March Madness Power Rankings: Analyzing the Top 32 Teams After the First Round

The first round of the NCAA Men's Tournament has concluded, leaving us with 32 teams vying for the championship title. From dominant performances by top seeds to surprising upsets, the tournament has already delivered its fair share of excitement. Here’s how the remaining teams stack up after the opening round.

1. Duke Blue Devils

Original Seed: No. 1 (East) First-round result: Defeated No. 16 Mount St. Mary's 93-49 Despite the absence of Cooper Flagg in their previous two games, Duke proved they are more than a one-man show. Tyrese Proctor led the charge with 19 points, while Kon Knueppel stepped up in Flagg's absence. The Blue Devils’ depth and versatility make them a formidable contender.

2. Houston Cougars

Original Seed: No. 1 (Midwest) First-round result: Defeated No. 16 SIU Edwardsville 78-50 Houston’s defensive prowess is unmatched, but their offensive growth under Kelvin Sampson has been equally impressive. Even with key players struggling, the Cougars secured a dominant win, showcasing their ability to control games on both ends of the floor.

3. Florida Gators

Original Seed: No. 1 (West) First-round result: Defeated No. 16 Norfolk State 95-69 Led by Walter Clayton Jr.’s 23 points, Florida’s offense was unstoppable, scoring at an alarming rate. Their ability to overwhelm opponents with pace and scoring makes them a serious threat to go deep in the tournament.

4. Auburn Tigers

Original Seed: No. 1 (South) First-round result: Defeating No. 16 Alabama State 83-63 Auburn has been the most consistent team all season, but a slight dip in efficiency in recent weeks raises questions. However, their first-round performance demonstrated that even an “off night” results in a comfortable win.

5. Tennessee Volunteers

Original Seed: No. 2 (Midwest) First-round result: Defeating No. 15 Wofford 77-62 The Volunteers combine elite defense with a potent offense. Chaz Lanier’s 29-point outburst against Wofford highlighted Tennessee’s ability to dominate on both ends of the court.

6. St. John’s Red Storm

Original Seed: No. 2 (West) First-round result: Defeating No. 15 Omaha 83-53 St. John’s isn’t just a defensive powerhouse—their 38% shooting from beyond the arc in their first-round win shows they can also light up the scoreboard.

7. Alabama Crimson Tide

Original Seed: No. 2 (East) First-round result: Defeating No. 15 Robert Morris 90-81 Alabama’s high-octane offense continues to shine, but their defensive lapses could be a concern as tougher opponents await.

8. Michigan State Spartans

Original Seed: No. 2 (South) First-round result: Defeating No. 15 Bryant 87-62 Coach Tom Izzo has assembled one of his most balanced teams in years. With Jaden Akins and Tre Holloman leading the charge, the Spartans are a dangerous squad.

9. Wisconsin Badgers

Original Seed: No. 3 (East) First-round result: Defeating No. 14 Montana 85-66 Wisconsin’s fast-paced offense and balanced scoring make them a tough matchup for any team.

10. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Original Seed: No. 3 (West) First-round result: Defeating No. 14 UNC Wilmington 82-72 Despite a rough shooting night, Texas Tech’s defense carried them to victory. Their ability to lock down opponents could be key in the next round.

11-32. Other Notable Teams

Teams like Kentucky, Arizona, and Purdue showcased their strengths in the first round, but areas for improvement remain. Cinderella stories like McNeese and Drake have already made their mark, proving they belong in the tournament.

Looking Ahead

The second round promises even more drama, with powerhouse matchups like Houston vs. Gonzaga and Duke vs. Baylor on the horizon. Which teams will rise to the occasion and advance to the Sweet 16? Stay tuned as March Madness continues to deliver unforgettable moments.

Follow along for continued coverage of the NCAA Men’s Tournament as the drama unfolds.