March Madness 2025: Sweet 16 by Conference – Who’s Winning and Who’s Missing?

A year ago, the ACC and Big East were celebrating as they entered the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament with an impressive combined record of 14-1, featuring seven teams in the Sweet 16. In stark contrast, the Big Ten and SEC managed to place only two teams each in the final 16 for 2024, despite both conferences receiving eight invitations to the tournament.

This was a proud moment for the ACC and Big East, especially as the Big Ten and SEC were gaining strength and numbers. It’s remarkable how much can change in just one year.

Fast forward to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, and the situation has shifted dramatically. The ACC and Big East now have only one team remaining as they head into the Sweet 16, following a disappointing first weekend for both conferences. The Big East’s streak of two consecutive championships, thanks to UConn, has come to an end.

In the ACC, the only glimmer of hope for a national champion lies with No. 1 seed Duke, aiming to break the conference’s title drought since Virginia’s victory in 2019. Meanwhile, the SEC and Big Ten have combined to place 11 teams in the Sweet 16, increasing the likelihood that one of these leagues will end their own lengthy championship dry spells.

Michigan State was the last Big Ten national champion in 2000, and Kentucky was the last SEC national champion in 2012. It goes without saying that Duke and four Big 12 clubs will comment on it. In fact, through the first two rounds, the Big 12 had the highest victory percentage of any league, at 76.9%.

NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Breakdown by Conference

As the NCAA Tournament heats up, here’s a look at which conferences still have teams fighting for a spot in the Elite Eight, along with their overall tournament records so far.

SEC (7 teams remaining) – Dominating the Field

• No. 1 Auburn
• No. 1 Florida
• No. 2 Tennessee
• No. 2 Alabama
• No. 3 Kentucky
• No. 6 Ole Miss
• No. 10 Arkansas

Overall Record: 15-7

The SEC continues to prove its dominance with the most teams in the Sweet 16, showcasing a mix of powerhouse programs and underdog stories.

Big Ten (4 teams remaining) – Strong Contenders

• No. 2 Michigan State
• No. 4 Maryland
• No. 4 Purdue
• No. 5 Michigan

Overall Record: 12-4

The Big Ten’s depth is on display, with multiple teams making deep runs and looking poised for upsets.

Big 12 (4 teams remaining) – Battling for a Title

• No. 1 Houston
• No. 3 Texas Tech
• No. 4 Arizona
• No. 6 BYU

Overall Record: 10-3

Houston leads the way for the Big 12, but all four teams have shown resilience and could shake up the bracket.

ACC (1 team remaining) – The Lone Survivor

• No. 1 Duke

Overall Record: 3-3

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Priyanka Patil

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