Following a dramatic second round in the 2025 NCAA tournament, 16 teams advanced to the Sweet 16, with no mid-majors remaining. Houston edged out Gonzaga, while Duke, Florida, and Auburn also secured victories. Notable performances included Walter Clayton Jr. from Florida and Derik Queen from Maryland, who secured important wins for their teams. The SEC dominated with seven teams progressing, while Duke faces Arizona and Florida meets Maryland next. Houston prepares to challenge Purdue, and Alabama plays BYU. Meanwhile, Texas Tech, Michigan State, and Michigan aim for further success as the tournament intensifies in Atlanta, Indianapolis, Newark, and San Francisco.
Following a subdued first round in the 2025 men’s NCAA tournament, fans craved more excitement. The 32 remaining teams delivered just that.
Houston secured a late block to clinch a victory over Gonzaga. In a clash of former Kentucky coaches, John Calipari sent Rick Pitino packing. BYU managed to edge past Wisconsin. Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. nailed a crucial 3-pointer to overcome the reigning champions, UConn, and Derik Queen’s buzzer-beater propelled Maryland into the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2016.
No mid-major teams are left in the competition, while the SEC boasts seven teams advancing. Only four conferences are represented in the regional semifinals.
With a bit of luck, every matchup in Atlanta, Newark, Indianapolis, and San Francisco will bring even more excitement and unforgettable moments.
We’re here to help shape the landscape as the 16 teams compete for the 2025 national title.
Discover everything we’ve learned about the teams following the first day of the second round on Saturday and the second day on Sunday.
1. Duke Blue Devils
Original seed: No. 1 seed (East)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 16 Mount St. Mary’s 93-49 (first round); defeated No. 9 Baylor 89-66 (round of 32)
After North Carolina was defeated by Duke for the third time this season in the ACC tournament semifinals, coach Hubert Davis remarked that the Blue Devils excel beyond Cooper Flagg, who was sidelined due to injury. “Duke is the No. 1 team in the country because they are a cohesive unit. It’s not merely dependent on one or two players,” Davis commented in the postgame press conference. “They have several impactful players who excel on both ends.” Up to this point, the Blue Devils have not proved him wrong. To beat the 1-seed in the East, teams will need to defuse its formidable freshman trio — Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and Khaman Maluach, all anticipated to be lottery picks. In addition, shutting down junior guard Tyrese Proctor is vital, as he has averaged 21.0 PPG, with a 63% success rate from beyond the arc in the last three games. If Proctor maintains this level, stopping Duke could become an insurmountable challenge.
Up next: vs. Arizona in Newark, New Jersey (Thursday, 9:39 p.m. ET, CBS)
2. Florida Gators
Original seed: No. 1 seed (West)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 16 Norfolk State 95-69 (first round); defeated No. 8 UConn 77-75 (round of 32)
Last summer, Walter Clayton Jr. explored the NBA draft waters. Lacking a first-round assurance, he chose to return to Florida for his senior season, accompanied by a social media announcement that simply said, “1 more.” Clayton’s decision illustrates the advantages of the NIL landscape in college basketball. Prior to NIL regulations, he likely would have remained in the draft, attempting to earn money to support himself and his family. Now, the pressure has lessened, allowing him to earn while playing college basketball. This decision also has enabled him to expand his role with the Gators and improve his draft prospects, culminating in his selection as an AP first-team All-American through standout performances — including 23 points and a game-sealing 3-pointer against UConn. Thanks to his contributions, the Gators are headed back to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2017.
Up next: vs. Maryland in San Francisco (Thursday, 7:39 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV)
3. Houston Cougars
Original seed: No. 1 seed (Midwest)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 16 SIU Edwardsville 78-40 (first round); defeated No. 8 Gonzaga 81-76 (round of 32)
During Big 12 media day last October, Kelvin Sampson challenged L.J. Cryer to elevate his game this season. “He spent too much time trying to impress me last year,” Sampson stated to ESPN. “I told him he just needed to play.” Challenge accepted. The former Baylor transfer has become the driving force behind the most effective offense Sampson has ever coached at Houston. With the best defense in the nation already in place, they also lead in 3-point shooting (39.8%). Cryer has stepped up to become a leader among teammates including Milos Uzan, Emanuel Sharp, and J’Wan Roberts — potentially securing Houston its first national championship, a goal sparked by Sampson’s summer challenge.
