The NCAA selection committee has spoken, and the 2025 NCAA Softball Tournament field is set.

Sixty-four teams will begin their road to a potential appearance in the Women’s College World Series at the end of May and beginning of June in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The teams included in the field are the 31 automatic qualifiers for conference champions and 33 at-large teams.

Starting on May 16, these teams will play in 16 regionals across the country, hosted by the 16 national seeds. The winner of each region will advance to play in a best-of-three super regional round, with the eight remaining teams advancing to Oklahoma City for the WCWS. The last two teams standing will play in a best-of-three series to determine the national champion.

However, just like every year, there will be a handful of teams shaking their heads following the NCAA softball selection show. Some teams will feel they should have been a regional host, while some will feel they were poorly ranked and got a bad shake of which regional they have to travel for. Of course, several teams felt like they were unfairly left out of the tournament.

Here’s a look at the winners, losers and snubs from the 2025 NCAA women’s college softball field:

Winners

The Southeastern Conference

The SEC had an NCAA Tournament record-14 teams, including seven of the top eight national seeds and nine of the top 15, capping off a great season. That means if chalk holds through the regional round, only one non-SEC team will host a super regional: No. 5 seed Florida State.

Texas A&M

The Aggies are the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA softball tournament for the first time in program history. The Aggies edged out the four-time defending champion Oklahoma due to their No. 1 ranking in the RPI at the end of the season. Texas A&M did not have a chance to defeat the Sooners in the SEC softball tournament championship game, but could face the Sooners in Oklahoma City.

NCAA softball tournament first-timers

Belmont, Mercer, North Florida, Saint Louis and Santa Clara are first-timers reaching the NCAA softball tournament this season. The Bruins defeated Southern Illinois in the MVC Championship game to earn their first-ever berth, while Mercer was crowned the Southern Conference champions.

The Ospreys earned their first ASUN Tournament title in program history, while the Billikens secured the 2025 Atlantic 10 Softball Championship title with a walk-off win. The Broncos earned their first West Coast Conference championship to automatically qualify.

South Carolina

Seeding matters when it comes to the NCAA softball tournament, and a single seed line can make a huge difference. The Gamecocks edged out No. 9 UCLA for the final top-eight seed. That means they’ll be set to host the Bruins at home in the super regional, if both teams advance.

Losers

UCLA

The Bruins ended the season with an RPI of No. 4 and were the runners-up to Michigan in the Big Ten tournament. However, none of that was enough for UCLA to clinch the last top-eight seed to earn a hosting bid. Instead, if the No. 9 seed Bruins advance to the super regional, they’ll have to travel to Columbia to take on South Carolina on the road.

Virginia Tech

The Hokies had an impressive season but fell apart during the sixth inning of the ACC tournament championship game against eventual champion Clemson. For its trouble, Virginia Tech has to travel to No. 15 seed Alabama in the Tuscaloosa Regional, where the Hokies and Crimson Tide split two games during the Easton Bama Bash in February.

Oregon

The Ducks won the regular season Big Ten championship in their first year in the conference. They also took two out of three games against UCLA during the regular season, but are ranked as the last nationally seeded team at No. 16. The Ducks also had wins over No. 5 seed Florida State (2-0) and No. 7 seed Tennessee (1-0) in nonconference play.

Snubs

Nevada

The Wolf Pack posted a 41-14 record playing against a top-70 strength of schedule. It also finished with an RPI of 36 but, after losing in the Mountain West Tournament, was excluded from the tournament.

Oklahoma

It’s hard to say the No. 2 overall seed was snubbed in any way — but as the four-time defending champs, the Sooners had a real argument as the No. 1 seed after winning the regular season SEC championship in the toughest conference in the country.

The field has been set for the 2025 NCAA softball tournament, which means the road to the Women’s College World Series is set, too.

As was expected going into the selection show, the SEC dominated: Fourteen of the conference’s 16 teams are heading to the postseason, led by SEC tournament co-champions Texas A&M and Oklahoma, the top two seeds of the tournament, respectively. The SEC claimed seven of the top eight seeds and nine of the top 16 overall.

The Sooners are aiming for a dynastic fifth straight national championship, which would place them in rarefied air in all sports. But the field looks more perilous than it has in years past this year, with Patty Gasso’s team lacking its usual pitching depth.

