- Top Seeds: SMU, Dayton, San Francisco, and UC Irvine lead as No. 1 seeds.
- Key Dates:
- First Round: March 18–19, 2025
- Semifinals: April 1, 2025
- Championship: April 3, 2025, at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
- Broadcast: Games air on ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN+.
Predicted Winner: SMU is favored to win due to its strong roster and favorable path.
Underdogs to Watch: Teams like UC San Diego and Oklahoma State have upset potential.
For betting, focus on advanced stats, live odds, and platforms like BettorEdge for no-vig betting.
Quick Overview
Region | Top Matchup | Storyline |
Dallas | SMU vs. Northern Iowa | SMU looks to dominate as a top seed. |
Dayton | Dayton vs. Florida Atlantic | Rising contender challenges storied Dayton. |
Irvine | UC Irvine vs. Northern Colorado | Competitive West Coast clash. |
San Francisco | San Francisco vs. Utah Valley | Bay Area basketball spotlight. |
Catch all the action as teams battle for the NIT's 87th championship!
Top Teams for 2025
The 2025 NIT brings a fresh schedule and updated selection process, putting team performance and strengths in the spotlight.
1-Seed Teams Review
Four programs headline the tournament as No. 1 seeds. Dayton leads the charge, marking their 28th appearance. Joining them are SMU, San Francisco, and UC Irvine, all coming off regular seasons with 20+ wins. While these teams carry strong reputations, the tournament format leaves room for surprises from lower-seeded challengers.
Underdog Teams
Lower-seeded teams are ready to shake up the competition. Saint Bonaventure (No. 3 seed) is riding high as they face Kent State, while Georgia Tech (No. 4 seed) brings ACC experience to their clash with Jacksonville State.
The updated selection process has also created opportunities for teams like Oklahoma State and Middle Tennessee, who, despite their lower seeds, have clear chances to make deep runs in the bracket.
Impact Players
Individual performances will play a major role in this year’s tournament. With talent from 15 Division I conferences, the matchups promise a variety of playing styles and strategies. The tournament's structure, which seeds only the top 16 teams out of 32, adds an element of unpredictability, making standout players even more critical to success.
Region | Key Teams | Highlights |
Dallas | SMU (1), Oklahoma St. (4) | Intense regional rivalries |
Dayton | Dayton (1), Saint Joseph's (3) | Programs with rich histories |
Irvine | UC Irvine (1), Santa Clara (2) | Strong West Coast presence |
San Francisco | San Francisco (1), Stanford (2) | Bay Area basketball spotlight |
With 26 teams entering the tournament after 20+ win seasons, every game is set to deliver high-stakes action and standout moments.
2025 Bracket Guide
This guide dives into the 2025 NIT tournament, focusing on regional matchups, upset possibilities, and championship predictions.
Each Region's Matchups
The 2025 NIT bracket features 32 teams split into four regions, each with a standout first-round game.
- Dallas Region: No. 1 SMU squares off against Northern Iowa.
- Dayton Region: No. 1 Dayton takes on Florida Atlantic.
- Irvine Region: UC Irvine faces Northern Colorado.
- San Francisco Region: No. 1 San Francisco battles Utah Valley.
Region | Notable Matchup | Key Storyline |
Dallas | SMU vs. Northern Iowa | SMU, a power conference leader, aims for dominance. |
Dayton | Dayton vs. Florida Atlantic | A storied team faces a rising contender. |
Irvine | UC Irvine vs. Northern Colorado | A heated California clash. |
San Francisco | San Francisco vs. Utah Valley | A critical West Coast showdown. |
These games are the foundation for what could be an unpredictable tournament.
Likely Upsets
With only the top 16 teams in the 32-team field seeded, the tournament's format creates plenty of opportunities for surprises. The closely matched talent levels of many teams make early-round upsets a real possibility, adding even more intrigue to the road to the Final Four.
Final 4 and Champion Picks
Based on analysis and metrics, the projected Final Four includes SMU, Dayton, San Francisco, and Bradley. SMU is one of just four power conference teams in the tournament, while Dayton, in its 28th NIT appearance, brings a wealth of experience. Bradley, with its 24th appearance, is also a strong contender. These teams seem well-positioned for deep runs.
