March Madness Upset Predictions for 2025

March Madness is famous for its upsets.

Every year, lower-seeded teams defy expectations, busting brackets and creating unforgettable Cinderella stories. With the 2025 NCAA Tournament in full swing, it's time to break down the biggest upset predictions, from the early rounds to potential Final Four shockers.

Whether you're filling out your bracket or looking for betting value, this post has everything you need to know about the potential upsets that could shake up this year’s tournament.

Contents

1. What Are March Madness Upsets?
2. First-Round March Madness Upset Predictions
3. The Trendy Upset That Won’t Happen
4. Potential Second-Round Shocks
5. Cinderella Teams with Sweet 16 Potential
6. Elite Eight and Final Four Upsets
7. Prepare for the Madness and Max Your Winnings

1. What Are March Madness Upsets?

In NCAA Tournament terms, an upset occurs when a team beats an opponent seeded at least five spots higher. That means a 12-seed over a 5-seed, or a 14-seed shocking a 3-seed, fits the bill.

Historically, certain seeds have been more prone to upsets than others—most notably, the classic 12-over-5 upset. However, every year brings unique matchups and potential surprises, so let's dive into this year's most dangerous lower-seeded teams.

March Madness, part of the NCAA Tournament, is a time of year when unexpected victories and shocking outcomes capture the attention of basketball fans across the nation. This unpredictable nature of the tournament has cemented its reputation as a thrilling spectacle, where lower-seeded teams often defy expectations and achieve what seems impossible.

2. First-Round March Madness Upset Predictions

(12) UC San Diego over (5) Michigan

UC San Diego enters the tournament with a strong 30-4 record and has been dominant against the spread (24-7). While Michigan boasts size and physicality, UCSD’s perimeter shooting and up-tempo style could create major problems for the Wolverines. If Michigan’s guard play falters under pressure, the Tritons could pull off one of the tournament’s biggest opening-round upsets.

(13) Yale over (4) Texas A&M

Yale’s success will depend entirely on their three-point shooting. If the Bulldogs get hot from deep, they could stretch Texas A&M’s defense and force a high-tempo game. A&M has struggled at times against perimeter-oriented teams, making Yale a dangerous upset pick.

(11) Drake over (6) Missouri

Drake, one of the best defensive teams in the country, matches up well against Missouri’s high-powered offense, potentially earning a spot in the final four. If the Bulldogs can control the pace and limit turnovers, they have the tools to stifle Missouri’s attack and come away with a win.

3. The Trendy Upset That Won’t Happen

Every year, there’s a popular upset pick that falls flat. This year, that team might be Colorado State over Memphis. The Rams have been a trendy selection in many brackets, but Memphis thrives when playing as an underdog. With elite scoring guards and a fast-paced offense, Memphis is well-equipped to handle Colorado State’s defensive schemes.

March Madness is not only about predicting the big names advancing to the later rounds but also about the thrill of witnessing unexpected upsets and the rise of underdog teams. This unpredictable nature is what makes the tournament captivating, as each game presents the possibility of a ranked team falling to an overlooked opponent, making it ripe for detailed game analysis.

The NCAA tournament has consistently delivered some of the most memorable moments in college basketball due to its single-elimination format and diverse field of teams. Its popularity continues to grow as fans eagerly fill out their brackets, trying to predict who will emerge victorious.

The history of the tournament is filled with legendary performances from both powerhouse schools, including those from the Big Ten, SEC, ACC and surprise Cinderella stories, making it a must-watch event each year.

4. Potential Second-Round Shocks

(10) VCU over (6) BYU

BYU has been one of the best teams in the country down the stretch, but they struggle against teams that apply on-ball pressure and force turnovers. VCU fits that mold perfectly. If BYU has an off night from three, VCU could make them pay with transition baskets and defensive intensity.

(8) Louisville over (1) Auburn

Auburn enters the championship tournament as a potential Final Four contender, but Louisville’s athleticism and ability to attack the rim could cause major problems. If Auburn struggles with foul trouble or shooting consistency, the Cardinals could pull off a major second-round shocker.

5. Cinderella Teams with Sweet 16 Potential

(13) High Point Panthers

Few people are talking about High Point, but their ability to shoot from deep and control tempo makes them a dangerous team. If they can survive the first round, they could make a deep run similar to Oral Roberts in 2021.

(14) Lipscomb Bisons

Riding a ten-game winning streak, Lipscomb enters March Madness as one of the hottest teams in the nation. Their combination of high field goal percentage, strong rebounding, and efficient free-throw shooting makes them a sneaky pick to reach the Sweet 16, especially when considering the strength of teams in the Big 12.

March Madness upset predictions often capture the imagination of fans and analysts alike, as everyone tries to anticipate the unlikely victors who will topple the higher seeds. The unpredictable nature of the NCAA Tournament means that even well-researched predictions can be thrown into disarray as underdogs rise to the occasion and favorites falter unexpectedly. Each year, these predictions add an extra layer of excitement and tension to the already thrilling spectacle of college basketball's biggest stage.

6. Elite Eight and Final Four Upsets

(4) Arizona over (1) Duke

While Michigan is often a victim of upset picks, they could be the ones pulling off a shocker later in the tournament. If their size and experience come together at the right time, they have the potential to take down a No. 1 seed like Duke.

(4) Clemson over (1) Houston

Clemson has been playing its best basketball of the season, and if they match up against Houston in the Elite Eight, they could be poised for an upset. Houston has been dominant defensively, but Clemson’s balanced scoring attack could prove difficult to stop.

7. Prepare for the Madness and Max Your Winnings

March Madness upsets are what make the NCAA Tournament one of the most exciting events in sports. While some higher seeds will inevitably survive, history tells us that chaos is coming. Whether you're betting, filling out a bracket, or just watching for fun, keep an eye on these potential upsets—they just might define the 2025 tournament.

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