Here’s a look at our predictions for the 2025 softball NCAA Tournament and Women’s College World Series:

Bryan-College Station Regional

No. 1 Texas A&M (45-9)
Marist (47-7-1)
Liberty (47-12)
Saint Francis (26-24)

The Aggies should breeze through their regional with two wins and reach the championship game. Texas A&M will advance to the super regional.

Norman Regional

No. 2 Oklahoma (45-7)
Boston University (39-17)
Omaha (39-11)
Cal (35-19)

The Sooners are going to be motivated after not getting the No. 1 overall seed. Fully expect Gasso and Oklahoma to turn up the heat in their regional.

Gainesville Regional

No. 3 Florida (43-14)
Mercer (38-24)
Georgia Tech (27-22)
Florida Atlantic (44-10)

Florida was the No. 2-ranked team in RPI at the end of the season. The Gators finished sixth in the SEC, but played one of the toughest schedules in the nation.

Fayetteville Regional

No. 4 Arkansas (40-12)
Saint Louis (34-22)
Oklahoma State (33-18)
Indiana (33-18)

The Razorbacks have arguably the best player in the nation in Bri Ellis. That alone should carry them through the regional.

Tallahassee Regional

No. 5 Florida State (46-9)
Robert Morris (30-16)
USF (43-14-1)
Auburn (32-22)

Florida State is playing as well as any team in the country, with a deep pitching staff and the best hitting lineup in the ACC. The Seminoles should breeze through their regional.

Austin Regional

No. 6 Texas (46-10)
Eastern Illinois (34-20)
Michigan (38-19)
UCF (33-22-1)

Big Ten tournament champion Michigan could prove to be a tough test for the Longhorns, but Texas is as battle-tested as any program in the country and should ultimately prevail.

Knoxville Regional

No. 7 Tennessee (40-14)
Miami (Ohio) (35-24)
North Carolina (40-15)
Ohio State (43-12-1)

The Lady Vols have one of the best pitchers in college softball in Karlyn Pickens and no one else in the regional can match her arm talent. Tennessee advances.

Columbia Regional

No. 8 South Carolina (40-15)
Elon (33-19)
North Florida (45-13)
Virginia (37-17)

South Carolina snuck in for the final super regional host site. The Gamecocks will take full advantage and have the opportunity to host UCLA in the next round.

Los Angeles Regional

No. 9 UCLA (49-10)
UC Santa Barbara (34-24)
San Diego State (37-17)
Arizona State (35-19)

The Bruins, like Oklahoma, are going to be motivated after being ‘snubbed’ for the final super regional host spot.

Baton Rouge Regional

No. 10 LSU (41-14)
SE Louisiana (48-14)
UConn (35-17)
Nebraska (39-13)

Jordy Bahl transferred to Nebraska to bring home a national championship. Bahl delivers for the Cornhuskers as they upset host LSU to advance to the super regionals.

Clemson Regional

No. 11 Clemson (44-12)
SC Upstate (39-14)
Northwestern (29-18-1)
Kentucky (29-26)

The Tigers should feel confident entering their regional after winning the ACC softball tournament championship. Clemson has the ‘it’ factor when it comes to making comebacks and should be good enough to carry on to the super regional.

Lubbock Regional

No. 12 Texas Tech (45-12)
Brown (33-15)
Washington (34-17)
Mississippi State (37-17)

The Red Raiders outscored their opponents 26-0 over three games in the Big 12 Tournament and appear to be playing their best softball. It also helps to have NiJaree Canady on your side.

Tucson Regional

No. 13 Arizona (45-11)
Santa Clara (32-20)
Grand Canyon (46-6)
Ole Miss (37-17)

The Wildcats are ready for the regional round following wins over Alabama, Stanford and UCLA in nonconference play. But don’t sleep on Ole Miss and Grand Canyon giving them a run for their money.

Durham Regional

No. 14 Duke (38-16)
Howard (31-18)
Coastal Carolina (41-17)
Georgia (31-20)

How about the Bulldogs showing off the strength of the SEC with a major upset over Duke in the Durham Regional? Georgia has the talent to pull off the upset.

Tuscaloosa Regional

No. 15 Alabama (37-21)
Jackson State (28-23)
Belmont (40-14)
Virginia Tech (41-11)

Virginia Tech had a strong season in the ACC and has a talented pitcher in Emma Lemley. She could carry the Hokies past host Alabama into the super regional round.

