The men’s 2025 NCAA Tournament starts this Thursday, and whether you're a long-time college basketball fan or just gearing up to watch your first game, we’ve got you covered. The season has been filled with excitement, featuring rising conferences, legendary coaches, a challenging season for the defending champions and a remarkable freshman class. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know to prep for the upcoming action.

The Tar Heels earned a spot in the tournament, despite scrutiny over their resume. Although some questioned their inclusion—particularly after a poor showing in Quad 1 games—their metrics were strong enough to secure a berth. Their recent victory over San Diego State in the First Four could silence their critics. A deep run could be critical for this team, which missed the tournament in 2023 after starting the season ranked No.1.

The SEC has solidified its dominance this year, setting an NCAA tournament record with 14 teams in the field, including top-seeded Auburn, Alabama and Tennessee. The conference’s impressive showing raises the stakes as it hasn't won a national title since Kentucky’s 2012 victory. With a record number of teams, the pressure is on for the SEC to finally secure that elusive championship. Thus, a smart March Madness betting strategy might focus on the SEC’s depth and the potential for a surprise winner.

Cooper Flagg—the projected No.1 pick in the NBA Draft and a leading candidate for national player of the year—has been sidelined since spraining his ankle during Duke's ACC tournament quarterfinal win against Georgia Tech. However, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer stated on ESPN’s Bracketology show that Flagg is set to return for Friday’s first-round game. Yes, the Blue Devils triumphed in the ACC without him; however, Flagg’s presence will surely be required to capture their first national title since 2015.

Along with Flagg's potential return, several other teams are managing injuries: for example, Duke’s Maliq Brown (a key defensive player) is dealing with a shoulder injury that could affect the Blue Devils’ depth. Meanwhile, Alabama forward Grant Nelson, who contributed 19 points in last year’s Final Four, is questionable due to a leg injury suffered in the SEC tournament. Unfortunately, Iowa State’s Keshon Gilbert will miss the tournament due to a muscle strain; however, there’s hope for Tamin Lipsey's return from a groin injury. Memphis is also concerned about Tyrese Hunter’s status after an injury in the conference finals.

UConn’s hopes of a third consecutive title face challenges—winning three titles in a row is an extremely rare feat, with the last occurrence in 1973 by UCLA. Although UConn has struggled with defense this season, the Huskies still have key players like Alex Karaban and emerging stars like Solo Ball. Whether they can make a deep run remains to be seen; however, their recent form suggests they could still be contenders. A tough path to the title could test their resilience but the experience of winning back-to-back championships could lend them an advantage in high-pressure moments.

Rick Pitino’s resurgence at St. John’s has captured attention this season. After guiding the Red Storm to both the Big East regular-season and tournament championships, Pitino has reinvigorated the program. Known for his strong defensive teams, Pitino’s squad boasts the best defense in the nation. Though St. John’s may not be a shooting powerhouse, their defense and Pitino’s leadership make them a dangerous threat. With the spotlight on Pitino’s return to March Madness, many are eager to see if he can lead St. John’s on a deep run.

Michigan State, under Tom Izzo, has been playing stellar defense and could be poised to end the Big Ten’s long title drought. They’ve been impressive in recent games and have a solid shot at the Final Four. Teams like Purdue, which has been inconsistent, and Maryland, with a top defense and excellent 3-point shooting, will also be fighting for a spot at the top. With the conference's recent struggles in the tournament, this year feels like a critical opportunity for the Big Ten to prove its strength on the national stage.

There are several potential Cinderella teams to keep an eye on, including Colorado State, which has been on a tear recently. Star player Nique Clifford could lead them to an upset against Memphis—Drake’s strong defense makes them a formidable opponent while BYU’s potent offense could take them deep into the tournament. Teams like McNeese and Akron are also making waves and could be poised for a surprise run. As the tournament unfolds, these underdogs could provide some thrilling moments and upsets.

Houston’s Kelvin Sampson and Tennessee’s Rick Barnes both have one major goal: winning their first national title. Sampson, with nearly 800 career wins, has built a defensive powerhouse at Houston. Barnes, with over 800 career wins, has also put together a top defense at Tennessee. Both coaches have strong teams capable of making a title run and this could be their best chance to finally capture that elusive championship. With both squads well-rounded and peaking at the right time, the pressure is on for these veteran coaches to make their mark.