Clark Kellogg Predicts 2025 NCAA Tournament National Champion Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Mar 16, 2025 7:57 PM ET

The anticipation for the NCAA Tournament is palpable, and with the 68-team bracket now unveiled, predictions are already flooding in as fans and analysts alike start picking their upsets, Final Four teams, and even the national champion.

Shortly after the bracket was announced on CBS Sports, former college basketball star and analyst Clark Kellogg shared his thoughts on the tournament. Kellogg revealed his Final Four and shocked many with his matchup in the national championship.

Kellogg's Final Four includes Michigan State from the South, Duke from the East, Florida from the West, and an unexpected pick, Clemson from the Midwest. He has Florida advancing past Michigan State and Clemson beating Duke to reach the championship game, where the Gators ultimately emerge victorious.

"Florida is the most complete team in the field in my opinion," Kellogg said. "I like them coming out of the West... Clemson is my dark horse. I'm taking Clemson in San Antonio against the Gators, but I’m going with Florida as my champion."

The CBS crew shares their Final Four predictions #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/qR2WePgNSt
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 16, 2025

Florida enters the NCAA Tournament as a No. 1 seed, riding high of a dominant performance in the SEC tournament. Not only did they reach the SEC championship, but they also won it convincingly.

On the other hand, Clemson enters the tournament as a No. 5 seed. They will face McNeese State in the first round, a team that many have pegged as a potential dark horse to make a deep run as a No. 12 seed.

However, in Kellogg's eyes, Clemson’s veteran presence—led by Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin—will be key. The duo guided Clemson to the Elite Eight last year, and Kellogg believes their experience will be a significant factor in the Tigers' tournament run.

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

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