Eugene Regional

No. 16 Oregon (47-7)
Weber State (28-30)
Binghamton (36-12)
Stanford (40-11)

Oregon is another program that could feel ‘disrespected’ after barely clinging on for the last national seed. The Ducks had nonconference wins over Florida State and Tennessee and won the Big Ten regular season championship.

Super Regionals

Bryan-College Station Super Regional

No. 1 Texas A&M vs. No. 16 Oregon: Aggies win in three games

The Aggies are ranked No. 1 in RPI for a reason. Texas A&M is talented in all three phases of the game and, despite having a strong roster, Oregon is not a match. But the Ducks do force the ‘if necessary’ game.

Norman Super Regional

No. 2 Oklahoma vs. Virginia Tech: Oklahoma sweeps

The magical run for the Hokies ends here with a motivated Oklahoma squad looking to make history. The Sooners just prove too much for Virginia Tech and earn the sweep.

Gainesville Super Regional

No. 3 Florida vs. Georgia: Florida sweeps

Who doesn’t want to see the Gators and Bulldogs battle in the postseason, regardless of the sport? Florida will earn a sweep over their rivals and reach the WCWS once again.

Fayetteville Super Regional

No. 4 Arkansas vs. No. 13 Arizona: Arizona wins in three games

This could be a fun back-and-forth super regional with both teams ranking inside the top 12 in RPI. However, in the end, the Wildcats pull off the upset and advance to the WCWS.

Tallahassee Super Regional

No. 5 Florida State vs. No. 12 Texas Tech: Florida State wins in three games

Texas Tech has a strong batting lineup and Canady. However, the Seminoles are deeper in pitching and batting.

Austin Super Regional

No. 6 Texas vs. No. 11 Clemson: Texas wins in three games

The Longhorns and Tigers present another strong super regional matchup. However, the home field advantage for Texas proves to push the team over the top to advance to the WCWS again.

Knoxville Super Regional

No. 7 Tennessee vs. Nebraska: Nebraska wins in three games

Bahl vs. Pickens will be a treat for all college softball fans on a national stage. However, Bahl is going to continue to carry the Cornhuskers over the Lady Vols into the WCWS.

Columbia Super Regional

No. 8 South Carolina vs. No. 9 UCLA: UCLA wins in three games

The Bruins are motivated following the snub behind the Gamecocks. Expect UCLA to flex its offensive power against South Carolina and get back to the WCWS following a short stint away.

Women’s College World Series

No. 1 Texas A&M
No. 2 Oklahoma
No. 3 Florida
No. 5 Florida State
No. 6 Texas
No. 9 UCLA
No. 13 Arizona
Nebraska

WCWS championship series

Prediction: No. 1 Texas A&M over No. 3 Florida in three games

The Aggies have been the most impressive team in college softball this season. Texas A&M will go 3-0 in the WCWS to get to the championship series. The Gators will dispose of the Sooners during their run but ultimately fall to Texas A&M in three games in the championship series.

One of the most anticipated days of the college softball calendar has come and gone — and with it, a bracket has now been set.

The 2025 NCAA softball tournament field was officially finalized Sunday, with 64 teams from across the country learning where and who they’ll be playing as they chase a spot in the Women’s College World Series — and, from there, potentially a national championship.

Watch select NCAA tournament games with ESPN+

The group of invitees was perhaps unsurprisingly dominated by the SEC, which saw 14 of its 15 teams make the NCAA tournament — Missouri was the only exclusion — while earning seven of the top eight seeds to the event.

Who got in? What teams will be hosting in the regional round? And when will games be taking place when the tournament begins later this week?

Here’s a look at the bracket and schedule for the 2025 NCAA softball tournament:

NCAA softball tournament bracket

Here’s a look at the schedule for the regional round of the 2025 NCAA softball tournament:

All times Eastern.

