March Madness bracket 2025: Contenders with easiest, most difficult paths in NCAA Tournament

Not all paths to advancing to the Final Four are the same for title contenders.

Key Observations

• One region, the West, features a particularly challenging slate with top-seeded teams like Florida and St. John’s, among others, all vying for advancement.
• Notably, Kansas under coach Bill Self is seen as a formidable opponent.

Quotes:

• “This region is stacked. It’s where the toughest competition resides.”
• “Every game will demand the fullest effort from all teams involved.”

Easiest Paths

1. Duke
   • First round: vs. (16) American or Mount St. Mary’s
   • Potential second round: (8) Mississippi State vs. (9) Baylor winner
   • Possible Sweet 16: vs. (4) Arizona or (5) Oregon

Hardest Paths

1. Florida
   • First round: vs. (16) Norfolk State
   • Potential opponents: (8) UConn vs. (9) Oklahoma winner
   • Sweet 16: vs. (4) Maryland, (5) Memphis, (12) Colorado State, (13) Grand Canyon

By carefully analyzing the paths ahead and recognizing matchups’ implications, teams can strategize effectively on their routes to potential glory in the NCAA Tournament.