The March Madness start times for the first round of the 2025 men's NCAA tournament are scheduled, along with all the TV broadcast info.

The excitement for the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is palpable as the first round's schedule is finally set. The tournament kicks off on Tuesday with the First Four games in Dayton, Ohio, before the critical first round begins on Thursday with 16 matchups being held, followed by another 16 games on Friday. Basketball fans will be congregating around their screens to catch all the action filled with unexpected turns, heart-stopping moments, and the perennial charm of March Madness. This year, the selection process has sparked considerable debate, especially regarding the inclusion of the storied North Carolina Tar Heels. Despite boasting a history laden with successes, their poor performance, illustrated by a dismal 1-12 record against Quad 1 competition, positioned them as one of the most controversial selections. The Tar Heels' athletic director Bubba Cunningham, who sat at the helm of the Selection Committee meeting, was quick to deflect the conflict of interest whispers lingering in social media, stating that he was not present during discussions about his team’s fate. However, this acknowledgement did little to quell the frenzy online, as fans and analysts questioned the integrity of the selection process when a team so historically celebrated faces such alarmingly subpar statistics. The criticism intensified when contrasting their position with other bubble teams that were ultimately snubbed, such as Indiana and West Virginia, who boasted more competitive records and metrics. Still, some supporters of the Tar Heels argued that their recent form against strong teams warranted their place in the tournament, pointing towards their competitive nature in the classified rankings, demonstrating a complicated mixture of performance versus potential. With the backdrop of March Madness, fans can anticipate thrilling matchups like the Tar Heels taking on No. 11 San Diego State, while Texas, similarly fighting to establish its credibility, grapples with Xavier. The nerves intensify with futures hinged on these very encounters, not only for the players but also for the coaches and athletic programs involved. As the brackets unfold, the attention will likely remain fixated on marquee teams such as Auburn and Duke, with the former edging out the latter for the coveted No. 1 seed despite a string of recent losses, an unconventional decision that hints at the unpredictable nature of NCAA selection committees. Moreover, legendary coaching figures such as Rick Pitino and Tom Izzo are set to once again exhibit their wealth of experience amidst a pool of new talent. Their respective teams, St. John’s and Michigan State, are eager to capitalize on their history and push toward glory in this system of single-elimination high-stakes tournaments. This discussion surrounding the NCAA selection process, particularly noting the role of analytics such as the NET rankings and Quadrant records, creates an enticing narrative leading into the games. Historical rivalries, underdog stories, and the innate unpredictability of tournament play all converge in this annual spectacle, capturing the essence of what makes March Madness not only a sports event but a cultural phenomenon. In conclusion, while artificial intelligence has reviewed and analyzed this unfolding story, it remains to be seen how these discussions will affect the actual play on courts throughout the nation as the tournament progresses. Fans are encouraged to buckle up as they prepare, once again, for the thrill, heartache, and sheer joy that only March Madness can deliver.