Don’t let that page of 68 school names intimidate you. Everyone who wants to build a winning NCAA men’s tournament bracket is in the same boat: Pick a bunch of favorites, play a few hunches and cross your fingers.

Regardless of how much research you do, your odds of picking all 63 games – not including the four play-in games – correctly are impossibly large. Perhaps that’s why we’ll give you $1 million to do it.

So your bracket doesn’t need to be perfect. Just a little lucky.

Printable 2025 NCAA March Madness bracket

We’ll give you a few trends based on 39 years of history since the tournament grew to 64 teams. Our tips will get you started, but you’ll still need to make a few guesses – educated or not – along the way.

Below is a different way to look at the traditional NCAA Tournament bracket. The first round comes down to four sets of these eight pairings. These 2,496 squares below represent all the teams – not counting the play-in teams – that have competed in the tournament since 1985.

1a. NCAA Tournament first-round winners are usually the top seeds

Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them.

If you just pick the highest-seeded team throughout the tournament, your odds improve significantly – especially through the first few rounds. That makes the No. 1 and 2 seeds especially good bets in almost every tournament.

The NCAA has hosted its own online bracket contest during the past 10 tournaments. They’ve found that players get two-thirds of their picks right when they based their picks on ‘likely outcomes.’ That method improves your odds of a perfect bracket to 1 in 120.2 billion. 

That’s 70 million times better than coin flipping, but likely outcomes probably won’t be enough to win among your friends and co-workers.

1b. Lowest-seeded teams might not be a good bet to upset

The 15th- and 16th-seeded teams have won a combined 13 times in the past 39 years, or once every three years. So the odds are stacked against those eight lowest-seeded teams again this year because of No. 15 Princeton’s and No. 16 Fairleigh Dickinson’s wins in the 2023 tournament.

Perhaps we’re either seeing the start of a new trend, or, more likely, you can feel relatively confident picking all the No. 1 and 2 seeds. If you do want to take a flier (which you’ll need to do to win), maybe try a few seeds up. On average, a 13 seed knocks off a 4 seed about once per tournament.

Which seeds have the best records in the round of 32

Not unsurprisingly, 47% or more of the 4 seeds or higher make it through to the Sweet 16. What might be surprising: If a 10, 11 and 12 seed wins their first-round game, they have a 40% chance of moving on to the Sweet 16.

3. How many upsets you should pick in you NCAA Tournament bracket

The guessing game begins here in Step 3 where you’ll likely differentiate your bracket from everyone one else’s.

On average between 1985 and 2024, there’ve been 8.5 upsets per tournament, or just about 13% of the 63 games, according to the NCAA. That said, some years are bound to break brackets. Both 2021 and 2022 had 14 total upsets.

The NCAA’s upset numbers don’t include the 8 vs. 9 games. That’s probably the best time to consider flipping a coin to make your picks. That said, the 9 seeds currently have a six-game edge on the 8s, so that might argue for a majority of 8-seed winners this year.

Upset rates for the first four rounds of the NCAA Tournament

While the 39-year average is just over eight upsets per year, upsets have become a bit more commonplace. In nine of the past 13 years, lower seeds have won at least 10 games, according to the NCAA. There were 10 upsets in 2023 and nine in 2024.

4. Picking the Final Four gets more challenging

Since 2011, at least one No. 7 seed or lower has made in the Final Four – except for 2019. Even that tournament would have required some creative guessing. The eventual champion Virginia was a No. 1 seed, but the other three included No. 2 Michigan State, No. 3 Texas Tech and No. 5 Auburn. 

Also, just picking all the No. 1 seeds to make the Final Four is less likely now than a No. 16 seed toppling a No. 1 seed, which has happened twice. All four No. 1 seeds made the Final Four only once: 2008.

5. A No. 1 seed is still the best choice for the tournament champion

Maybe you shouldn’t have four No. 1s in your Final Four, but they’ve piled up more than two dozen championships in nearly four decades, including nine of the past 12 tournaments. Since 2005, a No. 1 seed has won at least every other year.

Perhaps Connecticut will bring home its third consecutive championship this year?

Last season the Huskies were a heavily favored No. 1 seed, unlike 2023 when they started at No. 4. They have an even tougher road this year as an 8 seed. Should they win, Connecticut would be only the second 8 seed to win the tournament since 1985. The other schools that have won men’s basketball NCAA Championships:

Schools that have won the NCAA men’s tournament

What’s the longest a bracket has ever stayed perfect?

