. 16. Southern/Little Rock
8. Wake Forest vs. 9. Ohio State

5. St. John’s vs. 12 Bradley
4. Texas Tech vs. 13. Louisiana Tech

6. Arkansas vs. 11. Rutgers/Miami
3. North Carolina vs. 14 Towson

7. Michigan State vs. 10. Ole Miss
2. Iowa State vs. 15 Purdue Fort Wayne

East Region – Newark

Duke has top freshmen Cooper Flagg, who could very well be the No. 1 overall pick, leading the way for Jeremy Scheyer. National title or bust? UConn will look for its third straight national title under Dan Hurley and the Huskies are already a projected two seed.

1. Duke vs. 16. Howard/Wagner
8. Michigan vs. 9. Kansas State

5. Cincinnati vs. 12. Princeton
4. Texas A&M vs. 13. Vermont

6. Illinois vs. 11. Boise State
3. Baylor vs. 14. Ohio

7. Kentucky vs. 10. Memphis
2. UConn vs. 15. South Dakota State

West Region – San Francisco

Houston should be in contention for the title once again as Lunardi projected them to get a No. 1 seed in the preseason. Gonzaga and Tennessee are going to be fascinating watches once again.

1. Houston vs. 16. Colgate
8. Mississippi State vs. 9. BYU

5. Texas vs. 12. Grand Canyon
4. Creighton vs. 13. UC Irvine

6. Indiana vs. 11. Dayton
3. Tennessee vs. 14. Samford

7. Florida vs. 10. Maryland
2. Gonzaga vs. 15. Weber State

Of course, ESPN’s bracketology predictions are great but we still have a season of basketball to play! Buckle up and get ready for the action on the hardwood.