As the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament approaches, bracket projections are taking shape, highlighting top seeds and bubble teams striving for a spot in the coveted field of 68.
This season, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) has emerged as a dominant force, with multiple teams contending for top seeding.
SEC’s Ascendancy
The SEC’s prominence is evident, with teams like Auburn, Alabama, and Tennessee leading bracket projections. Auburn, boasting a 19-1 record, is a strong candidate for a No. 1 seed, reflecting their consistent performance throughout the season. Alabama and Tennessee are also in contention for high seeds, underscoring the SEC’s depth and competitiveness.
Texas A&M: From Bubble to Lock
Texas A&M has transitioned from being a bubble team to a near-certain tournament participant. With a 17-5 overall record and a 6-3 mark in SEC play, the Aggies are ranked No. 14 in the NCAA’s NET Rankings. Their seven Quad 1 victories, the second-most in the nation, bolster their resume. Current projections suggest a No. 4 seed, with potential to climb higher as the season progresses.
Marquette’s Strong Position
The Marquette Golden Eagles have solidified their standing with an 18-3 record and a 9-1 tally in Big East play. Holding a NET Ranking of 15, Marquette is projected as a No. 2 seed in various brackets. Their consistent performance positions them favorably for the tournament, with initial matchups likely against lower-seeded teams.
Missouri Tigers: A Mid-Week Pause
The No. 20 Missouri Tigers, currently 16-4 with a 5-2 record in SEC play, are enjoying a midweek break before facing challenging games against No. 14 Mississippi State and No. 8 Tennessee. Bracketology projections consistently list Missouri as a No. 6 seed, with potential matchups against teams like New Mexico, Baylor, and UCF/Pitt. Their upcoming performances will be crucial in determining their final seeding.
St. John’s Quest for Validation
Ranked 15th with a 19-3 record, St. John’s faces a pivotal week with games against No. 9 Marquette and No. 25 Connecticut. Victories in these matchups could solidify their standing and potentially secure a top-4 NCAA Tournament seed, affirming their capability against elite teams. Despite a strong season, including an eight-game winning streak, St. John’s aims to dispel doubts stemming from perceptions of an easy schedule.
Bubble Teams and Tournament Hopes
As Selection Sunday approaches, several teams find themselves on the bubble, striving to secure their tournament bids. According to ESPN’s Bracketology, the “Last Four In” includes New Mexico, San Diego State, North Carolina, and UCF, while the “First Four Out” features Xavier, VCU, BYU, and Arizona State. These teams must capitalize on remaining games to enhance their resumes and improve their chances of making the tournament field.
In summary, the 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket projections highlight the SEC’s dominance, with multiple teams vying for top seeds. Teams like Texas A&M and Marquette have strengthened their positions, while programs such as St. John’s seek to validate their success against higher-ranked opponents. Bubble teams remain in a precarious position, needing strong finishes to secure their spots in the tournament.
