The 2025 NCAA men's basketball tournament gets underway in a matter of days.
The anticipation builds as we count them down. Here's a closer look at how things are shaping up ahead of March Madness.
The first round tips off Thursday, March 20 and there are a few things that we know for sure.
Michigan State (26-5) stepped up this season, tallying their highest win total since 2019.
The Spartans seized a Big Ten title, their first outright in seven years. Freshman Jase Richardson is their second-leading scorer and a huge x-factor. The 6-foot-3 phenom follows in the footsteps of his famous father Jason, who starred for the Spartans a quarter century ago.
Michigan State will go to the NCAA Tournament as a projected No. 2-seed and they could still earn a No. 1 seed if they win out and advance to the Big Ten Tournament final. NCAA basketball analytics guru Evan Miyakawa tells based on his model, Sparty is among a select few that grade out with "Final Four potential" , thanks to solid offensive and defensive numbers this year.
As for win totals, take note. In 2019, MSU went to the Final Four.
Get ready Spartans, it's time to dance.
The forecast for Michigan (22-9) isn't quite as bright. The Wolverines were ranked as high as 15th in the nation heading into March, then the wheels fell off. Michigan lost three in a row to finish the season. Even so, the Maize and Blue are expected to draw a No. 5 seed.
Head coach Dusty May has done a stellar job this year. Can he conjure up some more magic in March?
Other teams to watch:
Duke (26-3) is the top-rated team in college basketball. Led by freshman forward Cooper Flagg, who's the favorite to win 2025 Player of the Year.
Houston (26-4) has been a perennial presence at the Big Dance. The Cougars are chomping at the bit, trying to break through.
St. John's (27-4) has defied all expectations. With legend Rick Pitino, anything is possible.
Clemson (26-5) ended its regular season on an eight-game win streak. Will they keep rolling?
Florida (27-4) With the success of Alabama and Auburn, Florida gets overshadowed at times. Don't sleep on the Gators.