Auburn, Duke and the 66 other teams competing in the 2025 men’s NCAA tournament

Auburn, Duke, and the 66 Other Teams Competing in the 2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament: A Complete Preview

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive in recent memory. With 68 teams vying for a chance to claim college basketball’s ultimate prize, the road to the Final Four and a national championship is bound to be filled with drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments. Auburn and Duke, two of the most high-profile programs in the country, enter the tournament with strong rosters and championship aspirations, but they will face stiff competition from a wide array of talented teams.

In this comprehensive preview, we will take a deep dive into Auburn, Duke, and the 66 other teams competing for the 2025 title. From top seeds to Cinderella stories, we will break down the key storylines, players, and teams that could make an impact in this year’s tournament.

Auburn Tigers: A Contender with Defensive Grit and Offensive Firepower

Auburn, led by head coach Bruce Pearl, is one of the most dangerous teams in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With a well-balanced roster that combines talented veterans with promising underclassmen, the Tigers have all the pieces needed to make a deep run into March Madness.

Key Players

• Johni Broome: The SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Broome is the heart and soul of Auburn’s defense. As a lockdown defender, he can disrupt opposing offenses and force turnovers. His ability to score in transition and create plays for others makes him one of Auburn’s most valuable players.
• Allen Flanigan: A senior forward with a well-rounded game, Flanigan provides scoring, rebounding, and leadership for Auburn. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor.
• Wendell Green Jr.: As the team’s starting point guard, Green Jr. is the floor general for Auburn. His ability to facilitate the offense, hit clutch shots, and play solid defense makes him a key asset for the Tigers’ success.
• Jaylin Williams: A versatile forward, Williams is known for his ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and dominate in the paint. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways will be critical for Auburn’s chances.

Key Strengths

Auburn is a defensive powerhouse that thrives on creating chaos and turning defense into offense. Their pressure defense can stifle even the most efficient teams, and their ability to force turnovers and capitalize on fast-break opportunities makes them a dangerous team in the tournament.

Offensively, Auburn is a balanced squad, with the ability to attack the rim, shoot from the outside, and score in transition. If they can find consistent scoring from their role players and keep their defense at a high level, they will be a tough team to beat.

Tournament Outlook

Auburn enters the 2025 NCAA Tournament as one of the favorites to make a deep run. Their blend of defense, athleticism, and versatility makes them a formidable opponent. However, they will face significant competition from other top teams like Kansas, Purdue, and Duke, who also have the talent to make a Final Four push. Auburn will need to be at their best to navigate through a stacked bracket, but they have the tools to do it.

Duke Blue Devils: A Program Built for Success in March Madness

Duke, led by first-year head coach Jon Scheyer, is one of the most storied programs in college basketball history. The Blue Devils are loaded with talent, particularly among their freshman class, and they have championship aspirations despite being a relatively young team.

Key Players

• Dereck Lively II: A dominant center and one of the best shot-blockers in the nation, Lively is Duke’s defensive anchor. His size, length, and shot-blocking ability make him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Offensively, he can score in the post and has the ability to stretch the floor.
• Tyrese Proctor: A dynamic freshman guard, Proctor has the ability to score in a variety of ways. Whether it’s driving to the basket or knocking down three-pointers, Proctor is one of the most versatile players on the roster.
• Jeremy Roach: As a veteran point guard, Roach brings experience and leadership to Duke’s backcourt. His ability to run the offense, score, and create opportunities for his teammates will be crucial in March Madness.
• Kyle Filipowski: A versatile forward, Filipowski is a skilled scorer both inside and outside. His ability to stretch defenses and contribute in multiple ways makes him one of Duke’s most important players.

Key Strengths

Duke is known for its offensive firepower and its ability to play up-tempo basketball. With a talented group of players who can score in a variety of ways, Duke has the offensive firepower to match up with any team in the tournament. Their transition offense is particularly dangerous, and they can score quickly if their defense generates turnovers.

Defensively, Duke has a strong presence in the paint with Lively II and Filipowski, both of whom can alter shots and control the boards. Their ability to lock down opposing offenses will be crucial if they are to make a deep run.

Tournament Outlook

Duke enters the tournament as one of the top contenders for the national title. Their young roster is filled with talent, and under the leadership of Jon Scheyer, they have the potential to make a Final Four run. However, their youth could be both an asset and a liability. While they have the talent to compete with the best, their inexperience in high-pressure tournament games could be a challenge. Still, Duke is more than capable of making a deep run and competing for the championship.

The Other 66 Teams: Top Contenders, Sleeper Teams, and Cinderellas

While Auburn and Duke are two of the most high-profile teams in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, there are many other teams that could make a deep run and challenge for the title. Here’s a look at some of the other key contenders, sleeper teams, and potential Cinderella stories that could shake up the tournament.

Kansas Jayhawks: Defending Champions and a Title Threat

Kansas, the defending national champions, enter the tournament with one of the most well-rounded teams in the country. Led by Jalen Wilson, a versatile forward, and Gradey Dick, a sharp-shooting guard, Kansas has the depth, talent, and experience to make another deep run. Their balanced attack on both ends of the floor makes them one of the toughest teams to beat.

Purdue Boilermakers: Dominance in the Paint with Zach Edey

Purdue, with its dominant 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey, is a title contender to watch. Edey’s size and skill make him nearly impossible to stop in the paint, and his rebounding ability gives Purdue a significant advantage. If their supporting cast can contribute and space the floor, Purdue will be a dangerous team to face in the tournament.

Gonzaga Bulldogs: A Perennial Powerhouse

Gonzaga, led by coach Mark Few, is always a contender in March Madness. With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and talented newcomers, Gonzaga has the offensive firepower to match up with anyone. Drew Timme, one of the best players in the nation, will be the centerpiece of their attack. If they can tighten up their defense, Gonzaga could make a deep run.

UConn Huskies: A Defensive Force with Championship Aspirations

UConn is another team that is capable of making a deep run. With a top-notch defense and a balanced offensive attack, the Huskies are built for tournament success. Adama Sanogo and Jordan Hawkins are two of the best players in the country and will be key to UConn’s success in March Madness.

Arizona Wildcats: A Dark Horse with Big-Time Talent

Arizona, with its blend of size, athleticism, and skill, is a potential dark horse in the tournament. Azuolas Tubelis and Oumar Ballo are one of the most formidable frontcourt duos in college basketball, and the Wildcats have plenty of offensive weapons to challenge any team. If they can stay disciplined on defense, Arizona could be a surprise contender.

Cinderella Teams: Underdogs Ready to Shock the Field

As always, March Madness is full of Cinderella stories, with lower-seeded teams upsetting higher-ranked opponents and making surprise runs to the Final Four. Teams like Florida Atlantic, Kent State, VCU, and Loyola-Chicago have all shown the ability to pull off upsets in recent years, and they could be primed for another surprise this year. The unpredictability of the tournament means that any team can make a deep run, and fans should be ready for some thrilling upsets.

What to Expect from the 2025 NCAA Tournament

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will be filled with excitement, drama, and surprises. While teams like Auburn, Duke, and Kansas are the favorites, there are countless other teams with the talent and potential to make deep runs. As always, March Madness is known for its unpredictability, and fans can expect plenty of upsets, buzzer-beaters, and high-stakes moments that will make this year’s tournament one for the ages.

Whether you’re rooting for a powerhouse program like Duke or Kansas, or hoping for a Cinderella team to make a surprise run, the 2025 NCAA Tournament is sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama. Get ready for a thrilling ride through the madness of March, as 68 teams battle it out for the ultimate prize in college basketball.