"We're excited about the extremely competitive field we put together. Not only do we have 26 teams with at least 20 wins this season, but we have teams from 15 different conferences. We have a field of teams excited to continue to compete and try to earn an opportunity to play at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. There are going to be great matchups throughout the tournament and we look forward to crowning the NIT's 87th champion in just a few weeks."– Tim Duncan, senior deputy athletics director at Memphis and chair of the NIT committee
Championship Prediction: SMU, with its strong roster and favorable path in the Dallas Region, looks like the team to beat. Their combination of talent and power conference experience makes them a top pick to secure the championship at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Betting Guide
The NIT tournament is packed with intense matchups, making smart betting strategies crucial for navigating the action.
Current Odds
Odds shift constantly based on team performance, rankings, and betting patterns. Pay attention to line movements, especially in markets influenced by sharp bettors. These shifts can highlight opportunities to find value, particularly with underdog bets.
Best Underdog Bets
One standout underdog is Loyola Chicago with a 22-11 record.
Betting Strategy
Want to take advantage of these odds and underdog opportunities? Here’s how to approach it:
- Analyze advanced stats like points per possession, efficiency ratings, and schedule strength.
- Use platforms like BettorEdge for no-vig betting to lower margins and increase your potential returns.
- Keep an eye on live betting opportunities, such as halftime adjustments or foul trouble, to make informed, in-the-moment decisions.
Betting on the NIT requires a mix of smart bankroll management and detailed matchup analysis. Platforms like BettorEdge stand out by removing the house edge and offering a peer-to-peer model. This approach significantly improves profitability, with users achieving success rates of over 40% - a stark contrast to the 2% average at traditional sportsbooks. It’s a game-changer for bettors looking to boost their chances.
How to Watch
Catch the biggest games on ESPN2 and ESPNU, with additional matchups available on ESPN+, Sling, and Fubo.
TV and Streaming Guide
Platform | Games Coverage | Access Method |
ESPN2 | Prime-time matchups and semifinals | Cable or satellite subscription |
ESPNU | Early-round games | Cable or satellite subscription |
ESPN+ | Select streaming games | Streaming subscription |
Sling | ESPN network games | Streaming subscription |
Fubo | Full tournament coverage | Streaming subscription |
These platforms ensure fans won’t miss any of the tournament action.
Tournament Timeline
The tournament runs from mid-March to early April, with key dates as follows:
First Round: March 18–19Second Round: March 22–23Quarterfinals: March 25–26Semifinals: April 1 (7:00 PM and 9:30 PM ET)Championship: April 3 (9:00 PM ET)
Broadcast Team
ESPN's experienced broadcast team will deliver comprehensive coverage throughout the tournament. Expect pre-game analysis, live commentary, halftime discussions, post-game interviews, and expert breakdowns. Specific team details will be shared closer to game time. For the best experience, check your local listings and stream via the ESPN app.
Summary
Here's a quick look at the highlights from the 2025 NIT tournament and some betting insights to help you stay ahead.
Tournament Overview
The 2025 NIT features 32 teams from 15 Division I conferences, with 26 of those teams boasting 20+ wins. The top seeds - SMU, Dayton, San Francisco, and UC Irvine - set the stage for an intense competition running through early April.
Key Dates to Remember:
- First-round games: March 18–19, 2025
- Championship game: April 3 at Hinkle Fieldhouse
- Broadcast: Full coverage on ESPN networks
BettorEdge Platform Guide
BettorEdge offers a peer-to-peer betting experience that simplifies your strategy while boosting profitability. Here's a quick breakdown of what it brings to the table:
Feature | What It Does for You |
No-Vig Markets | Bet commission-free (up to $100/month on Free plan) |
Social Betting | Follow community trends and expert picks |
Real-Time Analytics | Track live performance and stats |
Head-to-Head Betting | Wager directly with other users |
Tips for Betting on NIT with BettorEdge:
- Compare odds across multiple sportsbooks to find the best value.
- Focus on teams with strong records against tough competition.
- Explore first-half and live betting for added opportunities.
- Use social features to spot successful betting patterns and strategies.
For those on the Premium plan, you can unlock advanced tools like detailed filtering, historical data, and higher commission-free betting limits (up to $750/month). BettorEdge blends the excitement of March basketball with a modern, user-focused betting experience.