When completing a bracket for the men’s NCAA Tournament, many are often criticized for still choosing the higher seeds as the competition narrows down to the Final Four. However, with the Elite Eight now set, those who stuck with the favorites are looking wise. Only teams seeded No. 3 or higher are left in the March Madness tournament.
Among the remaining teams are all four No. 1 seeds, three No. 2 seeds, and one No. 3 seed, making for a combined seed total of 13, the lowest in the Elite Eight since 2007. This is a stark contrast to last year’s Elite Eight, where the combined total was 32, mainly due to NC State’s surprising Final Four run. In previous years, the totals were even higher, reaching 37 in 2023 and 47 in 2022 – the highest since seeding began in 1979. This year’s total of 13 matches the record low set in 2007.
While some teams like Duke and Alabama had easy victories, others like Texas Tech and Houston faced close calls, needing last-second shots to avoid elimination. Nonetheless, the Elite Eight teams standing showcase the clear distinction between the top teams in the sport and the rest of the field.
Comparing the 2007 and 2025 Elite Eights, the teams from 18 years ago had better records entering the tournament. This year’s teams had a combined record of 223-45, slightly lower than the 226-39 record of the 2007 Elite Eight. However, based on metrics, the current crop of teams is unmatched. In 2007, the top six teams in KenPom made it to the Elite Eight, with Oregon being an outlier at No. 18. In contrast, all remaining teams this year are ranked in the top nine of KenPom.
With Houston and the other three No. 1 seeds advancing to the Elite Eight, the dominance of the top teams raises questions about the future of the NCAA Tournament in the NIL era. Will this trend continue, or is this season an anomaly with fewer upsets?
Regardless of the outcomes this weekend, it will be hard to argue that any team reached the Final Four by chance. The remaining teams had to defeat tough opponents in the Sweet 16, and whoever emerges victorious in San Antonio will have earned their spot by beating a top 12 overall seed. The absence of underdog teams in the Sweet 16 sets the stage for a showdown among true national championship contenders in the Elite Eight.
While the last time all four top seeds made the Elite Eight was in 2016, only one advanced to the Final Four. This year, with the strong performances from the top seeds, we may witness the first all-No. 1 seed Final Four since 2008.