Bryan-College Station Regional (College Station, Texas)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Marist vs. Liberty | 1 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Saint Francis vs. No. 1 Texas A&M | 3:30 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 2 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 4:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 7 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 4 p.m. | TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 6:30 p.m. | TBD

​Norman Regional (Norman, Oklahoma)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Omaha vs. Cal | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Boston University vs. No. 2 Oklahoma | 6 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 2 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 4:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 7 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 2 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 4:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Gainesville Regional (Gainesville, Florida)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Georgia Tech vs. Florida Atlantic | 2 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)
Game 2: Mercer vs. No. 3 Florida | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | noon | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 5 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Fayetteville Regional (Fayetteville, Arkansas)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Indiana vs. Oklahoma State | 4 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
Game 2: Saint Louis vs. No. 4 Arkansas | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 4 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Tallahassee Regional (Tallahassee, Florida)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: South Florida vs. Auburn | noon | ESPNU (Fubo)
Game 2: Robert Morris vs. No. 5 Florida State | 2:30 p.m. | ACC Network (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 3 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 5:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 8 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | noon | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Austin Regional (Austin, Texas)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Michigan vs. UCF | 2 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
Game 2: Eastern Illinois vs. No. 6 Texas | 4:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD

​Knoxville Regional (Knoxville, Tennessee)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Miami (OH) vs. No. 7 Tennessee | 1:30 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)
Game 2: North Carolina vs. Ohio State | 4 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | noon | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 5 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | noon | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Columbia Regional (Columbia, South Carolina)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: North Florida vs. Virginia | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Elon vs. No. 8 South Carolina | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 1 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Los Angeles Regional (Los Angeles)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: UC Santa Barbara vs. No. 9 UCLA | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: San Diego State vs. Arizona State | 10 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 5 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 7:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 10 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 7:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 10 p.m. | TV TBD

Baton Rouge Regional (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: UConn vs. Nebraska | 3 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Southeastern Louisiana vs. No. 10 LSU | 5:30 p.m. | SEC Network (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 5:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Clemson Regional (Clemson, South Carolina)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Northwestern vs. Kentucky | 2 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: USC Upstate vs. No. 11 Clemson | 4:30 p.m. | ACC Network (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 4 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 1 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Lubbock Regional (Lubbock, Texas)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Brown vs. No. 12 Texas Tech | 5:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Washington vs. Mississippi State | 8 p.m. | ESPN2 (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 2 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 4:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 7 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 3 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 5:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Tucson Regional (Tucson, Arizona)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Santa Clara vs. No. 13 Arizona | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Grand Canyon vs. Ole Miss | 10 p.m. | ESPNU (Fubo)

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 4 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 9 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 7:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 10 p.m. | TV TBD

Durham Regional (Durham, North Carolina)

Friday May 16

Game 1: Howard vs. No. 14 Duke | noon | ACC Network (Fubo)
Game 2: Coastal Carolina vs. Georgia | 2:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 1:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 4 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 5 p.m. | TV TBD

Tuscaloosa Regional (Tuscaloosa, Alabama)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Belmont vs. Virginia Tech | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Jackson State vs. No. 15 Alabama | 6 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | noon | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 2:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 5 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 2 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 4:30 p.m. | TV TBD

Eugene Regional (Eugene, Oregon)

Friday, May 16

Game 1: Binghamton vs. Stanford | 5 p.m. | ESPN+
Game 2: Weber State vs. No. 16 Oregon | 7:30 p.m. | ESPN+

Saturday, May 17

Game 3: Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | 4 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 4: Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4 | 9 p.m. | TV TBD

Sunday, May 18

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 6:30 p.m. | TV TBD
Game 7 (if necessary): Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5 | 9 p.m. | TV TBD

Shedeur Sanders has the correct mindset as he embarks on his NFL career. The Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback isn’t discouraged by his much-publicized draft slide. Nor is Sanders operating like a fifth-round pick on the roster bubble.

Sanders is conducting himself as though he has a chance to be the Browns starting quarterback.

“My job here isn’t to prove people wrong,” Sanders said to the media at Browns rookie minicamp. “I prove myself right. I fully have self-belief.”

Five quarterbacks were picked in front of Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft, despite Sanders being coined as the second-best quarterback in the class in several mocks. The Browns even selected quarterback Dillon Gabriel in the third round before trading up in the fifth round to take Sanders.

“I was a late-round draft pick, but we’re here now. None of that stuff matters,” Sanders said. “I’m just excited to be here and ready to work.”

Some factors contributed to Sanders’ stunning draft fall. But the silver lining is that Sanders enters a crowded but relatively weak quarterback room that consists of Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel and Deshaun Watson who is expected to miss the entire 2025 season due to an Achilles injury.

