Here’s who and when Alabama, Auburn, and Tennessee will face in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament marches on, three of the top teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC)—Alabama, Auburn, and Tennessee—have successfully navigated the first two rounds and are gearing up for their respective Sweet 16 matchups. These teams have built strong resumes throughout the season and are now primed to make deep runs in March Madness. Each squad faces unique challenges in the Sweet 16, but with strong rosters, talented coaches, and a focus on competing at the highest level, these SEC powerhouses are eager to continue their journey toward a national championship.

In this piece, we will break down who each of these teams will face in the Sweet 16, analyzing their opponents and what Alabama, Auburn, and Tennessee need to do to advance to the Elite 8.

Alabama Crimson Tide: Sweet 16 Matchup vs. #3 Kansas Jayhawks

Alabama enters the Sweet 16 as one of the most dominant teams in the country this season, with a well-balanced squad and impressive tournament victories. Their combination of stellar perimeter shooting, depth, and defensive tenacity has made them a tough matchup for any team. As the top overall seed in the tournament, Alabama’s road to the Sweet 16 has been full of expectations, but the Crimson Tide have lived up to the hype. Their next challenge? The defending national champions, the Kansas Jayhawks.

Key Players to Watch for Alabama:

Brandon Miller: Alabama’s star forward and potential top pick in the upcoming NBA draft has been a key player throughout the season. Miller’s scoring ability, versatility, and strong presence on both ends of the floor have made him one of the best players in the tournament. If he can continue his stellar play, Alabama will be hard to stop.
Mark Sears: As a guard, Sears has been one of the team’s primary playmakers and leaders. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates will be critical in breaking down Kansas’ defense.

Key Players to Watch for Kansas:

Jalen Wilson: The Jayhawks’ star forward is known for his scoring ability, rebounding, and leadership on both ends of the court. If Alabama can limit Wilson’s effectiveness, it will greatly improve their chances of advancing.
Grady Dick: Kansas’ sharp-shooting guard is a dangerous perimeter player who can stretch the defense. His ability to hit three-pointers at a high clip makes him one of the keys to watch.

Alabama’s Path to Victory:

For Alabama to advance past Kansas, they will need to use their defense to disrupt Kansas’ offensive flow. The Jayhawks’ offense revolves around a balanced attack, with Wilson and Dick providing scoring, but Alabama has the tools to match up with them defensively. Alabama’s ability to get out in transition and capitalize on fast breaks will be a critical factor in their success. The Crimson Tide’s perimeter defense, particularly against Dick, will also be pivotal in slowing down the Jayhawks’ offense.

On offense, Alabama will need Miller and Sears to continue being aggressive and efficient, especially in half-court settings. Kansas is tough defensively, so Alabama must execute in the half-court and find open looks for their shooters. If Alabama can control the pace of the game and defend Kansas’ key players, they have a strong chance of advancing to the Elite 8.

Auburn Tigers: Sweet 16 Matchup vs. #2 Duke Blue Devils

Auburn’s journey to the Sweet 16 has been a testament to their defensive identity and ability to grind out wins. Bruce Pearl’s squad has relied heavily on their defense, rebounding, and team-oriented play, and the Tigers have emerged as one of the most formidable teams in the tournament. Now, they face a tough challenge in the Sweet 16: the Duke Blue Devils, who have been playing excellent basketball under head coach Jon Scheyer.

Key Players to Watch for Auburn:

Wendell Green Jr.: Auburn’s point guard has been the floor general for the Tigers all season. His ability to create for his teammates and score in crucial moments makes him a key player for Auburn. Green will need to manage the tempo of the game and avoid turnovers against Duke’s pressure defense.
Jaylin Williams: Williams’ defensive versatility and ability to score on the offensive end have been crucial for Auburn. He will be tasked with guarding Duke’s most dangerous offensive threats while also providing a scoring punch for his team.

Key Players to Watch for Duke:

Kyle Filipowski: As one of the most versatile big men in the country, Filipowski’s ability to score inside and stretch the floor with his shooting will be a challenge for Auburn. His rebounding ability is also critical for Duke, and Auburn must limit his second-chance opportunities.
Tyrese Proctor: Duke’s freshman point guard has been a revelation this season, showcasing his ability to distribute the ball and score when needed. Proctor’s playmaking ability will be a key factor in Duke’s success against Auburn.

