Tennessee basketball, earning a second seed in the NCAA Tournament, will face Wofford in the opening round, aiming for a dominant start to their March Madness run

The University of Tennessee Volunteers men’s basketball team has arrived at the 2025 NCAA Tournament as one of the top teams in the country, securing a second seed in the prestigious tournament. With a season full of ups and downs, the Vols have overcome adversity to land in the conversation for a national title. As they embark on their March Madness journey, Tennessee will face the Wofford Terriers in the opening round, and the matchup has fans buzzing with excitement. The Vols have high hopes for the tournament, and this first-round game could set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling run to the Final Four.

This article will explore the significance of Tennessee’s second-seed placement, break down the matchup with Wofford, and discuss the team’s prospects as they look to make a deep run in the tournament.

Tennessee’s Tournament Placement and Expectations

Tennessee’s selection as the No. 2 seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament is a testament to the program’s sustained excellence under head coach Rick Barnes. The Volunteers have been a dominant force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and their performance this season has earned them a well-deserved high seed in the tournament. With a strong record in both the regular season and the conference tournament, Tennessee has positioned itself as a legitimate contender for the national championship.

The Vols have been one of the most balanced teams in college basketball this season. They boast one of the nation’s top defenses, consistently stifling opponents with their relentless pressure and ability to force turnovers. Tennessee’s offense, meanwhile, has been versatile, with players like point guard Zakai Zeigler and forward Josiah-Jordan James leading the charge. The Vols have shown the ability to score in a variety of ways, whether it’s through fast breaks, three-pointers, or high-percentage plays in the paint.

With Zakai Zeigler leading the charge at point guard, Tennessee’s game is built around smart decision-making, defensive tenacity, and efficient scoring. The 2025 NCAA Tournament will be an opportunity for Zeigler to showcase his talents and leadership skills on the national stage. Having already won the Midseason Wooden Award and the 2025 Bob Cousy Award, Zeigler enters the tournament as one of the top point guards in the nation.

Tennessee’s second-seed status means that they will have the advantage of playing in the East Region of the tournament, and their road to the Final Four will be through familiar competition. While Tennessee is certainly one of the favorites to go deep into the tournament, they must remain focused on the task at hand and take each game one step at a time. The matchup with Wofford in the opening round will serve as a crucial test, as the Volunteers must get off to a strong start to build momentum for the challenges ahead.

Wofford’s Cinderella Story: A Look at the Terriers

In contrast to Tennessee, Wofford College enters the 2025 NCAA Tournament as a No. 15 seed in the East Region. While the Terriers have had an impressive season, securing the Southern Conference (SoCon) Championship to earn their spot in the tournament, they are considered significant underdogs in this matchup. However, this is not the first time that Wofford has made noise in the NCAA Tournament. The Terriers have a history of pulling off upsets, and they come into this tournament with the belief that they can shock the world once again.

Wofford’s road to the tournament has been marked by solid teamwork, efficient offense, and excellent shooting. The team relies heavily on a high-scoring guard, Ryan Larson, who has proven to be one of the best playmakers in the SoCon. Larson’s ability to create offense, distribute the ball, and score efficiently will be key if Wofford hopes to have any chance against a Tennessee team that is far superior in terms of size, depth, and overall talent.

While Wofford’s roster may not have the same star power as Tennessee’s, the Terriers are a scrappy team that thrives on a strong defensive strategy and making the most of every possession. Their offense, while not as dynamic as Tennessee’s, is efficient and can certainly get hot in a single-elimination format. The key for Wofford will be to control the pace of the game and limit Tennessee’s transition opportunities. If the Terriers can make the game a half-court battle and keep the scoring low, they may be able to pull off an upset.

The Matchup: Tennessee vs. Wofford

The opening round matchup between Tennessee (No. 2 seed) and Wofford (No. 15 seed) is a classic case of David vs. Goliath, with Tennessee entering the game as the overwhelming favorite. However, as history has shown, anything can happen in March Madness, and the Volunteers cannot afford to take their first-round opponent lightly.

