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Analysts Highlight Potential First-Round Upsets in 2025 NCAA Tournament

Lower-seeded teams like Yale, Drake, and VCU are generating buzz as they prepare to challenge higher-seeded opponents in March Madness.

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Jahki Howard #3 of the Auburn Tigers reacts to a call during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neville Arena on March 8, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. Here are the top five highly ranked teams that could be out of the tournament by the end of the weekend.
March Madness signage is pictured on the bench at Amica Mutual Pavillion during Practice Day ahead of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament on March 19, 2025 in Providence, Rhode Island.
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Overview

  • Yale, a No. 13 seed, is seen as a strong upset candidate against No. 4 Texas A&M due to its defensive rebounding strength and the Aggies' shooting struggles.
  • Drake, a No. 11 seed, is favored by analysts to upset No. 6 Missouri, leveraging its slow tempo and standout guard play led by Bennett Stirtz.
  • VCU, widely regarded as underseeded at No. 11, is expected to pose a significant challenge to No. 6 BYU with its balanced play and offensive firepower.
  • High Point, a No. 13 seed, has been identified as a potential bracket buster against No. 4 Purdue, which has struggled defensively in recent games.
  • Colorado State, a No. 12 seed, enters the tournament on a 10-game win streak and is favored to upset No. 5 Memphis, propelled by the exceptional form of Nique Clifford.