Up next: vs. Purdue in Indianapolis (Friday, 10:09 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV)
4. Auburn Tigers
Original seed: No. 1 seed (South)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 16 Alabama State 83-63 (first round); defeated No. 9 Creighton 82-70 (round of 32)
From December 4 to March 4, Bruce Pearl’s team suffered just one defeat. Throughout that successful stretch, Johni Broome was on course for national player of the year honors, and the Tigers were undoubtedly the nation’s top team. However, they hit a rough patch going 3-3. This challenging period opened the door for freshman Tahaad Pettiford to shine. Being the youngest player on an otherwise experienced team, he has put up averages of 19.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 4.0 APG across two NCAA tournament games. Additionally, he’s made 4-of-9 3-point attempts. Earlier in the season, Pettiford showcased his talent with 18 points against Purdue and 21 against Kentucky. His timing couldn’t be better as Pettiford accelerates Auburn’s journey to Atlanta for the Sweet 16.
Up next: vs. Michigan in Atlanta (Friday, 9:39 p.m. ET, CBS)
5. Tennessee Volunteers
Original seed: No. 2 seed (Midwest)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 15 Wofford 77-62 (first round); defeated No. 7 UCLA 67-58 (round of 32)
Rick Barnes has coached some of the greatest players in college basketball history, including T.J. Ford, a Wooden Award winner who led Texas to the Final Four in 2003, and Kevin Durant, the first freshman to win the Wooden Award in 2007. He has also trained current NBA talents like Grant Williams and Dalton Knecht. Known for his exceptional defensive teams, Barnes has an eye for highlighting top talent. This season, it may be Chaz Lanier, who has averaged 20.0 PPG through Tennessee’s last 12 wins. Stars define the NCAA tournament, and Lanier has certainly been that for the Vols, bolstered by their elite defense. He could be the pivotal difference in leading Barnes to his second Final Four appearance.
Up next: vs. Kentucky in Indianapolis (Friday, 7:39 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV)
6. Alabama Crimson Tide
Original seed: No. 2 seed (East)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 15 Robert Morris 90-81 (first round); defeated No. 7 Saint Mary’s 80-66 (round of 32)
After last season’s defeat to UConn in the Final Four, Crimson Tide coach Nate Oats needed to tighten up his team’s defense. Alabama ended that campaign ranked outside the top 100 in adjusted defensive efficiency, allowing UConn’s big men — Donovan Clingan and Samson Johnson — to dominate in the paint. Consequently, Oats entered the transfer portal and signed Clifford Omoruyi, a two-time All-Big Ten Defensive Team player from Rutgers. This season’s Alabama squad features the nation’s top offense paired with a top-30 defense, thanks to Omoruyi’s influence. He played a crucial role in Saint Mary’s 21-for-56 shooting performance inside the arc on Sunday and is also averaging 13.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 2.0 BPG in the NCAA tournament. As the Tide makes its fourth trip to the Sweet 16 in five years, they have become a more well-rounded team with Omoruyi.
Up next: vs. BYU in Newark (Thursday, 7:09 p.m. ET, CBS)
7. Michigan State Spartans
Original seed: No. 2 seed (South)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 15 Bryant 87-62 (first round); defeated No. 10 New Mexico 71-63 (round of 32)
Tom Izzo, who has a passion for football, has infused that enthusiasm into his basketball coaching. Earlier in his career, he would give his players football pads and engage them in rebounding drills. This illustrates the toughness he expects from his players at Michigan State. Historically, Izzo’s most successful NCAA tournament teams excelled in offensive rebounding and boasted some of the top defenses in the country. This year’s Spartans feature only one player (Jase Richardson) currently on NBA scouts’ radars. Despite a poor shooting performance from three-point range (4-for-15 against New Mexico), they rank 19th in offensive rebounding percentage and fifth in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom. They show tremendous grit and continue to find ways to win in critical moments. This tenacity is why Izzo is back in the Sweet 16.
