It’s almost time for every college basketball fan’s favorite season—March Madness! With a little over a month having passed since the epic battle of the Super Bowl, sports enthusiasts can now shift their focus to the electrifying NCAA basketball tournament. This year, March Madness 2025 promises to be packed with thrilling games, buzzer-beating moments, and upsets that will keep us all glued to the action.
For Ohio fans, this year has the added excitement of seeing more than one team from the state poised to make their mark. Ohio State is holding steady as a No. 10 seed in the latest bracketology predictions, and Cincinnati is looking like they’ll join the club. Meanwhile, Xavier’s on the bubble, and Dayton may be a longshot—but hey, anything can happen in college hoops, right?
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 NCAA tournament, from key dates and schedules to how to catch all the action.
Mark your calendars! The madness officially begins on Tuesday, March 18, with the Men’s NCAA Tournament kicking off at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton, Ohio. Dayton, a city with a deep love for basketball, has hosted the "First Four" round every year (except one) since 2011. This tradition continues in 2025.
The Women's NCAA Tournament will follow closely, kicking off on Wednesday, March 19.
The early rounds promise plenty of action to warm us up for the intense competition ahead. Be sure to set your reminders because the tournament always starts with sky-high levels of excitement - with even more thrills to come.
March Madness is the annual NCAA basketball tournament featuring 68 of the best college teams duking it out for the coveted national championship. These teams face off across seven rounds, and as the competition heats up, it all boils down to the renowned "Final Four."
Think of it as bracket heaven—whether you're a die-hard basketball fan or just here for the office pool, March Madness has something for everyone.
The culmination of the madness will take place during the first week of April:
Men’s NCAA Basketball National Championship
Date: Monday, April 7
Tip-off Time: 8:50 p.m. ET
Women’s NCAA Basketball National Championship
Date: Sunday, April 6
Tip-off Time: 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Tampa, Florida
Interestingly, the men’s championship tip-off is 30 minutes earlier than the usual time, so make sure you adjust your viewing schedule accordingly.
Basketball fans and bettors alike have their eyes on the 2025 March Madness odds. Here’s a quick glance at some of the early favorites to cut the nets this year:
Auburn (+340)
Duke (+370)
Houston (+750)
Florida (+900)
Alabama (+1200)
Tennessee (+1500)
It’s safe to say the competition will be fierce. Can Duke live up to their top billing, or will an underdog steal the spotlight? The unpredictability is part of what makes March Madness so, well, maddeningly good.
Whether you’re filling out your brackets or just watching for the love of the game, you won’t want to miss a moment of the action.
Keep an eye on the latest NCAAB news to stay updated on game times and coverage. Most games will be broadcast across major networks like CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, and you can also stream them via platforms like Paramount+ and the NCAA’s official app.
If you’re near Dayton or Tampa, consider snagging tickets—March Madness isn’t just a tournament; it’s an experience.
As March Madness 2025 approaches, the anticipation is palpable. With Ohio teams like Ohio State and Cincinnati looking strong, and Xavier and Dayton hoping to make their mark, there's plenty for local fans to cheer about. Meanwhile, national favorites like Auburn and Duke are gearing up for a thrilling competition. Whether you're a seasoned bracketologist or just in it for the excitement, March Madness promises to deliver unforgettable moments. So, get ready to fill out those brackets, grab some popcorn, and enjoy the ride!