Bracketology: ESPN releases predictions for 2025 NCAA Tournament after Week 4

ESPN released its latest predictions for the 2025 NCAA Tournament with an updated bracketology following Feast Week and Thanksgiving!

The esteemed expert Joe Lunardi gave his latest picks for the teams on the bubble, some seeding shifts and more. It’s still early in the year, but it’s nice to be a third of the way through the year and see how everyone stacks up.

Without further ado, let’s dive into Lunardi’s latest 2025 March Madness bracketology.

ESPN Bracketology: On the Bubble

Maryland is 8-1 on the season and rolling right now. Safe to say, the Terps are, well, safe. Arkansas and Indiana are still safe and avoided the last four in category this year. Nebraska is on the cusp, but isn’t in the field right now.

Last Four Byes: Maryland, Arkansas, Indiana, Arizona State
Last Four In: Nevada, Louisville, West Virginia, Xavier
First Four Out: Nebraska, Utah State, Arizona, Creighton
Next Four Out: New Mexico, Boise State, LSU, Wake Forest

Midwest Region – Indianapolis

Kansas is still the top team in the latest AP Poll, so naturally, the Jayhawks are a No. 1 seed in bracketology. They’d be on the same side as teams like Memphis and Wisconsin. On the flip side, Marquette grabs the No. 2 seed but Alabama is a very intriguing three seed and don’t forget about Ohio State after the Buckeyes’ solid start to the year.

1. Kansas vs. 16. Saint Peter’s
8. UCLA vs. 9. UConn
5. Wisconsin vs. 12. UC Irvine
4. Memphis vs. 13. Kent State

6. Ohio State vs. 11. West Virginia/Xavier
3. Alabama vs. 14. Furman
7. Ole Miss vs. 10. Saint Mary’s
2. Marquette vs. 15. Purdue Fort Wayne

West Region – San Francisco

Gonzaga mans the top of the region in the latest edition of bracketology. They would have an intriguing matchup with Oklahoma if the seeds held up going into round two. Oregon is off to a blazing start so perhaps a No. 4 seed is just the start. Kentucky could end up being a betting favorite in this region but they’d have a Sweet 16 matchup with Baylor.

1. Gonzaga vs. 16. Bucknell/Alabama State
8. Oklahoma vs. 9 San Diego State
5. Pittsburgh vs. 12. Grand Canyon
4. Oregon vs. 13 South Dakota State

6. Illinois vs. 11. Nevada/Louisville
3. Baylor vs. 14. Charleston
7. Texas Tech vs. 10. Arkansas
2. Kentucky vs. 15. Lipscomb

South Region – Atlanta

How about Auburn? Bruce Pearl does a heck of a job and right now the Tigers are a No. 1 seed in this bracketology. Michigan is a sneaky No. 8 seed right now as well. Iowa State gets the No. 2 seed while Florida is a No. 3 right now. It feels like there’s a lot of attention on the Gators’ football program but the basketball team is off to a good start.

1. Auburn vs. 16. Little Rock/Central Connecticut
8. Michigan vs. 9. Clemson
5. Texas A&M vs. 12 Drake
4. Houston vs. 13 McNeese

6. St. John’s vs. 11. Indiana
3. Florida vs. 14. High Point
7. Michigan State vs. 10. Georgia
2. Iowa State vs. 15. Northern Colorado

East Region – Newark

Tennessee is still the top dog in this bracket and avoids Duke until a potential Elite Eight matchups. Texas and Purdue being on the side of the Blue Devils is very interesting. Also, UNC being in this grouping? This is quite the group of 16 teams isn’t it?

1. Tennessee vs. 16. Vermont
8. BYU vs. 9. Dayton
5. North Carolina vs. 12. Liberty
4. Cincinnati vs. 13. Arkansas State

6. Mississippi State vs. 11. Arizona State
3. Purdue vs. 14. Columbia
7. Texas vs. 10. Maryland
2. Duke vs. 15. Norfolk State