As anticipation builds for the 2025 NCAA Tournament, college basketball fans are preparing to put their brackets to the test. The tournament kicks off this Thursday afternoon, and with it comes the excitement and chaos that’s synonymous with March Madness.
The bracket was set in stone this past Sunday evening, and among the top contenders are the familiar heavyweights: Auburn, Duke, Florida, and Houston, all earning No. 1 seeds. But remember, just because they’ve earned the top spots doesn’t guarantee a spot in the Final Four. Upsets are the lifeblood of this tournament, and that unpredictability is precisely what makes it so thrilling.
A notable figure weighing in on potential surprises is former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski. With five national titles under his belt, Coach K knows a thing or two about this time of year. He sees Maryland, a No. 4 seed, as a formidable sleeper team to watch closely. “I think a sleeper in the region is Maryland,” said Krzyzewski. “You know, they’re in the Big Ten, but I don’t think they get the exposure they would have in the ACC. They have a hell of a coach.”
Maryland is coming off a solid regular season, finishing with a strong 25-8 record. Despite a setback against Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament, the Terps have a lot going for them. Kevin Willard has done an impressive job guiding this squad, positioning them as a team that could make some noise in this tournament.
The Terps will make their tournament debut on Friday against the Grand Canyon Antelopes, who secured a No. 13 seed following their WAC Tournament victory. This matchup will be pivotal, as a win would set them up against the Memphis Tigers in the second round, with a coveted berth in the Sweet 16 at stake.
Before we dive into the thrilling first round, keep an eye on the final two First Four games happening in Dayton, Ohio, this Wednesday night. As the tournament kicks off in earnest on Thursday, every upset and breakout performance will be a reminder of why we all love March Madness. The Terps’ opening game against the Antelopes is scheduled to start at 4:35 p.m. ET on Friday—mark your calendars!
