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March Madness is one of the most exciting times in college basketball, and it all begins with **Selection Sunday**. This is when teams find out if they’ve made the NCAA Tournament and where they’ll be placed in the bracket. But when exactly does the big reveal happen, and what should fans expect? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from start times to expert predictions.
What is Selection Sunday?
If you’re new to March Madness, you might be wondering: What is Selection Sunday, and why is it so important? Think of it as the NCAA Tournament’s version of a season finale—except instead of wrapping up a storyline, it’s setting the stage for the wildest few weeks in college basketball.
On Selection Sunday, the NCAA Selection Committee announces which 68 teams will compete in the tournament. Here’s what happens:
- Automatic bids go to teams that won their conference championships.
- At-large bids are given to teams chosen by the committee based on performance, rankings, and strength of schedule.
- Teams are placed into four regions and seeded from 1 to 16.
It’s a huge deal for teams, coaches, and fans alike because it determines matchups, potential Cinderella stories, and—most importantly—bracket challenges!
When is NCAA Selection Sunday 2025?
Mark your calendars! Selection Sunday 2025 is set for March 16, 2025. This is the official date when the bracket will be revealed, signaling the start of the madness.
Selection Show Start Time & TV Coverage
The reveal show will be broadcast live on CBS, beginning at:
- 6:00 PM ET
- 5:00 PM CT
- 3:00 PM PT
The program typically lasts about an hour, breaking down each region’s matchups and diving into expert analysis on the top teams.
How Can You Watch Selection Sunday?
Great news—there are multiple ways to catch the action:
- TV Broadcast: Watch live on CBS.
- Live Stream Options: Paramount+ (CBS’s streaming platform) and the NCAA’s official website.
- Social Media Updates: Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube will feature bracket reveals and expert reactions in real time.
Whether you prefer watching on your big screen or checking updates on your phone, there’s no excuse to miss out!
What to Expect From the 2025 NCAA Tournament Bracket
Now for the fun part—predictions! While it’s still a bit early, analysts are already making projections about the top contenders, sleeper teams, and possible bracket surprises.
Who Are the Top Contenders?
Every year, powerhouse programs fight for that No. 1 seed. In 2025, the teams expected to lead the pack include:
- Kansas Jayhawks – A dominant season could put them at the top of the bracket.
- Duke Blue Devils – Always a threat in March with elite talent and experience.
- Purdue Boilermakers – After a strong 2024 showing, they’re looking to go even further.
- UConn Huskies – Defending champs? They’ll want to prove they’re still the best.
Dark Horse Teams to Watch
Every tournament has a Cinderella story—a lower-seeded team that stuns everyone with an upset. Keep an eye on these squads:
- Florida Atlantic – They made a deep run recently and are still dangerous.
- Gonzaga – A smaller school with a history of tournament success.
- Texas A&M – Could surprise top seeds with strong defense.
It’s this unpredictability that makes March Madness so thrilling!
Bracketology 101: How to Fill Out Your NCAA Bracket
Even if you’re not a die-hard college basketball fan, filling out a March Madness bracket is one of the most fun parts of the tournament! Here are some quick tips to help you craft a winning bracket:
1. Trust the Top Seeds (But Not Always)
- No No. 16 seed had ever beaten a No. 1 seed… until 2018. It’s rare, but upsets do happen.
- No. 1 seeds historically make deep runs, but don’t just pick all the top teams for your Final Four.
2. Watch Out for the 12 vs. 5 Upset
- Statistically, the No. 12 seed beats the No. 5 seed about 35% of the time. That’s a high percentage for an upset!
3. Balance Your Risks
- A mix of strong favorites and underdog picks gives you a better shot at winning your pool.
- Research teams with hot streaks going into the tournament—they often outperform expectations.
Final Thoughts: Get Ready for March Madness!
If you love college basketball (or just enjoy filling out a fun bracket at work), Selection Sunday 2025 is a day you won’t want to miss.
With top teams, dark horses, and potential bracket busters, this year’s tournament should be one for the books!
Whether you’re watching for your favorite team, betting on an underdog, or just hoping to win your office’s bracket challenge, be sure to tune in on March 16, 2025, for all the excitement.
Who do you think will go all the way this year? Drop your predictions in the comments and let’s talk March Madness!
Stay Updated on Selection Sunday & the NCAA Tournament
For the latest news, bracket updates, and expert analysis, be sure to:
- Follow NCAA Basketball on Twitter.
- Check CBS and ESPN for tournament analysis.
- Keep an eye out for the official bracket reveal!
Let the madness begin!