Cleveland’s subpar quarterback depth chart affords Sanders an opportunity to win the Browns starting job in Year 1.

“I just feel like, in life, in everything, it’s just me versus me,” Sanders said of the Browns’ QB competition. “I can’t control any other decision besides that. I just try to be my best self at all times.”

If Sanders were to become the Browns’ starting quarterback, he’d have earned it. Reporters on the ground at Cleveland’s rookie minicamp noted Gabriel took first reps over Sanders. However, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski cautioned not to read too much into who gets initial snaps at this juncture of the offseason.

‘I wouldn’t look into, really, anything,’ Stefanski said on Friday. ‘I think you’ll see the whole weekend, going through the spring, we don’t pay too close attention to who’s in there first.’

Cleveland started seven quarterbacks in the past two seasons. Furthermore, the Browns have had 40 starting quarterbacks since 1999, the most in the NFL during that span. It’s nearly impossible for a franchise to be successful with the amount of quarterbacks the Browns have trotted out on the field in a quarterback-driven league.

Consequently, the Brown have only finished four seasons above .500 since 1999.

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, famously selected in the sixth round at pick No. 199 in the 2000 NFL Draft, told the ‘Impaulsive’ podcast that he reached out to Sanders.

“Use it as motivation,” Brady said of the advice he gave to Sanders. “You’re gonna get your chances. Go take advantage of it.”

If Sanders adheres to Brady’s advice and performs well this offseason, he’s got an opportunity to end the Browns’ colossal quarterback merry-go-round. From first impressions, he’s off to a positive start.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

The NFL offseason continues to beat on. Small roster moves post-draft have given way to rookie minicamps across the league as teams prepare for training camp.

There are plenty of notable players in new places (most recently wide receiver George Pickens, now in Dallas). There are seven new head coaches, including five for the first time: Ben Johnson (Chicago), Liam Coen (Jacksonville), Kellen Moore (New Orleans), Aaron Glenn (New York Jets) and Brian Schottenheimer (Dallas).

We’re just days from the NFL schedule release on Wednesday, May 14. We already know which teams each franchise will play in 2025. Thanks to the NFL’s rotating schedule rules, we have a clear picture of what matchups will take place throughout the season, just not the specific dates.

There are lots of exciting matchups to circle on the calendar. For the third year in a row, the regular season will feature a rematch of the prior year’s Super Bowl. There will also be plenty of rematches from high-stakes playoff games a year ago.

To tide you over until the NFL releases the full schedule on Wednesday, May 14, we’ll look at the 10 matchups we’re most excited to see.

NFL schedule: Top 10 games

Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs

Super Bowl rematch, need we say more? The Eagles absolutely dominated the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59 before Kansas City put up points in the second half to close the gap before the final whistle.

This offers the Chiefs a test in real-time if their offseason moves have paid off. Philadelphia’s had some turnover on both the roster and coaching staff. Likely two of the best defenses in the league, plus a pair of Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks make this must-watch football.

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs

These two teams met to open the regular season opener in 2024. We missed out on a playoff matchup last season as the bracket meant Baltimore faced Buffalo in the AFC divisional round. Still, there’s plenty of opportunity to make up for that in the regular season.

Baltimore’s offense took a step forward in 2024 in year two under Todd Monken as quarterback Lamar Jackson was a strong contender for NFL MVP once again. The franchise invested a lot on defense this offseason and should be improved under coordinator Zach Orr in year two. These two teams have given football fans exciting games in recent years and 2025 should be no different.

Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills

One of the next-best games after a Super Bowl rematch is a conference championship game rematch. The Bills and Chiefs met in Kansas City with the AFC title on the line. The Chiefs won out, but the Bills can have a measure of revenge in the regular season.

The two sides have met in the regular season in each of the last five years. Buffalo holds the edge in regular season matchups at 4-1. Kansas City’s held the edge in the playoffs at 4-0. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen and two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes should offer football fans a lot of fireworks.

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills

Another playoff rematch sees the Bills and Ravens face off after their thrilling game in the AFC divisional round last season. Allen edged out Jackson for MVP honors last year and both offenses should be potent again.

Last year, Baltimore dominated Buffalo in the regular season 35-10 at home. With home field this year, can the Bills get the win?

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles

Finally, a matchup that doesn’t involve AFC powers. The Lions and Eagles were popular picks for the NFC championship last season, but a rash of injuries and Washington’s dynamic offense prevented the Lions from making a deep run in the postseason.

