As fans and teams across the nation tuned in for Selection Sunday, the college basketball world was filled with mixed emotions.
It’s hard to ignore the absence of Greg Gumbel, whose voice was synonymous with the event for years.
The loss of the CBS Sports broadcaster has left a void, but despite this, the excitement of March Madness remained.
On Sunday, teams and fans gathered around their TVs to find out who would be the top picks for the 2025 NCAA tournament.
Auburn clinches the top overall seed in the tournament
In a highly anticipated announcement, Auburn earned the honor of being the No. 1 overall seed and will head to the South Region.
Their performance throughout the season earned them this prestigious spot, but the road ahead will be anything but easy.
Duke grabs the second No. 1 seed, heading to the East Region
Duke secured the second No. 1 seed, and despite challenges, including an ankle injury to rising star Cooper Flagg, they’ve managed to stay on top, even clinching the ACC Tournament title.
The Blue Devils are once again proving their resilience and are primed for another strong tournament run.
The favorites for the national championship: Auburn, Duke, Florida, and Houston
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Auburn is considered a slight favorite to win the national championship, with Duke following closely behind.
Florida and Houston are also making waves, earning top spots as contenders in this year’s tournament.
UConn eyes a three-peat, St. John’s returns with a vengeance
UConn, aiming for an incredible three-peat as national champions, has secured their place in the tournament, looking to make history once again.
It’s been decades since a team accomplished such a feat, with the last three-peat happening in the early 1970s.
Additionally, St. John’s, under the leadership of the legendary Rick Pitino, is back as a top contender in the Big East and the nation.
As the tournament approaches, the anticipation builds, and it’s clear that March Madness will once again be a spectacle for basketball fans everywhere.