According to the NCAA, an Ohio man correctly predicted the entire 2019 men’s NCAA tournament into the Sweet 16, which set the record for the longest verified March Madness bracket win streak at 49 games. (The NCAA began tracking brackets from major online platforms, including their Men and Women’s Bracket Challenge Game, ESPN, CBS and Yahoo, since 2016.) Read more about perfect March Madness brackets here.

The NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments are just about ready to get underway with all teams eyeing a spot in their respective Final Fours.

The men will play for the national championship on April 5-7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The women are pointing toward their national championship, April 4-6 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

As of Selection Sunday, we know who the top seeds are. But which teams are the oddsmakers favoring? If they’re not the same teams, which ones could be profitable if one were to place a wager? Let’s take a closer look:

Men’s March Madness national championship odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday, March 19

With questions surrounding star forward Cooper Flagg’s health, the Duke Blue Devils are no longer the odds-on favorite to win the national title. Duke has fallen behind SEC rivals Auburn and Florida, according to BetMGM.com.

T1. Auburn -135
T1. Florida -135
3. Duke -130
4. Houston +120
5. Tennessee +225
6. St. John’s +400
7. Alabama +425
T8. Iowa State +500
T8. Michigan State +500
10. Texas Tech +600

Women’s March Madness national championship odds

Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday, March 19

Defending champion South Carolina is the present favorite on the women’s side with Connecticut close behind. Then there’s a bit of a drop-off in the betting to the next tier.

1. South Carolina +220
2. Connecticut +240
3. UCLA +525
T4. Texas +700
T4. USC +750
6. Notre Dame +900
7. NC State +3500
T8. LSU +5000
T8. Duke +5000
T8. TCU +5000

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You’ve filled out your March Madness NCAA Tournament brackets.

Now, it’s time to enjoy the games.

And pay attention to who might be playing in the NBA next season.

The NCAA Tournament is loaded with NBA prospects – the projected No. 1 pick, multiple lottery picks, first-rounders and second-rounders. From big conferences and mid-major conferences. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors and post-grads are represented.

And there is international appeal. V.J. Edgecombe (Baylor), Egor Demin (BYU), Kasparas Jackucionis (Illinois) and Khaman Maluach (Duke) play for teams competing in the NCAA Tournament. They were born outside of the USA – and they are projected lottery picks in USA TODAY Sports’ latest 2025 NBA mock draft.

Here are some of the NBA prospects to watch in Thursday’s NCAA Tournament games:

Ryan Kalkbrenner, Creighton

Senior, center, 7-1, 270, 23
2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.7 bpg, 1.5 apg, 65.5% FG, 33.3% 3PT, 68.2% FT
Projected pick:Late first round, early second round

Another player who can be a modern-day NBA big man: runs the court well, knows how to run the pick-and-roll as the screener, finishes at the rim, posts up when necessary and can step out and hit 3-pointers though his attempts are limited. Gets offensive rebounds and a solid shot-blocker.

First-round matchup:No. 8 Louisville vs. No. 9 Creighton, 12:15 p.m. ET, CBS

Johni Broome, Auburn

Senior, forward-center, 6-10, 240, 22
2024-25 stats: 18.9 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.3 bpg, 51.3% FG, 28.9% 3PT, 60.7% FT
Projected pick:late first round, early second round

A powerful and physical forward, Broome is a double-double machine in points and rebounds but also has a penchant for assists – 31 points, 14 rebounds against Georgia; 19 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two blocks against Alabama; 21 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, three blocks against Ohio State. He is in the running for college player of the year, and in two SEC tournament contests, Broome averaged 23 points and 11 rebounds and shot 63% from the field.

First-round matchup: No. 1 Auburn vs. No. 16 Alabama State, 2:50 p.m. ET, CBS

Egor Demin, BYU

Freshman, forward, 6-9, 190, 19
2024-25 stats: 10.3 ppg, 5.4 apg, 3.8 rpg, 1.2 spg, 41% FG, 27.1% 3PT, 67.5% FT
Projected pick: mid- to late lottery

The Russian is a playmaker who can make quick decisions and facilitate for others. Demin is the size of a wing player but has guard-like skills. On defense, he uses his length to his advantage while forcing turnovers and being active in passing lanes. His shooting efficiency is a concern. Demin had difficulty with his offense as the season progressed. He had just three points with four turnovers, three assists and three rebounds in a Big 12 conference tournament victory against Iowa State and six points on 2-for-9 shooting (1-for-7 on 3s) with four assists and five turnovers in a conference tournament loss to Houston.