Detroit’s facing a lot of turnover with new coordinators on both offense and defense. Philadelphia’s got a new offensive coordinator in 2025 as well. These teams are the two most talented rosters in the NFC and will make for an incredible matchup.

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles

The Rams gave the Eagles the most trouble in the playoffs last season and could be in for more improvement in 2025. Los Angeles’ young defense has another offseason to get better and take on higher-profile opponents like Philadelphia.

On a purely schematic level, the Rams’ head coach and offensive play-caller Sean McVay, facing off against the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, is hard to beat. This would be a solid contender for the opening game of the 2025 NFL season.

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It’s been a while, but astute NFL fans will know that Tampa Bay was the last team to beat the Eagles with their starters. It happened way back in Week 4 of the regular season last year.

Tampa Bay has more turnover again at offensive coordinator but made some smart moves in the draft to bolster both sides of the ball. A dynamic wide receiver room with a mix of veterans and young talent paired with Baker Mayfield and a very good offensive line should put up a lot of points. That’ll be put to the test against Philadelphia’s defense.

Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders

Another NFC must-watch is a rematch of a divisional-round game from last season. Washington raced out to a 31-21 lead before pulling away to win 45-31 in Detroit.

The two teams went to work in the offseason to improve their rosters. With more talent and injury luck, Detroit could be in for another good season. Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels could take another step in year two and make this another high-scoring affair.

Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders

These two teams met in the regular season last year in one of the closest finishes of any game. Washington won it on a last-minute 52-yard Hail Mary in Week 8.

Both teams addressed the offensive line in the draft, free agency and via trade. Because Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Daniels went 1-2 in the 2024 NFL Draft, their careers will often be compared. Daniels took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors last season. With a new offensive play-caller and more talent around him, can Williams catch up? We’ll have this game to sort that major question out.

The Jacksonville Jaguars began the unique challenge of preparing Travis Hunter to play both offense and defense as their rookie minicamp opened over the weekend.

Hunter began minicamp working at the wide receiver position. First-year Jaguars coach Liam Coen provided insight into when interested parties might see the rookie at cornerback during a Saturday media availability.

‘Yeah, he’ll be able to get integrated next week on the defensive side of the ball,’ Coen told reporters Saturday, per NFL Network.

Why did the Jaguars begin with Hunter working at receiver for multiple sessions? Jacksonville’s goal was to see Hunter make strides at the position before also testing him at cornerback.

‘We just kind of ended up making a decision that from yesterday to today we wanted to be able to clean up some of the things that we may have been able to miss yesterday, get extra reps on the offensive side of the ball, and next week he’ll start to roll on defense,’ Coen explained.

Many expect Hunter to play receiver primarily during his first NFL season, which may also have played a part in Jacksonville’s decision.

Hunter appears to be on board with the Jaguars’ plan. He said he was ‘getting used to’ learning two NFL playbooks but acknowledged learning Jacksonville’s offense was the more challenging task.

‘It’s just a lot of different types of calls, but other than that, the defense is pretty easy,’ Hunter said. ‘You’ve just got to get used to the offense.’

Coen seems confident Hunter won’t have any issues picking things up on both sides of the ball after winning the Heisman Trophy while doing so at Colorado.

‘He’s a football-smart guy,’ Coen said of Hunter. ‘The game makes sense to him. And so now it’s just about putting in that time, that extra time that he’s going to have to do in order to be successful to play even one side of the ball at this level. So he knows what’s cut out for him coming up.’

Sepp Straka edged Shane Lowry by two strokes to win the 2025 edition of the Truist Championship. Straka earned $3.6 million in prize money with the tournament win.

The Truist Championship win represents Straka’s second PGA Tour title this season, having won The American Express in January. He is the second player to have multiple wins this season on the PGA Tour along with Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy, last year’s winner and reigning Masters champion, finished tied for seventh.

The tournament is being played this year in Philadelphia, while its traditional venue – Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina – prepares to host the PGA Championship, which begins later this week.

How to watch Truist Championshp

Live coverage of the final round of this year’s Truist Championship will be broadcast on the Golf Channel and CBS.

