The Sweet 16 is upon us, and if you thought the first weekend of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament was thrilling, just wait for the next round. While we didn’t see any major upsets or underdog narratives bursting onto the scene, the matchups we’re looking at for the coming weekend are shaping up to be electric.
As we gear up for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, it’s clear that the remaining teams reflect a high level of talent and potential. Of course, we’re just scratching the surface of what this tournament has to offer, but ESPN’s Basketball Power Index provides a comprehensive look at how the teams stack up against one another. The rankings not only highlight the current state of play but also offer insights into who might be cutting down the nets in San Antonio next month and who might be facing an uphill battle.
Here’s how the 16 teams are ranked according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index:
- Duke
- Houston
- Auburn
- Florida
- Tennessee
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Texas Tech
- Michigan State
- Maryland
- Kentucky
- Purdue
- BYU
- Michigan
- Ole Miss
- Arkansas
Leading the pack, the Duke Blue Devils are being heralded as the team to beat. Their performance in the first two rounds has been nothing short of dominant, and it’s no wonder they’re generating buzz as they move deeper into the tournament. Every aspect of their game seems to be clicking, and their balance on both offense and defense makes them a formidable foe for anyone in their path.
On the flip side, the Razorbacks have been the surprise package, pulling off a significant upset against No. 2 seed St. John’s. However, as they prepare to clash with No. 3 seed Texas Tech, they’ll need to bring their A-game. The odds may not be in their favor according to the Basketball Power Index, but that’s the beauty of March Madness: anything can happen.
As we look forward to these matchups, one thing is for certain—this tournament is far from over. The next round promises to deliver high-stakes drama, and fans are in for a treat as the quest for college basketball supremacy continues.
