The 2025 NCAA Tournament began with 68 teams earlier this week, and now only 16 remain. The battle-tested squads that have made it to the Sweet 16 have survived the chaos of the first two rounds, and the stakes are higher than ever. With regional semifinal matchups set, scouting work has already begun for teams just two wins away from the Final Four in San Antonio.
Sweet 16 Ready to Tip Off
This year’s tournament has featured fewer upsets than usual, as all four No. 1 seeds—Auburn, Duke, Houston, and Florida—remain in contention. However, a few surprises, like No. 10 seed Arkansas making an improbable run and No. 12 seed Colorado State barely missing out after a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer to Maryland, have kept fans on their toes.
As the NCAA Tournament heats up and we head into the Sweet 16, NCAA Basketball fans across the country are feeling the madness. The Sweet 16 is stacked with a thrilling mix of powerhouse programs and underdog surprises, each one just two wins away from the Final Four.
Even if your team didn’t make it to the tournament, you can still get in on the action. Tennessee fans can take advantage of the best betting apps in Tennessee if they click here before the Sweet 16 gets underway.
With Thursday and Friday’s matchups set, here’s an in-depth look at every team still standing in the tournament, complete with player breakdowns, key stats, and what to watch for as the road to the Final Four continues.
Maryland vs. Florida
Maryland has one of the most talented starting lineups in the country, featuring projected first-round NBA Draft pick Derik Queen and his frontcourt partner Julian Reese, the brother of former LSU star Angel Reese.
The Terrapins rely heavily on their starters, with their bench ranking No. 314 in minutes played. However, their backcourt trio of Ja’Kobi Gillespie (14.6 PPG), Rodney Rice (13.9 PPG), and Selton Miguel (12 PPG) gives them the firepower to keep up with Florida’s offensive juggernaut.
The SEC’s Florida Gators the Sweet 16 as one of the most dominant teams in the tournament. The Gators proved their mettle with a statement win over two-time reigning national champion UConn. Led by All-American Walter Clayton Jr., Florida boasts the most efficient offense in the nation, ranking No. 1 in adjusted offensive efficiency and No. 10 in adjusted defensive efficiency per KenPom.
The Gators can beat teams inside and out, and their depth makes them a serious title threat.
Arkansas vs. Texas Tech
Arkansas has defied the odds, making the Sweet 16 despite starting SEC play 0-5. The Razorbacks, under first-year coach John Calipari, have leaned heavily on their length and shot-blocking ability, ranking fourth nationally in blocks per game (5.6). Most of their rotation consists of either former Kentucky players or Kentucky recruits who followed Calipari from Lexington.
Texas Tech has built its roster primarily through the transfer portal, with seven of its eight key contributors coming from other programs. The biggest of those transfers is JT Toppin, who won Big 12 Player of the Year after a stellar season. The Red Raiders rank No. 5 in adjusted offensive efficiency and are among the best shooting teams in the country, ranking in the top 50 in 3-point percentage (37.1%), 2-point percentage (54.9%), and free-throw percentage (76.4%).
Arizona vs. Duke
Arizona, making its second straight Sweet 16 appearance, has unfinished business after a tough loss to Clemson last year. The Arizona Wildcats rely on their ability to dominate the glass, ranking 15th in offensive rebounding percentage. They also boast a high-powered offense, averaging 82.1 points per game (19th nationally), but will need to bring their best defensive effort to slow down Duke’s elite scorers.
Duke enters the Sweet 16 with one of the most complete rosters in the tournament. The Blue Devils are the tallest team in Division I, led by future NBA lottery picks Cooper Flagg and Khaman Maluach. Their veteran backcourt of Sion James and Tyrese Proctor provides experience and defensive toughness.
Duke ranks top five in both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency while also ranking top 20 in 3-point percentage (37.7%), 2-point percentage (58.2%), and free-throw percentage (78.4%).
BYU vs. Alabama
BYU has been one of the best stories of the tournament. First-year coach Kevin Young, hired from the Phoenix Suns’ staff, has guided the Cougars to their first Sweet 16 appearance since 2011. Richie Saunders has taken a huge leap this season, improving his scoring from 9.6 PPG to 16.3 PPG. Freshman guard Egor Demin, despite an inconsistent season, remains a projected first-round pick in the NBA Draft.
Alabama boasts the highest-scoring offense in Division I, averaging 91.1 points per game. The Crimson Tide loves to push the pace, ranking No. 1 in adjusted tempo and fourth in average possession length (14.9 seconds). All-American guard Mark Sears is the catalyst for Alabama’s attack, and their deep bench allows them to maintain their frantic style for a full 40 minutes.
Purdue vs. Houston
Purdue is looking for redemption after falling just short of a national title last year. The Boilermakers’ offense runs through Braden Smith, who ranks second nationally in assists per game (8.6). Trey Kaufman-Renn has taken over as the team’s leading scorer, jumping from 6.4 PPG last season to 20.2 PPG. Purdue ranks No. 6 in adjusted offensive efficiency and shoots 38.3% from three (11th nationally).
Houston is once again a defensive powerhouse under Kelvin Sampson, ranking No. 1 in adjusted defensive efficiency. The biggest difference this year? Improved shooting. The Cougars lead the nation in 3-point shooting (39.8%), a massive leap from last season when they ranked 133rd. Houston also plays at a slow pace, ranking third-slowest among tournament teams.
Kentucky vs. Tennessee
Kentucky, in Mark Pope’s first season, is back in the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2019. Despite losing star guard Jaxson Robinson to injury, the Wildcats remain dangerous from deep, ranking 24th in 3-point percentage (37.4%). Lamont Butler, who helped San Diego State reach the Final Four in 2023, is the defensive leader.
Tennessee hangs its hat on defense, ranking No. 2 in adjusted defensive efficiency. Guards Zakai Zeigler and Jahmai Mashack are defensive pests, while transfer Chaz Lanier provides scoring punch. The Volunteers rely on their starters, with reserves accounting for just 25.1% of total minutes played.
Michigan vs. Auburn
Michigan features a rare lineup with two 7-footers, Danny Wolf and Vladislav Goldin. The Wolverines struggle from deep (33.3% from three, ranking 200th) but thrive inside (57.3% on twos, ranking 15th). They are also battle-tested in close games, winning 12 straight contests decided by five points or fewer.
Auburn, led by National Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome, is one of the most efficient teams in the country. The Tigers rank No. 3 in adjusted offensive efficiency and fifth in turnover percentage (13.4%). However, they struggled down the stretch, losing three of their last four before the tournament.
Ole Miss vs. Michigan State
Ole Miss is making history under Chris Beard, reaching the Sweet 16 for just the second time ever. The Rebels take care of the ball, ranking third nationally in turnover percentage (13.0%), and have a chance to reach their first-ever Elite Eight.
Tom Izzo’s Michigan State squad reached the Sweet 16 for the 16th time under his leadership. The Spartans have the nation’s top-ranked 3-point defense (27.7%) but struggle offensively from deep (31.1%, ranking 316th).
With just two wins separating these teams from a Final Four berth, the intensity will only increase as the Sweet 16 tips off.