Up next: vs. Ole Miss in Atlanta (Friday, 7:09 p.m. ET, CBS)
8. Kentucky Wildcats
Original seed: No. 3 seed (Midwest)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 14 Troy 76-57 (first round); defeated No. 6 Illinois 84-75 (round of 32)
The initial narrative surrounding Kentucky this season acknowledged its high-scoring offense (averaging 85.0 PPG, sixth in the nation as of Sunday) but also highlighted defensive gaps that led to frequent losses. Following a 98-84 setback at Ole Miss on February 4, the Wildcats ranked 87th in adjusted defensive efficiency, one of the lowest figures among power conference teams, per BartTorvik.com. Teams allowing fewer than 75 points typically struggle in the tournament. Yet, as Lamont Butler found his footing after a shoulder injury, Kentucky rose to 15th overall during a strong 12-game stretch leading up to the victory over Illinois. This defensive improvement was crucial in the team’s performance, forcing six turnovers from Illini projected lottery selection Kasparas Jakucionis. Their progress could be the determining factor for how far the Wildcats advance in the tournament, having reached the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019.
Up next: vs. Tennessee in Indianapolis (Friday, 7:39 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV)
9. Texas Tech Red Raiders
Original seed: No. 3 seed (West)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 14 UNC Wilmington 82-72 (first round); defeated No. 11 Drake 77-64 (round of 32)
JT Toppin’s story is one of the most remarkable in college basketball: he took up basketball only in middle school and didn’t make his varsity team until his junior year, according to the Times Record News (Wichita Falls, Texas). With limited Division I scholarship offers, he ended up at New Mexico for the 2023-24 season, where he thrived and earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year before transferring to Texas Tech. This season, he’s averaged 17.9 PPG, 9.3 RPG, and 1.3 BPG, securing AP All-America second-team honors and leading the Red Raiders to the Sweet 16 for the fourth time since 2005 and for the first time under second-year head coach Grant McCasland. While this run has been bolstered by Texas Tech’s top-10 defense, Toppin stands out as the best player on the court – a distinction he will maintain when facing Arkansas, which fields multiple NBA prospects and five-star recruits in San Francisco.
Up next: vs. Arkansas in San Francisco (Thursday, 10:09 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV)
10. BYU Cougars
Original seed: No. 6 seed (East)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 11 VCU 80-71 (first round); defeated No. 3 Wisconsin 91-89 (round of 32)
Kevin Young, formerly an assistant and associate head coach with the Phoenix Suns, was hired by BYU last spring. Before his entrance into college basketball, he was seen as a potential NBA head coach. It’s clear why: during his tenure with the Suns, they regularly ranked among the top 10 in offensive efficiency. Young brought an NBA-style approach to the Cougars, including the employment of analytics experts to optimize their performance. Though it took time, BYU’s offense has surged to the top of the nation — surpassing Florida, Duke, and others — since February 11. Richie Saunders emerged as the offensive leader, netting 25 points against Wisconsin, and the Cougars are set to make their first Sweet 16 appearance since Jimmer Fredette led them there in 2011.
Up next: vs. Alabama in Newark (Thursday, 7:09 p.m. ET, CBS)
11. Michigan Wolverines
Original seed: No. 5 seed (South)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 12 UCSD 68-65 (first round); defeated No. 4 Texas A&M 91-79 (round of 32)
When preparing for Michigan, opposing coaches typically focus on containing the team’s two 7-footers, Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin. This approach, while wise, is somewhat incomplete, as it doesn’t factor in the rest of a high-scoring team. The five teams Michigan recently beat (Purdue, Maryland, Wisconsin, UC San Diego, and Texas A&M) can attest to this. Tre Donaldson has tallied double-digit scores in four of those five games. Nimari Burnett has been in double figures 10 times since January. Against Texas A&M in the second round, Roddy Gayle Jr. exploded for 26 points. Additionally, their combined 3-point percentage in this stretch is 37%, a notable uptick given Michigan’s ranking of 200th in overall shooting from beyond the arc (33.3%).
Up next: vs. Auburn in Atlanta (Friday, 9:39 p.m. ET, CBS)
12. Maryland Terrapins
Original seed: No. 4 seed (West)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 13 Grand Canyon 81-49 (first round); defeated No. 12 Colorado State 72-71 (round of 32)
Cooper Flagg’s rise as the favorite for national player of the year and freshman of the year has overshadowed other outstanding first-year players. One to watch is Derik Queen, who was a high school teammate of Flagg at Montverde Academy (Florida). According to Synergy Sports, he holds an “excellent” defensive rating, evidenced by a critical block against Colorado State on Sunday that led to a fast-break opportunity. Queen also excels near the basket, with a 56% shooting rate inside the arc. His overall impact rate, calculated by Evan Miyakawa’s BPR, places him ahead of Alabama’s Mark Sears. Hailing from Baltimore, he shares a connection with Carmelo Anthony, who years ago led Syracuse to the national title. Flagg won’t be the only freshman looking to create a March image in San Antonio.