Auburn’s Path to Victory:

Auburn’s best chance to advance past Duke lies in their defense. Duke has several key players who can take over games, and the Tigers will need to limit their impact. Williams will likely draw the assignment of defending Filipowski, and his ability to disrupt Filipowski’s scoring and rebounding will be crucial. Additionally, Auburn’s perimeter defense will need to be on point to limit Proctor’s playmaking and Duke’s outside shooting.

On offense, Auburn will need to capitalize on their athleticism and transition play. Green will need to create opportunities for his teammates and take advantage of any mismatches. If Auburn can slow down the game, limit Duke’s fast breaks, and execute in the half-court, they will be in a strong position to move on to the Elite 8.

Tennessee Volunteers: Sweet 16 Matchup vs. #4 Kentucky Wildcats

Tennessee has established itself as one of the most complete teams in college basketball this season, with a combination of strong defense, depth, and offensive efficiency. The Volunteers have been one of the toughest teams to break down, and their road to the Sweet 16 has been marked by dominant defensive performances. However, Tennessee’s next challenge comes in the form of a familiar SEC rival—the Kentucky Wildcats, who have been playing some of their best basketball of the season.

Key Players to Watch for Tennessee:

Santiago Vescovi: Tennessee’s senior guard has been a steadying force for the Volunteers, providing leadership and playmaking ability. His shooting ability from the outside and ability to create for others will be crucial in Tennessee’s offense.
Zakai Zeigler: As one of the fastest and most athletic guards in the tournament, Zeigler will be essential in Tennessee’s defensive game plan. His ability to disrupt Kentucky’s ball movement and create turnovers will be key in slowing down the Wildcats.

Key Players to Watch for Kentucky:

Oscar Tshiebwe: The reigning National Player of the Year, Tshiebwe is one of the best rebounders in the country and a dominant presence in the paint. Tennessee will have to limit his second-chance opportunities and keep him from controlling the game on the glass.
Antonio Reeves: A dynamic scorer, Reeves can get hot from the perimeter and is capable of carrying Kentucky’s offense. His ability to score in bunches could be a key factor in the outcome of the game.

Tennessee’s Path to Victory:

Tennessee’s defensive schemes have been one of the main reasons for their success this season, and they will need to bring that same intensity to their game against Kentucky. Tshiebwe will be a major challenge in the paint, and Tennessee will need to box him out and limit his offensive rebounds. Zeigler’s quickness and ability to disrupt opposing offenses will be critical in limiting Kentucky’s offensive flow.

On offense, Tennessee needs to continue to share the ball and take advantage of their shooting opportunities. Vescovi’s outside shooting will be crucial in spacing the floor, and Tennessee will need to make sure they don’t get bogged down in the half-court against Kentucky’s length and athleticism. If Tennessee can keep the pace up and limit Kentucky’s inside dominance, they have a strong chance to advance.

The SEC’s Strength in the Sweet 16

With Alabama, Auburn, and Tennessee all advancing to the Sweet 16, the Southeastern Conference has solidified its place as one of the strongest conferences in college basketball this season. The SEC teams have shown resilience, depth, and defensive toughness, and their matchups in the Sweet 16 will be challenging, but each team has the potential to make a deep run.

Alabama, with its blend of elite defense and dynamic offensive play, will be tested by Kansas, but their talent and versatility make them one of the tournament’s top contenders. Auburn, known for their gritty defense and team-first mentality, will need to execute their game plan flawlessly against Duke, a team that poses a significant challenge. Tennessee’s defensive prowess will be tested by Kentucky’s star power, and their ability to slow down Oscar Tshiebwe and limit Kentucky’s shooters will determine their fate.

As the Sweet 16 approaches, SEC basketball fans are in for a thrilling ride, as these three teams will battle for a chance to make it to the Elite 8 and beyond. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and each game will be an opportunity for these talented squads to showcase their strengths and prove that the SEC is ready for the national stage.