If you’re wondering who won the NCAA championship in basketball for 2025, the short answer is the Florida Gators for the men and the UConn Huskies for the women.
But honestly, just knowing the names doesn't tell the whole story. The 2025 tournament was basically a fever dream for anyone who loves high-stakes hoops. We saw massive droughts end, legendary careers wrap up, and a few heart-stopping moments in San Antonio and Tampa that people are still talking about in 2026.
Florida Gators: Back on Top of the Men’s Game
The Florida Gators finally did it. After nearly two decades of waiting, they reclaimed the throne by defeating the Houston Cougars 65–63. It was a slugfest. If you like high-scoring, flashy offense, the first half of that game probably wasn't for you. It was gritty. It was defensive. And for a while, it looked like Kelvin Sampson’s Houston squad was going to bully their way to their first-ever title.
Houston held a 12-point lead late in the second half. Most fans at the Alamodome thought it was over. But Todd Golden’s group had other plans. Walter Clayton Jr. was the absolute engine for this comeback. He didn’t just score; he locked down on defense. In the final seconds, with Houston looking for a game-winner, Clayton Jr. made a defensive stop that basically sealed the deal.
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Walter Clayton Jr. walked away with the Most Outstanding Player (MOP) award, and honestly, nobody else was even close.
Why This Win Was Different
- The Drought: This was Florida’s third title, but their first since the back-to-back era of 2006 and 2007.
- The Coach: Todd Golden, in just his third season, proved that the "new school" of coaching can handle the pressure of the big stage.
- The Defense: Holding a Houston team that had been averaging nearly 76 points per game to just 63 is a massive feat.
UConn Women: The 12th Title and a Legendary Farewell
Over in the women’s bracket, things were a bit more... dominant. The UConn Huskies took down South Carolina 82–59. Yeah, a 23-point margin in a national final.
Geno Auriemma now has 12 national championships. Let that sink in. He has won more than any other coach in the history of college basketball, men’s or women’s. This win felt like a return to the "standard" for UConn after a nine-year hiatus from the top spot.
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The headline, though, wasn’t just the trophy. It was Paige Bueckers. This was her final college game, and she bookended a legendary career with the one thing that had eluded her: a ring. She finished with 17 points, but the real star of the night was Azzi Fudd, who dropped 24 points and took home the MOP.
Breaking Down the Women's Final
The game was played at Amalie Arena in Tampa, and the atmosphere was electric. South Carolina is a powerhouse, but they just couldn't keep up with UConn's ball movement. Sarah Strong, the freshman phenom, also chipped in 24 points. When you have three players scoring like that, you’re basically impossible to beat.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2025 Tournament
A lot of people think 2025 was the "year of the upset" because of how wild the regular season was. Surprisingly, the men's tournament was actually one of the most stable in years. No top-four seed lost in the first round. By the time we got to the Final Four, it was all #1 seeds: Florida, Duke, Houston, and Auburn.
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It was a "heavyweight" tournament. No Cinderellas made it to the final weekend, which actually made the games feel more like an NBA playoff series—high-level execution and very few mistakes.
The Key Players You Should Know
If you're following the NBA draft or just want to sound smart at the sports bar, these are the names from the 2025 championship run that matter:
- Walter Clayton Jr. (Florida): The undisputed hero of the men's final.
- Azzi Fudd (UConn): Reminded everyone why she was the top recruit in the country before injuries slowed her down.
- LJ Cryer (Houston): Even in a loss, his performance throughout the tournament was elite.
- Sarah Strong (UConn): A freshman who played like a ten-year vet.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Now that we’re in 2026, the landscape is shifting again. We’re seeing teams like Kansas and Iowa State battling for the top spots in the current polls. The target is firmly on the backs of Florida and UConn.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, keep an eye on the transfer portal this spring. That’s where the 2026 championship will likely be won or lost. Most of the 2025 stars are headed to the pros, so the rosters we see in the next March Madness will look completely different.
Check the current AP Top 25 rankings every Monday to see who is trending toward the next title. Follow the injury reports for key players like Cooper Flagg or JuJu Watkins, as health is usually the biggest factor in who survives the three-week gauntlet of the tournament.