The Kansas Jayhawks entered the season as the first-ranked team nationally; despite a rocky regular season, they remain contenders for a title. Head Coach Bill Self will have to navigate the challenges posed by elite coaches like John Calipari of the Arkansas Razorbacks in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Kansas, seeded No. 7, begins against No. 10 Arkansas. If victorious, they could face No. 2 seed St. John’s coached by Rick Pitino.

The victory always seems possible, especially with the recent performance of Kansas at 21-12, representing its worst season under Self and noting their struggle against top teams. Before making your picks for the 2025 NCAA Tournament, check the insights and simulation results from our expert model.

Key Matchup Predictions

In the Midwest region, the match between No. 8 Gonzaga and No. 9 Georgia is crucial. Gonzaga, coached by Mark Few, seeks redemption against notable underdogs like Georgia, who have struggled against ranked opponents this season. Georgia’s path could change dramatically with strong showings against other top teams.

Another defining matchup to watch is No. 5 Clemson vs No. 12 McNeese State. McNeese is seen as the underdog here but has proven competitive against formidable opponents.

Finally, keep an eye on No. 4 Purdue taking on No. 13 High Point. Purdue wants to improve after losing last year’s final to UConn, and while High Point isn’t a powerful legacy, they are making their first appearance in the Tournament with a record-breaking season.

Visit SportsLine for detailed bracket advice to guide your selections for the upcoming matches.