Up next: vs. Florida in San Francisco (Thursday, 7:39 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV)
13. Arizona Wildcats
Original seed: No. 4 seed (East)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 13 Akron 93-65 (first round); defeated No. 5 Oregon 87-83 (round of 32)
The Big Ten has continuously faced scrutiny regarding its championship drought, which now extends for 25 years. Meanwhile, the former Pac-12 also has a longstanding drought; Arizona was the last team to earn the title in 1997, marking the last time any team west of the Mississippi celebrated a victory on the national stage. Only three teams within the Central time zone — and none in the Mountain or Pacific time zones — have clinched titles in this timeframe. Can the Wildcats, now part of the Big 12, end this streak? There’s potential. Arizona has entered the NCAA tournament with the same confidence that fueled a 13-1 run earlier in the season and boasts a powerful backcourt. Caleb Love, who scored 29 points against Oregon, finished nine games since January with 19 or more points. Anticipating a big week, the former Pac-12 Player of the Year could once again lead his team.
Up next: vs. Duke in Newark (Thursday, 9:39 p.m. ET, CBS)
14. Ole Miss Rebels
Original seed: No. 6 seed (South)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 11 North Carolina 71-64 (first round); defeated No. 3 Iowa State 91-78 (round of 32)
Chris Beard has successfully navigated roster turnover at both junior college and Division II levels, leading multiple programs to postseason tournaments. He’s currently adapting to a similar situation in Division I, where he has a roster filled with transfers: All-SEC third-team selection Sean Pedulla and Jaylen Murray at their second schools, while Dre Davis and Malik Dia are on their third college team. None of these transitions seem to faze Beard. Throughout his career, he has shown a talent for blending new players into cohesive teams. The Ole Miss outfit has gelled remarkably and is playing outstanding basketball (49% from beyond the arc in the NCAA tournament) as the 2024-25 season winds down.
Up next: vs. Michigan State in Atlanta (Friday, 7:09 p.m. ET, CBS)
15. Purdue Boilermakers
Original seed: No. 4 seed (Midwest)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 13 High Point 75-63 (first round); defeated No. 12 McNeese 76-62 (round of 32)
Zach Edey’s consecutive wins of the Wooden Award were unprecedented for nearly 50 years. While his departure leaves a significant void, his former teammate, Trey Kaufman-Renn (20.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG this season), has stepped up as an All-Big Ten first team pick. More critically, Edey’s absence created a challenge on defense: following two solid seasons placing within the top 25 defensively, the Boilermakers began this campaign with a similar focus before plummeting to 160th in adjusted defensive efficiency during a nine-game losing streak to end the regular season. Has their game improved again? Purdue’s road to the Sweet 16 has been relatively unchallenged, as both opponents were double-digit seeds and dispatched rather easily. However, in the tournament so far, Matt Painter’s team has exhibited some of the defensive prowess that brought them early-season victories over fellow Sweet 16 squads Alabama and Maryland.
Up next: vs. Houston in Indianapolis (Friday, 10:09 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV)
16. Arkansas Razorbacks
Original seed: No. 10 seed (West)
NCAA tournament results: Defeated No. 7 Kansas 79-72 (first round); defeated No. 2 St. John’s 75-66 (round of 32)
This offseason, Arkansas faced a slew of injuries, leaving coach John Calipari struggling to have a full roster for practice at times. He had assembled a crop of elite recruits (Boogie Fland, Karter Knox, Billy Richmond III) alongside valuable transfers (D.J. Wagner, Johnell Davis, Jonas Aidoo, Zvonimir Ivisic). Despite merely nine scholarship players available, they faced a treacherous road to build chemistry, with the injury bug plaguing them throughout the season. Fland (14.6 PPG) missed 15 games after injuring his hand, but he rejoined the lineup for the NCAA tournament. Top scorer Adou Thiero (15.6 PPG) also suffered a knee injury, missing games since February 22. Still, Arkansas has reached Calipari’s first Sweet 16 since 2019. Talent was never the issue; the team simply needed more time to gel.
Up next: vs. Texas Tech in San Francisco (Thursday, 10:09 p.m. ET, TBS/truTV)