The 2025 NCAA Tournament has reached the Sweet 16, and while the opening weekend lacked the chaos fans crave, there’s still time for unforgettable moments as teams vie for a Final Four spot in San Antonio. Powerhouses like Duke, Auburn, and Florida are in the mix, but underdogs like BYU and Arkansas are looking to shake things up. With the Sweet 16 tipping off, Chat GPT has stepped in to predict which teams will advance to the Elite 8—let’s see how its picks stack up.
In the Alabama-BYU matchup, Chat GPT favors Alabama, predicting an 85-76 win. BYU’s three-point shooting keeps them scrappy, but Alabama’s athleticism and fast-paced offense, which has scored 80-plus points in 31 of 35 games, should overwhelm the Cougars in a high-scoring affair. Florida gets the nod over Maryland, 79-68, as the Gators’ dominance shines through in the second half despite an early challenge. Chat GPT goes for an upset with Arizona over Duke, 77-74, citing the Wildcats’ size and defensive pressure as a problem for the Blue Devils. But with Cooper Flagg leading Duke, this prediction feels off—Duke’s talent should carry them through.
Texas Tech is picked to end Arkansas’ Cinderella run, 67-61, in a defensive grind. John Calipari’s Razorbacks have upset giants like Rick Pitino and Bill Self, but Texas Tech’s elite defense should stifle them, especially after Arkansas benefited from poor shooting in earlier rounds. Michigan State advances over Ole Miss, 73-65, because, as Chat GPT notes, “Tom Izzo in March is almost unbeatable.” Ole Miss could surprise with their recent form, but Sparty’s knack for March success makes them the safer bet.
In an SEC showdown, Tennessee edges Kentucky, 75-70, leveraging their defense and experience despite Kentucky’s two wins over the Vols this season. Chat GPT gives the Vols the nod after their recent victories over Florida and Auburn, though Kentucky’s Otega Oweh and Koby Brea could make it a toss-up if they heat up. Auburn is predicted to beat Michigan, 80-74, with their high-powered offense overpowering the Wolverines. But Michigan’s seven-footers might pose a problem, potentially leading to an upset if Auburn can’t adjust. Finally, Houston takes down Purdue, 71-66, as their relentless defense frustrates Purdue’s big men, with L.J. Cryer leading the offense.
Chat GPT’s predictions lean toward favorites, with Arizona over Duke as the only upset. The Sweet 16 and Elite 8, starting Friday, March 28, promise tight battles, and while AI sees a chalk-heavy Elite 8, teams like Arkansas and Michigan could still bring the madness fans are waiting for.