Sunday, May 11

TV: Golf Channel, CBS
Time: 1-3 p.m. ET (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. ET (CBS)
Streaming: Paramount+, ESPN+, Fubo

Truist Championship prize money 2025: Winner payout, purse

This year’s total purse for the 2025 Truist Championship at The Philadelphia Cricket Club is $20 million. Here’s the prize money breakdown:

1. Sepp Straka (-16): $3,600,000
T2. Justin Thomas (-14): $1,760,000
T2. Shane Lowry (-14): $1,760,000
T4. Jacob Bridgeman (-12): $826,666
T4. Tommy Fleetwood (-12): $826,666
T4. Patrick Cantley (-12): $826,666
T7. Cameron Young (-10): $602,500
T7. Stephan Jaeger (-10): $602,500
T7. Keith Mitchell (-10): $602,500
T11. Daniel Berger (-9): $440,000
T11. Xander Schauffele (-9): $440,000
T11. Corey Conners (-9): $440,000
T11. Harris English (-9): $440,000
T15. Rickie Fowler (-8): $350,000
T15. Tony Finau (-8): $350,000
T17. Andrew Novak (-7): $270,500
T17. J.J. Spaun (-7): $270,500
T17. Collin Morikawa (-7): $270,500
T17. Si Woo Kim (-7): $270,500
T17. Nick Taylor (-7): $270,500
T17. Hideki Matsuyama (-7): $270,500
T23. Aaron Rai (-6): $167,142
T23. Davis Thompson (-6): $167,142
T23. Rasmus Hojgaard (-6): $167,142
T23. Matt Fitzpatrick (-6): $167,142
T23. Sam Stevens (-6): $167,142
T23. J.T. Poston (-6): $167,142
T23. Sungjae Im (-6): $167,142
T30. Thomas Detry (-5): $125,375
T30. Keegan Bradley (-5): $125,375
T30. Max Homa (-5): $125,375
T30. Sam Burns (-5): $125,375
T34. Robert MacIntyre (-4): $95,063
T34. Brian Campbell (-4): $95,063
T34. Adam Scott (-4): $95,063
T34. Erik van Rooyen (-4): $95,063
T34. Jordan Spieth (-4): $95,063
T34. Byeong Hun An (-4): $95,063
T34. Gary Woodland (-4): $95,063
T34. Eric Cole (-4): $95,063
T42. Chris Kirk (-3): $70,000
T42. Christiaan Bezuidenhout (-3): $70,000
T42. Ryan Gerard (-3): $70,000
T42. Patrick Rodgers (-3): $70,000
T46. Russell Henley (-2): $53,600
T46. Brian Harman (-2): $53,600
T46. Denny McCarthy (-2): $53,600
T46. Ben Griffin (-2): $53,600
T46. Akshay Bhatia (-2): $53,600
T51. Austin Eckroat (-1): $47,000
T51. Min Woo Lee (-1): $47,000
T51. Alex Noren (-1): $47,000
T54. Matthieu Pavon (E): $44,750
T54. Max Greyserman (E): $44,750
T54. Viktor Hovland (E): $44,750
T54. Michael Thorbjornsen (E): $44,750
T54. Will Zalatoris (E): $44,750
T54. Cam Davis (E): $44,750
T60. Adam Hadwin (1): $42,500
T60. Maverick McNealy (1): $42,500
T60. Ludvig Aberg (1): $42,500
T63. Wyndham Clark (2): $41,250
T63. Tom Hoge (2): $41,250
65. Taylor Pendrith (3): $40,500
T66. Lucas Glover (4): $39,750
T66. Joe Highsmith (4): $39,750
68. Garrick Higgo (6): $39,000
69. Nick Dunlap (8): $38,000

Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett scored, and Sergei Bobrovsky made 23 saves as the host Florida Panthers defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs, 2-0, to even their second-round playoff series on Sunday night in Sunrise.

The Eastern Conference best-of-seven series, tied at 2-2, will continue on Wednesday in Toronto.

Florida, the reigning Stanley Cup champion, eliminated the Leafs from second round of the 2023 playoffs, which was the last time these two teams met in the postseason. The Panthers also won this year’s season series, 3-1.

Joseph Woll made 35 saves for the Leafs, who could not get their high-powered offense untracked.

There were four penalties in the first period — all against Toronto. That led the Panthers to have a big edge on shot attempts (30-9) and shots on goal (15-4).

Panthers vs. Maple Leafs Game 4 highlights

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.