The 2025 NCAA Tournament has delivered exciting matchups, but it hasn’t been a year for shocking upsets or Cinderella stories. The top teams dominated during the first two rounds, setting up an electrifying Sweet 16 full of powerhouse programs.
All four No. 1 seeds remain in the hunt for the national championship, with Houston, Florida, Duke, and Auburn proving why they were ranked at the top. Other strong contenders, including Alabama, BYU, and Michigan State, are looking to make deep tournament runs. Meanwhile, Arkansas, the only double-digit seed still alive, refuses to be overlooked.
Here’s a breakdown of which teams made it to the 2025 Sweet 16 and their chances of winning the national title.
16. Ole Miss Rebels
Ole Miss shocked North Carolina in the first round and dominated Iowa State in the second, punching its first Sweet 16 ticket since 2001. Led by senior guard Sean Pedulla and a balanced scoring attack, the Rebels have nothing to lose heading into their next matchup.
15. Arkansas Razorbacks
Despite a rocky season under John Calipari, Arkansas came alive at the perfect time, eliminating Kansas and St. John’s. Their quick guards and physical defense make them a dangerous underdog heading into the Sweet 16.
14. Arizona Wildcats
Arizona is back in the Sweet 16, thanks to Caleb Love’s scoring explosion. The Wildcats have talent and experience, but they’ll need a complete team effort to keep advancing.
13. Purdue Boilermakers
Even without Zach Edey, Purdue has remained dominant. Braden Smith’s All-American play and elite three-point shooting make them a legitimate Final Four threat.
12. Michigan Wolverines
Michigan has been on fire since winning the Big Ten Tournament, led by towering big men Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin. If junior wing Roddy Gayle Jr. stays hot, Michigan could keep rolling.
11. BYU Cougars
BYU’s explosive offense shredded Wisconsin in the second round, thanks to Richie Saunders and Egor Demin. Their deep shooting and fast pace make them a team no one wants to face.
10. Kentucky Wildcats
Lamont Butler’s veteran leadership helped Kentucky outlast Illinois in a wire-to-wire battle. The Wildcats don’t have top NBA prospects, but they play unselfish, well-spaced basketball that’s tough to defend.
9. Maryland Terrapins
Maryland advanced with a thrilling buzzer-beater by Derik Queen against Colorado State. The Terps have a balanced lineup, but they’ll need to step up against Florida.
8. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech crushed Drake’s Cinderella hopes behind star big man JT Toppin. With a favorable matchup against Arkansas, the Red Raiders could make a deep run.
7. Michigan State Spartans
Tom Izzo’s squad is hitting its stride at the perfect time, winning 10 of its last 11 games. Freshman Jase Richardson is a star, but depth and experience make the Spartans dangerous.
6. Alabama Crimson Tide
After reaching the Final Four last year, Alabama is back with an even more talented squad. Their up-tempo offense and three-point shooting could propel them to another deep run.
5. Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee’s elite guard play has carried them through the tournament, with Chaz Lanier setting school records from deep. Their experienced lineup makes them a serious title contender.
4. Houston Cougars
Houston’s stifling defense shut down Gonzaga in the second round. If they can slow down Purdue’s high-powered offense, they could be heading back to the Final Four.
3. Auburn Tigers
Auburn struggled late in the regular season but has regained its dominant form. With elite depth and tough defense, the Tigers are built for a championship run.
2. Florida Gators
Florida proved they’re title-ready by eliminating back-to-back champion UConn. With elite guard play and strong coaching, the Gators have few weaknesses.
1. Duke Blue Devils
Duke’s combination of top-tier talent, size, and experience makes them the team to beat. Freshmen stars Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach lead a roster stacked with playmakers.