As the 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket hits its Sweet 16 stage, the excitement of March Madness is in full swing. After two thrilling rounds, the SEC continues to dominate the field, with seven of its 14 teams making it to this critical point. From nail-biting upsets to standout performances, this year’s tournament has been a rollercoaster. And with the road to the Final Four now clearer, the real challenge begins. Let’s break down the predictions for the Sweet 16 and which teams are poised for a deep run.
SEC Dominance and Surprises
This year’s tournament has showcased the sheer strength of the SEC, with top seeds Auburn and Florida surviving tight second-round games. Both teams are now focused on securing a place in the 2025 Final Four, which will be held in San Antonio. With SEC powerhouse schools like Auburn and Florida still in the hunt, fans are already speculating whether the SEC can sweep the board and claim another national title.
The biggest surprise has been the performance of No. 10 seed Arkansas, which has exceeded expectations and is now one win away from the Elite Eight. Under the leadership of legendary coach John Calipari, Arkansas has shown resilience and skill, setting the stage for a thrilling matchup against Texas Tech. The Razorbacks’ gritty style of play has made them a fan favorite, and their run has added even more unpredictability to this year’s tournament.
One of the most anticipated matchups in the Sweet 16 will be a clash between two SEC heavyweights—Kentucky and Tennessee. These longtime rivals will square off for the first time in NCAA Tournament history, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Both teams are known for their defensive prowess, and with Kentucky coming off strong performances in earlier rounds, this promises to be one of the tournament’s most intense battles.
Tennessee’s Path to Victory
Speaking of Kentucky and Tennessee, it’s hard to ignore the standout potential of the Vols. Despite suffering two defeats to Kentucky earlier this season, Tennessee is favored to win this matchup. The Vols are 4.5-point favorites and are listed at -198 on the Moneyline for the Midwest Region clash.
Tennessee’s tournament journey has been smooth so far, with the team dispatching Wofford 77-62 in the first round and UCLA 67-58 in the second. These dominant wins have highlighted Tennessee’s depth and defensive abilities, making them one of the most formidable teams remaining in the tournament.
Although Kentucky’s 3-point shooting has been a weapon all season—connecting on 50% of their attempts in both regular-season meetings against Tennessee—the Vols are renowned for their defense. Led by Coach Rick Barnes, Tennessee’s veteran-heavy roster features standout players like Chaz Lanier and Zakai Zeigler, who have provided crucial leadership in the backcourt. With their defense clicking and momentum building, Tennessee looks poised to overcome Kentucky and secure a spot in the Elite Eight.
The Technology Behind March Madness Predictions
It’s easy to rely on gut feelings when making your bracket predictions, but with the right tools, success is much more attainable. SportsLine’s proven projection model has simulated every game of the 2025 NCAA Tournament a staggering 10,000 times. With a track record of beating over 91% of CBS Sports brackets in four of the past six tournaments, this model knows exactly how to spot upsets and make informed predictions.
In fact, the SportsLine model has been remarkably accurate, correctly predicting 13 of the 16 teams in the Sweet 16 and all four of its Final Four picks. It has also gained a reputation for its ability to identify bracket-busting upsets. Since its inception in 2016, the model has correctly predicted 25 first-round upsets by double-digit seeds—a testament to its deep understanding of the tournament’s dynamics.
As we move into the Sweet 16, the model is giving its take on the matchups, and it’s clear that it sees the potential for more surprises. So, before you lock in your March Madness predictions, it’s worth taking a look at what SportsLine’s model is saying. With its proven accuracy and insight, it’s a tool that could give you the edge in your bracket.
Final Thoughts on the 2025 NCAA Tournament
With the Sweet 16 underway, the road to the 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Four is about to get even more thrilling. SEC teams like Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee remain in strong contention, while surprises like Arkansas are shaking up the field. The upcoming matchups promise high drama and edge-of-your-seat moments that only March Madness can deliver.
Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or looking for insights to make your bracket picks, there’s no doubt that this year’s NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one for the history books. With the help of tools like SportsLine’s proven prediction model, fans have more than just hope—they have a proven path to success.