March Madness 2025 Predictions: One No. 1 Seed Is Headed for Trouble
The madness is back, and with it comes the annual scramble to outsmart the bracket. As always, there’s no shortage of bold predictions and hopeful long shots—but this year feels especially unpredictable. Between battle-tested underdogs and programs finding their rhythm at just the right time, there are several teams and players who could tilt the tournament’s balance. Here’s a closer look at who’s positioned to disrupt the bracket—and why they’re worth watching.
PJ Haggerty Could Blow Up Your Bracket
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PJ Haggerty is ready to make some noise. After leading Memphis to an AAC title, he’s entering the tournament red-hot. He’s fast, crafty, and tough to guard. If he catches fire, Memphis could knock off big-name teams and wreck a few brackets in the process.
Hannah Hidalgo Might Be the Star of March
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Hannah Hidalgo brings non-stop energy and a fearless attitude to every game. She leads Notre Dame with tough defense, quick breaks, and big finishes. Don’t be surprised if she becomes the breakout star of the tournament.
Jase Richardson Is Built for Big Moments
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Michigan State freshman Jase Richardson is making waves. He can shoot, stay calm under pressure, and run the floor like a veteran. With Coach Tom Izzo guiding him, Richardson could lead a serious run. He’s the type of player who shines when the lights are brightest.
Azzi Fudd’s Comeback Could Be Huge
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Azzi Fudd is back—and just in time. After battling injuries, her return gives UConn a major boost. Her quick release and deep range force defenses to stretch out and give her teammates room to work. If she’s in top form, UConn becomes a real threat to win it all.
The Women’s Final Could Steal the Spotlight Again
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For the second year in a row, the women’s title game might outdraw the men’s in TV ratings. There are rising stars, intense rivalries, and high-scoring games; fans simply can’t get enough. This tournament could be another major moment for women’s basketball.
Tennessee vs. Texas Could Be an Instant Classic
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If Tennessee and Texas meet in the Sweet 16, get ready for fireworks. Both teams play with serious energy—Tennessee pounds it inside, while Texas lights it up from deep. It would be a must-watch with big-time momentum on the line.
LSU’s True Test Without Flau’jae Johnson
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Considering that star guard Flau’jae Johnson might be out, LSU has to adjust fast. Players like Mikaylah Williams and Aneesah Morrow will need to step up. If they rally and go deep anyway, it’ll show just how deep and well-coached this team really is.
Pitino vs. Calipari Would Be Coaching Gold
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There’s history here. Rick Pitino and John Calipari have traded jabs and wins for decades, and a potential meeting between St. John’s and Arkansas would be less about players and more about two coaching giants trying to outmaneuver each other. If they cross paths, expect tension—not hype—to define the build-up.
UConn’s Blueprint to Dismantle South Carolina Is Already Taking Shape
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On paper, South Carolina is the deeper, more balanced team. But UConn doesn’t need to match them player-for-player. They need efficiency. With a backcourt led by Bueckers and Fudd, they have the tools to force South Carolina into defensive rotations and limit their transition game. If UConn controls the tempo and wins the three-point battle, they’re one of the few teams built to pull off this kind of upset.
Michigan State Has the Tools for a Classic Izzo Run
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It wouldn’t be March without Michigan State turning into something more than their regular-season record suggests. They don’t wow with star power, but their structure and discipline always seem to translate in tournament settings. Richardson adds a layer of shot-making they’ve missed in past years, and if their defense travels, they’re capable of making the second weekend—and beyond—without needing miracles.
Paige Bueckers Will Have to Play More Than Just Hero Ball
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Bueckers has the skill to take over games, but her real test will be knowing when to do it and when to defer. UConn’s system works best when it balances inside-out offense with motion. Bueckers is the leader, no doubt, but the deeper the run, the more she’ll need to trust the system around her and keep everyone involved—especially in tight fourth quarters.
Duke’s Injury List Leaves Too Many Questions
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The Blue Devils aren’t at full strength, and the depth behind their starters hasn’t looked convincing. That’s not an automatic red flag—but in a single-elimination format, it means less room for error. They’ll need bench production and healthy returns just to survive the early rounds.
Men’s Final Could Lean One-Sided—And That’s a Problem
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Parity has been strong throughout the tournament, but the men’s final has the potential to be a mismatch. Teams like Purdue and UConn are built to punish mistakes and take control early. If a less experienced team sneaks through the other side of the bracket, the title game could lose a competitive edge by halftime. It’s not the outcome anyone wants, but it’s on the table.
South Florida and Ohio State Are Built to Steal Games
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Neither program enters with heavy expectations, but both are better than their seeds suggest. South Florida’s women rely on discipline, half-court execution, and veteran leadership—key traits in close games. Ohio State’s men are streaky but athletic and capable of wearing teams down. In the right matchups, either team could land the kind of win that unravels someone else’s Final Four plans.