As the 2025 NCAA Tournament nears its conclusion in San Antonio, the spotlight is on the Final Four featuring all four No. 1 seeds: Auburn, Florida, Duke, and Houston. The discourse centers around predictions for which squad will triumph.

Key Matchups:

• Auburn vs. Florida: Aiming to secure a place in the championship game, this matchup promises excitement. Auburn faces a slight disadvantage after their previous defeat against Florida.
• Duke vs. Houston: Duke is favored, being seen as the overall strongest team in the tournament, while Houston’s defensive prowess poses a significant challenge.

Expert Insights:

1. Kyle Boone: Sticking with his original pick, labels Auburn as the likely champion despite their underdog status.
2. Matt Norlander: Thinks Houston can prevail due to its performance against tough defenses.
3. Dennis Dodd: Points out that Duke’s size advantages might favor them heavily against Houston.
4. David Cobb: Commends Florida’s recent resilience and key players like Walter Clayton Jr.
5. Cameron Salerno: Predicts Duke’s ascendance, given their combination of offensive and defensive strengths.
6. Isaac Trotter: Remains adamant about his Auburn vs. Duke final prediction but acknowledges growing concerns over Houston’s capabilities.
7. Chip Patterson: Praises Duke’s overall performance and adaptive strategies, suggesting they will overcome challenges from any opponent.
8. Jerry Palm: Affirms Florida’s edge over Auburn, citing their past victories.

Conclusion

The anticipation builds for what could be an iconic weekend in college basketball. The insights from experts reveal varying predictions, emphasizing the thrilling uncertainty that March Madness embodies.