First-round matchup:No. 6 Brigham Young vs. No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth, 4:05 p.m. ET, TNT

John Tonge, Wisconsin

Sixth-year, guard, 6-5, 218, 24
2024-25 stats: 19.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 46.9% FG, 39.1% 3PT, 90.8% FT
Projected pick: late second round

Tonge was a handful in the Big Ten with his size, ability to take contact and shooting. He scored 32 points against Michigan State and 26 against UCLA on 16-of-24 shooting in the conference tournament but had just nine points on 1-for-14 shooting against Michigan in the conference tournament championship game.

First-round matchup:No. 3 Wisconsin vs. No. 14 Montana, 1:30 p.m. ET, TNT

Asa Newell, Georgia

Freshman, forward, 6-11, 220, 19
2024-25 stats: 15.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1.0 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54.1% FG, 29.9% 3PT, 74.4% FT
Projected pick: mid- to late lottery in first round

Based off of his size, Newell wouldn’t appear to be as quick and fluid as he is, which should make him an instant threat in pick-and-roll situations. He was one of the lone bright spots for the Bulldogs in a loss against No. 1 Auburn with a team-high 20 points. His scoring dipped at the end of the regular season. However, he had 21 points and 17 rebounds in an SEC tournament loss to Oklahoma.

First-round matchup:No. 8 Gonzaga vs. No. 9 Georgia, 4:35 p.m. ET, TBS

Chaz Lanier, Tennessee

Fifth year, guard, 6-5, 207, 23
2024-25 stats: 17.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.0 apg, 43.5% FG, 40% 3PT, 73.5% FT
Projected pick: early, mid- second round

Lanier’s scoring dropped in the SEC tournament, but he had efficient offensive games down the stretch of the regular season, scoring 30 points on 18 shots against Texas A&M and 23 points on 15 shots against Texas. He shot 41.8% on 3s in Tennessee’s final six regular-season games.

First-round matchup:No. 2 Tennessee vs. No. 15 Wofford, 6:50 p.m. ET, TNT

Boogie Fland, Arkansas

Freshman, guard, 6-2, 175, 18
2024-25 stats: 15.1 ppg, 5.7 apg, 3.4 rpg, 1.5 spg, 39.1% FG, 36.5% 3PT, 83.9% FT
Projected pick: Late first round, early second round

Fland is an aggressive defender, can hit mid-range shots, makes 3s off the dribble and on catch-and-shoots and attacks the rim. He is getting more comfortable reading defenses and finding advantages with the pass. Fland sustained a thumb injury Jan. 11 and hasn’t played since Jan. 18, undergoing surgery on Jan. 22. However, Razorbacks coach John Calipari said this week Fland has been cleared to play and has resumed full basketball-related activities.

First-round matchup: No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Arkansas, 7:10 p.m. ET, CBS

Adou Thiero, Arkansas

Junior, forward, 6-8, 220, 21
2024-25 stats: 15.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.7 spg, 54.8% FG, 26.2% 3PT, 68.8% FT
Projected pick: late first round, early second round

Thiero hasn’t played since Feb. 22 (hyperextended left knee) and will miss the first game of the NCAA Tournament. A quick and athletic leaper, Thiero likes to run the court for easy transition buckets. He is solid off the dribble and attacks his defender on the way to the rim. Thiero gets his hands into passing lanes for deflections and steals. He will need to improve his outside shot.

First-round matchup:No. 7 Kansas vs. No. 10 Arkansas, 7:10 p.m. ET, CBS

Danny Wolf, Michigan

Junior, forward-center, 7-0, 250, 21
2024-25 stats: 12.9 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.4 bpg, 50% FG, 34.4% 3PT, 60% FT
Projected pick: mid- to late first round

The Yale transfer is shooting up draft boards thanks to his fluid scoring and play-making portfolio in the package of a 7-foot stretch big. Wolf has played point guard at times this season for the Wolverines just like he’s played center. His handles make him a threat as the initiator in pick-and-roll actions and his range should translate to the NBA.

First-round matchup:No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 12 UC San Diego, 10 p.m. ET, TBS

Darrion Williams, Texas Tech

Junior, guard, 6-6, 225, 22
2024-25 stats: 14.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.2 spg, 44.1% FG, 36.5% 3PT, 84.2% FT
Projected pick: early to mid-second round

Williams has a right leg injury, missed Texas Tech’s Big 12 semifinal game against Arizona and his status is unclear. In the quarterfinals against Baylor, Williams had 14 points (4-for-6 on 3s) and eight rebounds.

