The madness is officially underway! As of March 8, 2025, the SIUE Cougars have secured their spot in the NCAA Tournament, becoming the first team to punch their ticket to March Madness 2025. With Selection Sunday just a week away and the NCAA basketball world buzzing, it’s time to dive into everything you need to know about the 2025 NCAA Tournament—from SIUE’s Cinderella story to the latest bracket predictions, key dates, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard college basketball fan or just here to fill out your March Madness bracket, this guide has you covered.

SIUE Basketball: The First Team in March Madness 2025

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) made history on March 8, 2025, by defeating Southeast Missouri State (SEMO) in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Championship. This victory earned the Cougars an automatic bid to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, marking their first appearance in the Big Dance since 2008. Posts on X erupted with excitement, with fans and analysts alike celebrating SIUE’s triumph as the official start of March Madness season.

As a mid-major program, SIUE is likely headed for a 16-seed in the tournament, which could set them up for a First Four matchup in Dayton, Ohio. While their journey to the Final Four may be a long shot, the Cougars’ gritty performance is a reminder of why March Madness is the most unpredictable event in sports. Keep an eye on this underdog—they could be this year’s Cinderella story!

When Does March Madness 2025 Start?

If you’re wondering, “When is March Madness 2025?”—here’s the rundown of key dates based on the official NCAA schedule:

• Selection Sunday: March 16, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET on CBS
  The 68-team field will be revealed, and brackets will officially take shape.
• First Four: March 18-19, 2025, in Dayton, Ohio
  The tournament tips off with eight teams battling for four spots in the Round of 64.
• First Round (Round of 64): March 20-21, 2025
  The full bracket comes to life across multiple host cities.
• Second Round (Round of 32): March 22-23, 2025
  The field narrows as upsets and buzzer-beaters steal the spotlight.
• Sweet 16: March 27-28, 2025
• Elite Eight: March 29-30, 2025
• Final Four: April 5, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas
• National Championship: April 7, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio

Mark your calendars—March Madness 2025 promises a month of thrilling NCAA basketball action!

March Madness 2025 Bracket: Early Predictions

With SIUE locking in the first bid, the March Madness 2025 bracket is starting to take shape. While the full field won’t be set until Selection Sunday, experts like ESPN’s Joe Lunardi and NCAA.com’s Andy Katz have been updating their Bracketology projections throughout the season. Here’s a snapshot of what the top seeds might look like based on current trends:

• No. 1 Seeds (Projected):
  • Auburn Tigers: Despite recent losses, their dominant season keeps them atop the rankings.
  • Duke Blue Devils: Led by freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, Duke is a powerhouse.
  • Houston Cougars: A suffocating defense makes them a perennial contender.
  • Alabama Crimson Tide: Their high-octane offense could carry them far.
• SIUE’s Spot:
  As the OVC champion, SIUE is almost certain to land a 16-seed, potentially facing one of these top teams in the opening round. Will they pull off a historic upset like Fairleigh Dickinson did against Purdue in 2023?

The bracket will evolve as conference tournaments wrap up over the next week, with 31 automatic bids and 37 at-large selections filling out the field. For now, fans can speculate and debate—will this be the year we see another 16-seed shock the world?

NCAA Tournament 2025 Host Cities

The 2025 NCAA Tournament will span the country, bringing the madness to fans coast to coast. Here are the confirmed host sites:

• First and Second Rounds (March 20-23):
  • Providence, RI
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Lexington, KY
  • Milwaukee, WI
  • Wichita, KS
  • Denver, CO
  • Seattle, WA
• Sweet 16 and Elite Eight (March 27-30):
  • Newark, NJ
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • San Francisco, CA
• Final Four (April 5-7):
  • San Antonio, TX (Alamodome)

These venues will host the drama, from early-round chaos to the crowning of a national champion. Planning to attend? Tickets are already in high demand—check NCAA.com for updates!

How to Watch NCAA Basketball in 2025

Every game of March Madness 2025 will be broadcast across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with streaming available on Paramount+ and the NCAA March Madness Live app. Selection Sunday kicks off the coverage on CBS, while the First Four and beyond will be spread across the four networks. Pro tip: Many games are also accessible via streaming services like YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV if you’ve got a cable subscription.

Why March Madness is the Best Event in Sports

The NCAA Tournament is more than just basketball—it’s a cultural phenomenon. From filling out brackets to witnessing buzzer-beaters and improbable runs (looking at you, SIUE), March Madness captivates millions. Last year, UConn won back-to-back titles, but with a fresh slate in 2025, anything can happen. Will a mid-major like SIUE steal the show, or will a blue blood like Duke or Alabama reign supreme? That’s the beauty of the Big Dance—no one knows until the final whistle.

Get Ready for March Madness 2025

With SIUE basketball leading the charge, the countdown to March Madness 2025 is officially on. Whether you’re tracking the Cougars, predicting your bracket, or just here for the chaos, this year’s NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be unforgettable. Stay tuned for more updates as conference championships unfold and the full bracket is revealed on March 16. Who’s your pick to cut down the nets in San Antonio? Let the madness begin!