Texas receives the top seed on Selection Sunday and will play in the 2025 NCAA Tournament on Saturday.

Selection Sunday has once again set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying March Madness, and the Texas Longhorns have emerged as the No. 1 overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With an impressive regular season and a dominant showing in the Big 12 Conference, Texas now faces the immense challenge of navigating the bracket en route to a potential national championship.

Texas’ Road to the No. 1 Seed

Texas earned its top seed through a season defined by resilience, depth, and star power. The Longhorns, under head coach Rodney Terry, finished the regular season with a 29-3 record, including a 15-3 record in conference play. Key wins over Kansas, Baylor, and Houston solidified their status as one of the most dominant teams in the country.

Senior guard Tyrese Hunter and sophomore forward Dillon Mitchell played pivotal roles, with Hunter averaging 17.8 points per game and Mitchell contributing 12.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per contest. Their stellar performances, alongside an elite defense that ranked top-five in defensive efficiency, propelled Texas to a Big 12 Tournament championship, further cementing their claim as the No. 1 overall seed.

First-Round Matchup: Texas vs. Play-In Winner

As the No. 1 seed in the South Region, Texas will open its tournament campaign against the winner of a First Four matchup between a No. 16 seed, likely a mid-major team from the SWAC or America East Conference. While a No. 16 seed has defeated a No. 1 seed only twice in tournament history, Texas knows better than to overlook its first opponent.

Key Players to Watch

• Tyrese Hunter (G) – A dynamic playmaker who can create his own shot and distribute effectively. Hunter’s leadership will be crucial in tight tournament games.
• Dillon Mitchell (F) – An elite rebounder and defender, Mitchell anchors Texas’ paint presence.
• Max Abmas (G) – The graduate transfer from Oral Roberts provides tournament experience and perimeter shooting.
• Kadin Shedrick (C) – A defensive force in the middle, Shedrick will play a key role against elite big men in later rounds.

Potential Path to the Final Four

Round of 32: Texas vs. No. 8/9 Seed

Assuming Texas gets past its first opponent, the Longhorns will likely face a more formidable foe in the second round. Potential matchups include the No. 8 seed Michigan State Spartans or the No. 9 seed Florida Gators. Both teams boast strong defenses and veteran coaching, making this a crucial test for Texas.

Sweet 16: Texas vs. No. 4/5 Seed

A potential Sweet 16 showdown against No. 4 seed Alabama or No. 5 seed Saint Mary’s could present Texas with its toughest challenge yet. Alabama’s fast-paced offense and Saint Mary’s disciplined defense pose different threats, and Texas must be prepared for either.

Elite Eight: Texas vs. No. 2 Seed Arizona

If Texas reaches the Elite Eight, they could face No. 2 seed Arizona, a team with tournament pedigree and offensive firepower. Arizona’s All-American forward Caleb Love has the ability to take over games, so Texas will need its defensive schemes to be airtight.

Final Four and Championship Aspirations

If Texas advances past the South Region, they’ll head to the Final Four in San Antonio, where they may encounter the likes of Duke, Purdue, or Houston. The Longhorns have all the tools necessary to make a championship run, but execution under pressure will determine their fate.

X-Factors for Texas’ Title Run

1. Three-Point Shooting: Tournament games are often decided by perimeter shooting. Texas will need consistent contributions from Abmas and Hunter from deep.
2. Defensive Prowess: Texas must continue its elite defensive play to shut down high-powered offenses.
3. Coaching Adjustments: Rodney Terry’s ability to make in-game adjustments will be tested against elite competition.
4. Bench Production: Depth will be a deciding factor in the later rounds. Contributions from key reserves like Arterio Morris and Brock Cunningham could be crucial.

The Texas Longhorns have all the ingredients for a deep March Madness run. As the No. 1 overall seed, expectations are sky-high, but with a balanced roster, elite defense, and experienced coaching staff, Texas has a legitimate chance to cut down the nets in April. Now, all eyes turn to the first weekend of the tournament, where Texas will look to take the first step toward NCAA glory.