Tennessee’s Strengths

1. Defense: Tennessee’s defense is one of the best in the country, ranked in the top five in several key defensive metrics. The Vols have the ability to suffocate opponents with their full-court press and aggressive on-ball defense. Tennessee’s length and athleticism make them a nightmare for opposing teams to score against, especially when they play with high intensity. For Wofford, trying to break through Tennessee’s defense will be an uphill battle.
2. Zakai Zeigler’s Leadership: Zeigler has been the heart and soul of Tennessee’s offense all season. As a floor general, he has the ability to set the pace of the game, create plays for his teammates, and take over when necessary. With his strong basketball IQ and ability to distribute the ball, Zeigler has been one of the most effective point guards in college basketball. He will be crucial in this game, both in orchestrating Tennessee’s offense and preventing Wofford’s defense from creating turnovers.
3. Size and Depth: Tennessee’s size advantage in the paint will be a significant factor in this game. Wofford, while well-coached and disciplined, lacks the size and athleticism to match up with Tennessee’s forwards and centers. Players like Jonas Aidoo and Olivier Nkamhoua will provide Tennessee with a dominant presence inside, which should allow them to control the glass and dominate the interior.
4. Versatile Scoring: Tennessee’s offense has been difficult to stop because of its versatility. Zeigler can score at all three levels, while guards like Santiago Vescovi can stretch the defense with his deadly three-point shooting. The Vols are also capable of pounding the ball inside, where their big men can score with efficiency. With multiple scoring options, Tennessee can adapt to whatever defensive scheme Wofford presents.

Wofford’s Keys to Success

1. Ryan Larson’s Playmaking: Larson is the key to Wofford’s offense. He will need to be at his best, both as a scorer and a distributor. Larson’s ability to penetrate Tennessee’s defense and find open shooters will be crucial. Additionally, Larson will need to avoid turnovers and ensure that Wofford is able to get quality shots, even against Tennessee’s relentless defense.
2. Tempo Control: Wofford will need to slow down the pace of the game and keep Tennessee from getting out in transition. If the Vols are able to run and gun, the Terriers will be in trouble. By forcing a slower, half-court game, Wofford may be able to neutralize some of Tennessee’s advantages and keep the score close.
3. Shooting Efficiency: For Wofford to have a chance, they will need to shoot at a high percentage, especially from beyond the arc. Wofford’s best chance at pulling off the upset will likely come from a red-hot shooting performance. If Larson and other key Terriers can hit their shots from the perimeter, it could keep Tennessee on its heels.
4. Defensive Discipline: Wofford’s defense will need to be on point to avoid giving Tennessee easy looks. With Tennessee’s offensive weapons, the Terriers cannot afford to make mistakes or give up open shots. Defending without fouling and contesting shots will be critical if Wofford hopes to stay in the game.

Tennessee’s Path to Success

In order to advance past Wofford and into the next round, Tennessee will need to play its game and avoid any early tournament jitters. The Vols have the talent and experience to go deep into the tournament, and their opening-round game against Wofford will serve as a critical opportunity to establish momentum. Tennessee must:

• Stay Focused: It’s easy to overlook a lower-seeded team, but the Vols cannot afford to make that mistake. Playing with intensity and focus from the tip-off will be crucial in ensuring they don’t fall into a trap game.
• Utilize Depth: Tennessee has one of the deepest rosters in the tournament. They should rotate fresh bodies in and out of the game to keep the pressure on Wofford’s defense. This depth will be especially helpful in limiting the minutes of their key players, ensuring they have energy for the later rounds.
• Control the Glass: Wofford will likely struggle to match Tennessee’s size and physicality in the paint. If the Vols dominate the rebounding battle, they will be able to control the game’s tempo and limit second-chance opportunities for the Terriers.
• Balanced Offense: While Tennessee is known for its defense, the team cannot afford to be one-dimensional. They need to execute offensively, sharing the ball, running

set plays, and making sure that they take what the defense gives them. Zeigler’s leadership and decision-making will be key here.

 A New Chapter in March Madness

As the second seed in the NCAA Tournament, Tennessee basketball enters March Madness with high expectations. Their first-round matchup with Wofford offers a chance to showcase their talent, build momentum, and move one step closer to their ultimate goal: a national championship. While Tennessee is heavily favored, the Volunteers cannot afford to take Wofford lightly. This is March Madness, where anything can happen, and every game is an opportunity to make history.

Tennessee has the talent, depth, and leadership to make a deep run. If they stay focused, execute their game plan, and avoid underestimating their opponents, the Volunteers will be in a great position to advance through the tournament and chase their first NCAA championship in school history. The path ahead is full of challenges, but Tennessee’s fans are hopeful that 2025 will be the year the Volunteers bring home the title.