March Madness 2025: Upsets Shake Up NCAA Tournament Bubble Watch – Who’s In, Who’s Out…

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament approaches, the annual bubble watch is as unpredictable as ever. A series of shocking upsets in conference play over the past few weeks have shifted the landscape of the at-large bids, with several teams seeing their tournament hopes either boosted or dashed. With Selection Sunday just around the corner, teams are scrambling to solidify their resumes, while others are hoping for one last push to punch their ticket to March Madness.

 

### **Surprising Upsets Stir the Pot**

 

One of the key stories this season has been the rise of mid-major programs that have taken down some of the nation’s powerhouses. These upsets have forced the NCAA selection committee to reconsider who deserves a spot in the tournament. While teams from the major conferences typically dominate the bubble watch, programs like the University of Toledo and Furman University have significantly improved their chances with high-profile wins. Furman, for example, knocked off a top-10 team early this month, leaving their bubble status much stronger than expected.

 

However, it’s not just mid-majors making waves. Major conference teams that were once considered locks for the tournament have found themselves in jeopardy due to unexpected losses. The once-strong hopes of teams like Michigan State, Arizona, and Kentucky are now in doubt, as each has suffered crucial defeats to lower-ranked teams in the last few weeks. These teams are now hanging by a thread, needing a strong finish to secure a place in the bracket.

 

### **What Does This Mean for the Bubble?**

 

With these shakeups, the battle for the final at-large spots is heating up. Traditionally, the NCAA Tournament reserves a set number of spots for teams that finish their seasons with solid records but may not have earned an automatic bid by winning their conference tournament. This year, however, the lines between “in” and “out” are much blurrier.

 

Several teams that had been comfortably in the tournament picture now find themselves needing strong performances down the stretch to avoid falling to the wrong side of the bubble. Schools like Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, and Oregon are now fighting for their tournament lives, and their performances in the next few games could make or break their March Madness dreams.

 

### **What Will Help Teams Secure a Spot?**

 

For teams on the bubble, the key to securing an at-large bid is to finish the regular season strong. With a crowded field and a higher-than-usual number of competitive programs this year, teams need to avoid bad losses while also picking up signature wins. Some may need to go deep into their conference tournaments to make their case to the committee, hoping to ride momentum into the Big Dance.

 

Meanwhile, smaller schools looking for an at-large bid must impress with solid victories against power conference opponents, as well as maintain consistency throughout the remainder of the regular season.

 

### **Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch**

 

As teams prepare for the final weeks of the regular season, the bubble watch is only going to intensify. With so many teams in the mix and so few spots available, every game, every win, and every loss will matter. Coaches, players, and fans alike are already bracing for the madness that is sure to unfold as we approach March.

 

In the coming weeks, the landscape will become clearer. But until then, the suspense remains high, with teams both clinging to their tournament hopes and dreaming of making an unexpected run to the big stage.

 

The 2025 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent memory. Stay tuned — the bubble is about to burst!