March Madness 2025 Tips Off: Brackets, Schedules, and Must-See Moments

March Madness 2025 has arrived—which is setting the stage for one of college basketball’s most exciting annual shows. Both tournaments for women and men have figured out their brackets as fans prepare for a month filled with shocks, buzzer beaters, and bracket-busting.

The Drama Unfolds: Men’s First Four

Xavier’s heroics in the final minutes of the game against Texas during the First Four brought new life to the Midwest region, securing the No. 11 seed. In the previous round, Mount St. Mary’s secured a win over American and earned their position. Tuesday night’s game was a high-stakes contest, including Alabama State dramatically edging St. Francis by one point in the final seconds—a thrilling moment to remember.

North Carolina’s dominating victory against San Diego State, a 95–68 win, signaled their determination. The team is now set to play Ole Miss; the Tar Heels continue to build momentum into the first round of the tournament on Thursday, which will increase the excitement that surrounds the tournament’s opening days.

Brackets and Surprises: Key Teams and Seeds

Fans hurrying to complete their printable NCAA brackets will be able to see Auburn on top of the field for men after it beat out Duke to claim the No. 1 overall ranking. The SEC is the most talked about, with a record-breaking 14 of 16 teams making it to the finals—a testimony to the conference’s unbeatable capacity this season.

For the women, UCLA claims the No. 1 overall seed. It’s closely trailed by South Carolina, Texas, and USC. The anticipation is palpable, with four powerhouses aiming to turn their dominance in the regular season into tournament immortality.

"Nothing in college sports consistently matches the unpredictable thrill of March Madness—the agony of missed shots, the ecstasy of game-winning buckets, and the pride of a perfect bracket, even if mine rarely survives the opening weekend."

Schedules Set: Men’s and Women’s Road to the Title

The process started on Selection Sunday, but court action kicks off on March 18. The men’s First Four unfolds over two nights, resulting in an exciting first round that spans CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV. Fans should be on the lookout for April 5 and 7, as San Antonio’s Alamodome will be the site of the Final Four and championship game, respectively.

For women’s hoops, the First Four tips off March 19. ESPN and its network of channels will guide viewers through the first rounds of the tournament to Tampa, and the Amalie Arena will determine the winner on April 6. It’s an exciting stretch; every game could be a pivotal moment for teams as well as anyone with hopes of winning the bracket.

Expert Projections and Hidden Gems

As expert picks round in first-round winners, the focus shifts to the possibility of Cinderella tales and dark horses. The past has taught us that early shocks are common and add another element of intrigue to those making their tournament predictions and searching for the ultimate 'perfect bracket.'

Are you curious about the official 2025 NCAA basketball schedule? The tip times for the opening week and matchups guarantee that fans won’t miss a single game throughout the tournament. If you’re still looking for sources, printable March Madness brackets for 2025 are available in abundance, making it easy to follow and, perhaps, be the best of your friends in the office pool.