March Madness 2025: First Round Preview, Key Matchups, and How to Watch

The frenzy is upon us. March Madness 2025 has officially arrived, unleashing its annual wave of bracket-busting potential and thrilling upsets. The first round of the NCAA Tournament tips off soon, promising a day overflowing with captivating basketball from across the nation. Sixteen games will be contested, each a potential launching pad for a Cinderella run or a crucial step for a Final Four hopeful. The air crackles with anticipation, and the dreams of 68 teams are simultaneously alive.

This year’s tournament boasts a particularly intriguing first-round slate, brimming with compelling storylines and intriguing matchups. From legendary coaching battles to potential bracket busters, Thursday’s games are poised to deliver the quintessential March Madness experience.

The Coaching Clash: Kansas vs. Arkansas (West Region)

Undoubtedly, the marquee matchup of the day pits two titans of the coaching world against each other in a West Region showdown. The No. 7 seed Kansas Jayhawks, led by Hall of Fame coach Bill Self, will face the No. 10 seed Arkansas Razorbacks, coached by another Hall of Fame figure, John Calipari.

This game offers a rare opportunity to witness two of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the sport strategize and counter-strategize in a high-stakes environment. Self, known for his methodical approach and consistent success, will look to guide his Jayhawks past a talented but sometimes inconsistent Arkansas squad. Calipari, renowned for his recruiting prowess and ability to mold young talent, will aim to orchestrate an upset and propel the Razorbacks on a deep tournament run.

Beyond the coaching pedigree, the game itself promises to be a compelling contest. Kansas, despite their seeding, possesses the experience and pedigree to make a deep run. Their disciplined offense and stifling defense make them a formidable opponent. Arkansas, on the other hand, relies on its athleticism and aggressive style of play. Their ability to force turnovers and score in transition could pose a significant challenge for Kansas. The outcome of this game will likely hinge on which team can dictate the tempo and control the boards. Expect a closely contested, strategic battle that will have fans glued to their screens.

Early Action: Louisville vs. Creighton (South Region)

The day’s action gets underway in the South Region with a battle between the No. 8 seed Louisville Cardinals and the No. 9 seed Creighton Bluejays. This game represents a critical opportunity for both teams to advance and potentially face a formidable opponent in the second round.

The winner of this matchup will likely draw the top-seeded Auburn Tigers, who are heavily favored to advance past their first-round opponent, No. 16 seed Alabama State. Louisville and Creighton present contrasting styles of play. Louisville, with its strong defensive identity, will aim to stifle Creighton’s offensive rhythm. Creighton, known for its sharpshooting and offensive firepower, will look to exploit weaknesses in Louisville’s defense.

This game could turn into a nail-biter, with both teams possessing the potential to make a deep tournament run. Louisville’s physicality and defensive prowess could give them an edge, while Creighton’s offensive efficiency and three-point shooting could prove to be the deciding factor.

Wrapping Things Up: Texas Tech vs. UNC-Wilmington (West Region)

As the day winds down, the West Region will feature a late-night matchup between the No. 3 seed Texas Tech Red Raiders and the No. 14 seed UNC-Wilmington Seahawks. While the seeding suggests a significant advantage for Texas Tech, March Madness is known for its upsets, and UNC-Wilmington will undoubtedly be looking to play the role of spoiler.

Texas Tech, boasting a strong defense and balanced scoring attack, will enter the game as the clear favorite. However, UNC-Wilmington possesses a dynamic offense and the potential to catch the Red Raiders off guard. The Seahawks will need to play with confidence and precision to overcome Texas Tech’s size and athleticism. The late tip-off adds another layer of intrigue, as fatigue and pressure could play a role in the outcome.

Upset Alerts: Teams to Watch

Beyond the high-profile matchups, several lower-seeded teams are drawing attention as potential upset picks. VCU, Drake, and UC San Diego are among the teams scheduled to tip off the tournament on Thursday, and their potential to disrupt brackets is capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.

VCU, known for its "Havoc" defense, can disrupt even the most disciplined offenses. Drake, boasting a potent offensive attack, can score with anyone in the country. UC San Diego, making their tournament debut, brings an element of unknown that could surprise unsuspecting opponents. These teams represent the unpredictable nature of March Madness and the potential for Cinderella stories to emerge.

How to Watch and Stream

For fans eager to catch all the action, there are several options for watching and streaming the first-round games.

• Television: Games will be broadcast across various networks, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Check your local listings for specific game times and channel information.

• Streaming Services:

  • Sling TV: Offers a comprehensive package of channels carrying March Madness games.

  • FuboTV: Another excellent streaming option with a wide range of sports channels, including those broadcasting NCAA Tournament games.

Bracket Madness: Embrace the Chaos

No March Madness experience is complete without filling out a bracket. The thrill of predicting upsets, the agony of watching your top picks fall, and the camaraderie of competing with friends and family are all integral parts of the tournament’s allure. Several online platforms offer bracket challenges, providing a chance to test your basketball knowledge and compete for prizes. Consider joining the USA TODAY Bracket Challenge for a shot at a $1 million prize. Embrace the chaos, make your picks, and prepare to be swept away by the excitement of March Madness.

The stage is set, the teams are ready, and the brackets are (mostly) filled. Get ready for a day of unforgettable moments, stunning upsets, and the electrifying atmosphere that only March Madness can deliver. The first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament is here, and it promises to be a wild ride.