Andy Katz Reveals National Championship Prediction For NCAA Tournament

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mathey Gibson | Last updated Mar 17, 2025 8:00 PM ET

With March Madness in full swing, college basketball analyst Andy Katz has unveiled his Final Four and national championship prediction—and it’s a bold one.

Katz’s Final Four includes No. 1 seed Auburn facing No. 4 seed Maryland on one side, while No. 1 seeds Duke and Houston battle on the other. In the end, he’s backing Bruce Pearl’s Auburn Tigers to win it all.

Auburn, the SEC Regular Season champion, has been one of the most balanced teams in the country, combining elite defense with a deep offensive attack, powered by center Johni Broome and freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford.

Led by a high-energy style, Katz believes the Tigers have what it takes to make a deep run and ultimately claim their first national championship.

Maryland’s presence as a four seed in the Final Four is perhaps the biggest surprise of his bracket.

The Terrapins have been inconsistent this season but have the talent to get hot at the right time. Meanwhile, Duke and Houston, two teams with championship aspirations, bring experience, elite coaching, and high-level playmakers to the table.

If Katz’s prediction holds, Auburn would take on either Duke or Houston in the title game. The matchup would test the Tigers' ability to handle elite competition under pressure, something they haven't been able to do down the stretch.

But if you ask Katz, Auburn and Pearl are built for the moment.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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