The St. John’s Red Storm achieved their first Big East regular-season championship since 1992 and are aiming for success in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Led by head coach Rick Pitino and standout forward RJ Luis Jr., who averages over 18 points and 7 rebounds per game, they possess one of the finest defenses in college basketball, although their offense struggles with a sub-30% shooting rate from beyond the arc.

Tennessee, another No. 2 seed, boasts an excellent defense ranked first in adjusted efficiency. Last season, they fell in the Elite Eight, and they are still searching for their first Final Four appearance. In the March Madness 2025 bracket, their trajectory remains hotly debated.

Before you finalize your NCAA Tournament bracket, make sure to check out SportsLine’s predictions based on their simulated matchups that have succeeded in previous tournaments, including 24 first-round upsets predicted by their model since its inception.

Top 2025 March Madness Picks

One notable prediction is that Tennessee will overcome Kentucky in the Sweet 16, despite having lost to them twice previously. Tennessee excels in defense, ranking eighth nationally.

Another potential shock is No. 10 Utah State, who may beat No. 7 UCLA in a first-round upset due to their strong offense and shooting skills. This scenario poses a challenge given UCLA’s reliance on their defense and recent injury concerns.

This year’s optimal bracket not only predicts essential matchups but also highlights underdog teams and crucial events in the March Madness 2025. For comprehensive insights and analysis, check here.