The 2025 NCAA Tournament kicks off on Tuesday with a pair of First Four matchups, setting the stage for an electrifying month of basketball. First up is St. Francis (PA) taking on Alabama State at 6:40 p.m. ET, followed by a clash between North Carolina and San Diego State at 9:10 p.m. ET. Both contests will take place in Dayton, Ohio, where March Madness begins in earnest.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the SEC, which boasts a remarkable presence this year with 14 teams making it to the dance. Paul Finebaum, a well-respected voice in the college sports community, highlighted that not all is smooth sailing for every SEC coach as they prepare for the challenges ahead. According to him, three coaches in particular are feeling the heat: Bruce Pearl of Auburn, Nate Oats of Alabama, and Todd Golden of Florida.
Finebaum pointed out that Bruce Pearl carries the weight of expectations more than most. “I think the highest pressure is on Bruce Pearl for a lot of reasons,” he noted on the show “McElroy and Cubelic In the Morning.” Given that Auburn has been ranked number one for much of the season and developed into one of its strongest teams, there’s no denying that the stakes are high for Pearl and his squad.
Turning to Alabama, Finebaum remarked on the changing narrative surrounding the team. “A month ago, I think the expectations were probably higher,” he said, hinting at the shifting dynamics as they aim to recapture their postseason magic after reaching the Final Four last season.
Meanwhile, Todd Golden has emerged as a figure of interest with Florida’s recent form. “They look like the best team in the country right now,” Finebaum emphasized, underscoring the significant momentum the Gators carry after clinching the SEC Tournament title.
Auburn heads into the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed, a position that indicates both their skill and potential in March. Though they came up short in the SEC Championship, their journey in the tournament is far from over and they’ll be a challenging opponent for anyone in their path. Alabama, the No. 2 seed, is also poised to make noise, as they seek to build on their previous success and push deeper into the tournament.
As for Florida, their blend of talent and recent success positions them as a formidable force. With the Gators riding a wave of momentum since January, they’ll aim to convert it into a deeper tournament run.
As the madness unfolds over the next few weeks, it will be fascinating to see if one of these SEC powerhouses can emerge triumphant and claim the coveted national title. The stage is set, the anticipation is palpable, and it’s time for the tournament to deliver its annual dose of excitement.