First-round matchup: No. 3 Texas Tech vs. No. 14 UNC Wilmington, 10:10 p.m. ET, truTV

Across the 2025 women’s March Madness bracket, there are potential Cinderella teams lurking, waiting, hoping they can pull off an NCAA Tournament run. But which teams have the best chance at doing so? Which underdogs should we watch closely?

To help you answer that, here are seven potential Cinderella teams our USA TODAY Sports Network experts are keeping their eyes on.

Stream women’s NCAA Tournament games on Fubo

Women’s March Madness Cinderella picks

No. 13 Grand Canyon

It’ll be tough sledding for the Lopes (32-2) but they are an experienced group, and Molly Miller is one of the top up-and-coming coaches. — Maxwell Donaldson, Gadsden Times

What coach Molly Miller has done with the program is remarkable. Trinity San Antonio and Alyssa Durazo-Frescas are some dangerous shooters. — Jenna Ortiz, Arizona Republic

No. 12 Green Bay

No. 10 Harvard

No. 7 Vanderbilt

No. 6 Florida State

No. 6 Michigan

No. 5 Tennessee

Women’s March Madness schedule

First Four: March 19-20
First round: March 21-22
Second round: March 23-24
Sweet 16: March 28-29
Elite Eight: March 30-31
Final Four: Friday, April 4 (both semifinals; first game begins at 7 p.m. ET)
NCAA championship: Sunday, April 6 (Game scheduled for 3 p.m. ET)

Where to watch Women’s March Madness

All games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks, which includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews. Games can be streamed on Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

The 2025 NCAA women’s Tournament features Dawn Staley and No. 1 seed South Carolina looking to repeat as March Madness champions.

Meanwhile, JuJu Watkins and USC are aiming for the Trojans’ first title since 1984; Lauren Betts and UCLA are going for the Bruins’ first national championship; Madison Booker and Texas are vying to end a 39-year championship drought; and Paige Bueckers and second-seeded UConn are trying to pull down Geno Auriemma’s 12th national title and first since 2016.

Here is who our USA TODAY Sports Network experts picked to win the national championship.

Women’s March Madness bracket predictions

Nancy Armour, USA TODAY: UConn over Duke
Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY: USC over South Carolina
Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY: South Carolina over UCLA
Cora Hall, Knoxville News Sentinel: South Carolina over UConn
Lulu Kesin, Greenville News: South Carolina over UConn
Meghan Hall, For The Win: South Carolina over USC
Mike Sykes, For The Win: UConn over South Carolina
Cory Diaz, The Daily Advertiser: UConn over Notre Dame
Maxwell Donaldson, Gadsden Times: UConn over South Carolina
Jenna Ortiz, Arizona Republic: UConn over South Carolina

Stream women’s NCAA Tournament games on Fubo

Women’s March Madness schedule

First Four: March 19-20
First round: March 21-22
Second round: March 23-24
Sweet 16: March 28-29
Elite Eight: March 30-31
Final Four: Friday, April 4 (both semifinals; first game begins at 7 p.m. ET)
NCAA championship: Sunday, April 6 (Game scheduled for 3 p.m. ET)

Where to watch Women’s March Madness

All games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks, which includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews. Games can be streamed on Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.

Who is your favorite player in the 2025 women’s NCAA Tournament? There’s so much talent across the March Madness bracket to make any hoops head pumped about the action ahead.

So we asked our USA TODAY Sports Network experts to weigh in. Some players on this list – Hello, Paige Bueckers – are unsurprising. Others are also walking buckets, like Harvard’s Harmoni Turner and Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson. All are exhilarating hoopers on a mission this March.

So, here are our favorite players in the women’s bracket.

Women’s March Madness favorites: Best players in NCAA Tournament

Paige Bueckers, UConn

Stream women’s NCAA Tournament games on Fubo

Harmoni Turner, Harvard

Kennedy Smith, USC

Ta’Niya Latson, Florida State

Sonia Citron, Notre Dame

Hailey Van Lith, TCU

Women’s March Madness schedule

First Four: March 19-20
First round: March 21-22
Second round: March 23-24
Sweet 16: March 28-29
Elite Eight: March 30-31
Final Four: Friday, April 4 (both semifinals; first game begins at 7 p.m. ET)
NCAA championship: Sunday, April 6 (Game scheduled for 3 p.m. ET)

Where to watch Women’s March Madness

All games will be televised on the ESPN family of networks, which includes ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews. Games can be streamed on Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.