2025 March Madness Bracket, Predictions & Printable Guide

March Madness is almost here, and whether you’re a die-hard college basketball fan, a sports bettor, or simply love the excitement of being part of a bracket challenge, now’s the time to get ready. The NCAA Tournament holds a special place in the heart of sports enthusiasts, bringing the thrill of buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and nail-biting championship games.

This article will break down everything you need to know about the 2025 March Madness frenzy, from key dates and how the bracket system works, to printable bracket resources and expert predictions. By the end, you’ll be armed with all the info you need to fill out your bracket and fully enjoy the madness!

March Madness 2025 at a Glance

March Madness, officially the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, is an annual event featuring the top 68 college basketball teams in the U.S. competing for the national championship. What sets it apart is its unique single-elimination format, which has created some of sports’ most legendary underdog tales.

Filling out a bracket has become a key part of the experience, even for those who don’t follow college basketball year-round. Whether it’s for friendly office pools, online competitions, or just personal pride, brackets turn viewers into participants. And in 2025, the stakes are higher than ever with digital platforms making it easier to take part!

But first, mark your calendars.

Key Dates & Schedule

Here’s your full guide to the 2025 March Madness schedule, so you never miss a game.

When Does March Madness 2025 Start?

March Madness officially begins with Selection Sunday, a highly anticipated day where teams are announced.

• Selection Sunday 2025 Date & Time

Mark it down for Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 6 PM EST. You can watch all the action and bracket reveals on CBS Sports or stream it online.

NCAA Tournament Schedule 2025

Here’s a round-by-round breakdown so you know when to tune in:

• First Four

March 18–19

• Round of 64

Starts on March 20–21

• Round of 32

March 22–23

• Sweet 16

March 27–28

• Elite Eight

March 29–30

• Final Four

April 5

• National Championship Game

April 7

The excitement builds round by round, culminating in the Final Four and the championship game, which will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, this year.

How the NCAA Tournament Bracket Works

Filling out a March Madness bracket may seem overwhelming at first, but understanding the structure can make things easier.

Bracket Format

The bracket has four regions (South, East, Midwest, and West), each starting with 16 seeded teams, plus Play-In rounds (known as the First Four) to determine the final four spots. The winner of each regional bracket advances to the Final Four.

Men’s vs. Women’s NCAA Bracket

Both brackets follow the same structure, though the Women’s Tournament features unique teams and matchups tailored to their rankings and regions.

First Four and Play-In Games

The First Four games kick off the tournament. These are single-elimination games between the lowest-seeded teams, deciding who earns a place in the full 64-team bracket.

Printable March Madness Brackets & Where to Find Them

A printable NCAA Tournament bracket is an essential tool for fans. Whether you’re making picks for fun, setting up an office pool, or joining contests, having a clear blank bracket is key.

Best Sources for Printable Brackets

• ESPN offers a user-friendly bracket with auto-fill options for competitions.
• CBS Sports provides printable PDF brackets along with analysis tools.
• Yahoo Fantasy combines brackets with fun challenges for extra engagement.

Bracket Challenges & Office Pools

Blank brackets are perfect for starting friendly competitions at work or with friends. Platforms like ESPN’s Tournament Challenge simplify tracking and scoring for groups.

Bracketology 2025: Predictions & Expert Picks

Bracketology is the science (or art) of predicting March Madness outcomes. While creating a perfect bracket is nearly impossible, expert insights and predictions can give you a competitive edge.

Who Are the Favorites in 2025?

Top-ranked teams like Kansas, Duke, and Gonzaga are expected to dominate this year. With strong records and top players, they’re safe bets to advance deep into the tournament.

Potential Cinderella Teams

No March Madness is complete without underdogs stealing the spotlight. Keep an eye on teams like North Texas or Seattle University, which could disrupt the bracket and create unforgettable moments.

Expert Predictions

Analysts like Seth Davis and Jerry Palm from CBS Sports lean toward Kansas as their pick, while ESPN favors Duke as the team to beat.

Pro tip: Diversify your picks between safe bets and a few Cinderella stories for a well-rounded bracket.

How to Watch March Madness 2025

You’ll want to catch all the action, and luckily, you’ve got plenty of options.

TV Channels Broadcasting March Madness

• CBS
• TNT
• TBS
• ESPN (for Women’s NCAA Tournament Coverage)

Streaming Options

Watch Selection Sunday and live games via platforms like the NCAA March Madness Live app, Hulu Live, or YouTube TV.

NCAA Tournament Locations & Tickets

The excitement of March Madness isn’t just on screens; attending live games can be unforgettable.

Locations

The 2025 tournament features games all over the country, from Dayton, Ohio (First Four) to Phoenix, Arizona (Final Four and Championship).

How to Get Tickets

Tickets often sell out quickly, so check official sites like NCAA.com or secondary markets like StubHub for availability. Be ready to act fast!

Your Bracket Awaits

March Madness 2025 promises to be one for the ages, with thrilling competition, standout players, and storylines that will keep us talking for years.

If you haven’t already, grab your printable bracket and start making those picks. Whether you’re rooting for a favorite team or secretly hoping for an underdog to shake things up, this is your chance to join the madness and be part of something unforgettable.

Happy Bracketing!