Duke Not the Top Overall Seed? UNC Gets In? Strange Decisions Were Made as NCAA Tournament Bracket is Revealed
As the 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket was unveiled on Sunday evening, it didn’t take long for fans and analysts to begin questioning some of the most contentious decisions made by the selection committee. Among the most surprising moves: Duke, despite its stellar season, was not awarded the top overall seed, and North Carolina, a team that seemed to have an up-and-down year, found itself included in the field of 68. The decisions have stirred up plenty of debate, leaving many to wonder if the committee truly got it right.
Duke’s Omission as Top Overall Seed
For much of the season, Duke has been at the top of many analysts’ brackets, and their performance in the ACC tournament only solidified their case for being the tournament’s overall No. 1 seed. With a high-powered offense, a defense that locked down opponents, and a deep roster filled with NBA-caliber talent, the Blue Devils appeared to be the most complete team in the nation.
Yet, when the bracket was revealed, it was Kansas, not Duke, that earned the coveted top overall spot. Kansas, despite having an excellent season, had several blemishes on their resume, including a few unexpected losses in the Big 12, and it seemed that Duke’s case for the top seed was stronger across the board.
While Kansas had a slightly better overall record, Duke’s dominant performances in key matchups and their sheer talent seemed to make them the logical pick for the top overall seed. The committee’s decision to go with Kansas has left many questioning whether the committee placed too much emphasis on conference championships rather than a more holistic evaluation of team performance.
North Carolina’s Surprising Inclusion
Another shocking development in the bracket was the inclusion of North Carolina. The Tar Heels had a rollercoaster season, filled with inconsistencies, questionable losses, and injuries that hampered their potential. Many had written them off as a bubble team and believed they were likely to miss the tournament altogether. Yet, much to the surprise of fans and experts alike, UNC was selected as one of the 68 teams in the field.
What’s even more puzzling is how the Tar Heels received a relatively high seeding, considering their underwhelming performance over the course of the year. Despite a late surge that helped them improve their standing in the ACC, it’s hard to ignore the fact that their resume didn’t compare favorably to other bubble teams, including squads that had more impressive wins and fewer damaging losses.
Some experts speculate that UNC’s inclusion could be the result of the tournament committee taking into account the Tar Heels’ history and brand value. As a blue-blood program, North Carolina has been a consistent force in the NCAA Tournament, and their reputation likely played a role in the committee’s decision. However, this has led to widespread debate about whether the tournament should be more about the present performance of teams rather than their past pedigree.
A Chaotic and Controversial Bracket
The decisions surrounding Duke’s seeding and UNC’s inclusion highlight some of the inherent flaws in the selection process. While it’s clear that the committee has a tough job, the inconsistencies in evaluating teams this year leave many wondering whether the process is as fair as it should be.
This year’s bracket is certainly one of the most controversial in recent memory, with glaring questions about the criteria used to decide on seeding and inclusion. With the first round of the tournament now upon us, the true test will be how these decisions play out on the court. Fans can only hope that the committee’s choices don’t lead to even more questions as March Madness unfolds.
