Who win win NCAA championship? Men's Final Four predictions, national title picks

USA Today

03-04-2025

Who win win NCAA championship? Men's Final Four predictions, national title picks
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Duke, Florida, Auburn, Houston punch their ticket to the Final Four
The madness continues as Mackenzie Salmon previews the Men's Final Four matchups, which will feature all No. 1 seeds for the first time since 2008.
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The men's NCAA Tournament Final Four matchups are set, showcasing a showdown among the top seeds at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
The first Final Four game will feature the Florida Gators against the Auburn Tigers. The Gators – after a series of impressive performances in the NCAA Tournament that included a thrilling second-round 77-75 victory over the defending champion UConn Huskies – are aiming for their first title since 2007. The Tigers are led by standout players such as Miles Kelly, Denver Jones and Tahaad Pettiford, making them a formidable force as they strive to win their first national championship.
The second Final Four matchup is a highly anticipated showdown between the Houston Cougars and the Duke Blue Devils. The Cougars boast a powerful offense, featuring talents such as L.J. Cryer, Emanuel Sharp and Milos Uzan. On the other hand, Duke has captured headlines throughout the tournament as one of the most talented teams, led by standout freshman Cooper Flagg.
Here are the current predictions as we eagerly head into the men's March Madness Final Four:
When is the Final Four? Schedule, time, how to watch men's NCAA Tournament semifinals
Men's Final Four predictions
Blake Toppmeyer, USA Today Network: Houston to the national championship game
Blake Toppmeyer writes, "I predicted this outcome on Selection Sunday, and I'm not fading it now, not after how strong Houston looked while smashing Tennessee. I could make compelling cases for Duke, Auburn or Florida winning the crown, so why am I picking Houston? I gravitate to experience in the NCAA Tournament, and I'm further pulled toward playmaking guards. Houston and Florida are filled with experience and shot-making guards. Florida's Walton Clayton Jr. is a clutch bucket waiting to happen. Nobody defends better than Houston, and the Cougars go five-deep with players who can score in double figures. I'm tempted to flip my pick to Florida because of how well Clayton is playing, but I'm riding with Houston's defense, its experience and Sampson's coaching."
ESPN: Duke to defeat Houston in semifinal, Florida over Auburn
Both of ESPN's experts believe the Blue Devils' Final Four matchup against the Houston Cougars is theirs to lose. They write, "This is going to be an incredible contrast of elite offense versus elite defense, featuring one of the youngest teams in the country versus one of the oldest teams. The problem for the Cougars is that the Blue Devils also have an elite defense to go with their historically good offense."
Regarding Florida vs. Auburn, Jeff Borzello writes: "Florida hasn't slowed down since then, and neither has (Walter) Clayton, who has put on one of the all-time late-game shot-making performances in this NCAA Tournament. Can Denver Jones limit Clayton's clean looks? The Gators have the size and depth inside to make life difficult for Johni Broome and can win in more ways than the Tigers can."
Bleacher Report: Florida and Duke to win
In regards to the Florida-Auburn game, Bleacher Report writes, "While this one could go either way, (Walter) Clayton Jr. and the nation's best backcourt should be able to do just enough to fuel the Gators into the national championship game."
Watch men's Final Four games on Fubo (free trial)
When is the Final Four?
Both Final Four games will take place on Saturday, April 5, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. All times Eastern.