Unveiling the 2025 NIT Bracket: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

As the college basketball season reaches its climax, fans eagerly await the unveiling of the 2025 NIT bracket. Scheduled for release on March 16, 2025, this year’s National Invitation Tournament promises to showcase some of the most competitive teams that narrowly missed the cut for the NCAA Tournament. The tournament itself will commence just two days later, on March 18, and will continue until the championship game on April 3.

The NIT serves as a pivotal postseason opportunity for teams that did not qualify for the NCAA March Madness tournament. This year, 32 teams will compete, including notable contenders such as SMU, Dayton, San Francisco, and UC Irvine. These teams have shown remarkable resilience throughout the season and are expected to make a significant impact in the tournament.

The selection process for the NIT has undergone significant changes, introducing the new “KNIT” score. This innovative metric evaluates teams based on various criteria, including the NCAA Evaluation Tool and KenPom rankings. With this new system, the top two teams from the ACC and SEC that do not make the NCAA Tournament will automatically qualify for the NIT. Additionally, 12 exempt spots will be filled by the highest-ranked teams from the top 12 conferences, ensuring that only the most deserving teams participate.

The tournament format remains a single-elimination structure, where matchups are determined by seeding. This setup not only adds excitement but also increases the stakes for teams vying for a chance to claim the title. The semifinals and finals will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, marking the second consecutive year this historic venue will host the championship.

While the NIT has a rich history, with 54 schools having won the title, it faces challenges in maintaining its relevance. Major programs such as LSU, Wake Forest, and Pitt have opted out of the tournament, reflecting a growing trend among top-tier teams to bypass the NIT in favor of focusing on future seasons. The emergence of the newly established College Basketball Crown tournament has further complicated the NIT’s standing in the landscape of college basketball.

Despite these challenges, the NIT remains a valuable platform for mid-major teams to showcase their skills against larger programs. The tournament is often viewed as a chance for teams to improve their postseason credentials while providing players with an opportunity to shine on a national stage. The excitement of the NIT is not limited to the games themselves; halftime shows featuring performances by acts like Red Panda add to the overall experience, making it a must-watch event for basketball fans.

Fans can catch all the action of the 2025 NIT on various TV channels and streaming platforms, with specific schedules available for each round. As anticipation builds for the bracket reveal, supporters of the participating teams are hopeful for a thrilling tournament filled with unexpected twists and standout performances.

In conclusion, the unveiling of the 2025 NIT bracket is set to provide basketball enthusiasts with a glimpse into the future of college basketball. With a mix of established programs and rising contenders, this year’s tournament promises to deliver excitement and drama. As the tournament kicks off, fans will be eager to see which teams can navigate the challenges ahead and emerge as champions in this prestigious postseason event. The NIT may face its share of scrutiny, but its significance in the realm of college basketball remains undeniable.