Who are the Final Four in 2025? (An In-Depth Look at the Iconic Matchups and Uniform Traditions of Auburn, Florida, Duke, Houston, UCLA, UConn, South Carolina, and Texas)

Men's Tournament: Auburn vs. Florida and Duke vs. Houston

Auburn Tigers vs. Florida Gators

Game Analysis
Bring the fast transitions of the offense and effectiveness of the defense from Auburn and apply it to the contrasting disciplined and rebounding-oriented game of Florida. There is a contrast in the two teams-conducing systems of teamwork: Auburn's Johni Broome will lead the effort in the front court, while the Florida back will do their part in exploiting transition play. The pace of the game and its outcome will probably rest on turnovers and adjustments made to the defense.

Uniform Traditions
From the very fast movement of the way they play, or in the ordinary sense of speed and power in which the play is performed, the same applied to Auburn as basketball uniforms. Bright navy blue and burnt orange have long been the colors associated with unity and strength in the Auburn Tigers. Beyond an external pattern of tiger stripes on the jerseys lie definitions of the fierceness and competitiveness Auburn brings to every game as well as their many tales. This rich history might just be reflected in their commitment to maintaining a color scheme that eventually became synonymous with success defined by that of Auburn in college basketball.

For Florida, the plan will be based on discipline and precision, which mirrors much of the way uniforms wear them. The bright orange and the blue of Florida’s uniforms reflect the identity and competitive spirit of the school. Their new uniforms pay homage to history without disturbing it too much; the gold tab is for the two consecutive national championships in 2006 and 2007, highlighting Florida's immense championship tradition.

Forecasted Winner: Auburn Tigers
The Auburn tigers rely on their fast-paced offense while maintaining a great defensive efficiency to overcome the team of Florida. Johni Broome, standing out among frontcourt players, should allow Auburn to control the tempo of the game while causing turnovers. The team of Florida will be tough as usual with their discipline and very good understanding of the game, but at the end of the day, Auburn is just going to have more offensive power and depth to win.

Duke Blue Devils vs. Houston Cougars

Game Analysis
Duke has an offense which runs at less speed in the presence of Cooper Flagg and against the suffocating defense of Houston. In fact, the match will be a battle of styles featuring Duke's perimeter shooting and quick breaks against Houston's intense, physical defense. The winner will be whoever manages to bring the game to their own rhythm - Duke, with its fast pace, or Houston, with its defensive mastery.

Uniform Traditions
Duke's uniforms have become a hallmark of college basketball-simple but yet, immensely strong. The classic royal blue and white not only symbolize the legendary stature of the program, but are also a rich tradition of success. Just as Duke brings a combination of efficiency and elegance to the court, so do the uniforms represent a program that blends the old with the new. The Gothic-style font on their alternate jerseys pays tribute to Duke's architectural history and thus creates an antiquity feel.

These uniforms, in contrast to red and white, which symbolize the passion and energy the team brings to each game, were the colors of their golden days in the Phi Slama Jama. Their harm-free, bold mark across the chest with the word "HOUSTON" aptly summarizes the fierce playing style of the program, while their occasional use of alternate black jerseys shows that their legacy never stops evolving over time.

Forecasted Winner: Duke Blue Devils
Duke with solid perimeter shooting brings to withstand the Cougars' defense with an all-round offensive profile. Coop Flagg-Freshman scoring prowess which accompanied by versatility outworks Duke in getting past the pressure applied by Houston and withstanding clutch moments; for that, the Dukies are favored slightly in this matchup.

Women's Tournament: UCLA vs. UConn & South Carolina vs. Texas

UCLA Bruins vs. UConn Huskies

Game Analysis
The interior power of UCLA spearheaded by Lauren Betts is tested against the highly efficient and lethal three-point shooting of UConn - led by Paige Bueckers. Thus, this is turning into a matchup of distinct contrasts. The inside prowess and defense of UCLA against UConn's speedy and sensational offense. Forcing Bueckers into less effective mid-range shots and limiting her scoring will be crucial for UCLA's success.

Uniform Traditions
The strategy adopted today by UCLA was definitely strength and control in the paint; their uniforms, blue and gold, speak of the continuing legacy. As with anything, the design has changed over the years, but the UCLA script logo symbolizes an identity and achievements much beyond even college basketball. This classic look, modern performance fabrics and all, is a look into both the history and future of the program.

Like this, UConn's jerseys are steeped in tradition as well. The navy blue, white, and red colors signify the spirit and togetherness that have become the hallmarks of UConn, while the new 2025 uniforms bring in modern touches yet keep the connects to championship wins like that of 1994-95. The iconic husky logo then forms the centerpiece from which all UConn history continues to trail into the present day.

Forecasted Winner: UConn Huskies
UCLA brings Lauren Betts into the middle, but UConn's offensive coolness, headed by Paige Bueckers, gives them the edge. And where deep shooting helps open up the court, the leadership is what will push UConn over the top against UCLA. If they can contain UCLA's varying defenses, then UConn can quite possibly make it into the Final Four.

South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Texas Longhorns

Game Analysis
The top-ranked shot blocking and defense of South Carolina posed a challenge to Texas's fast-paced offense and pressure defense. This game will be played in the paint, as South Carolina will have to dominate the interior, whereas Texas will try to play well by trying to force a high number of turnovers and fast-break points.

Uniform Traditions
Their garnet and black uniforms, similar to what the flag of South Carolina looks like, present a formidable front but even more so with their defense. The addition of palmetto trees and crescent moons in the digi-camo numbers extends the association with this fine tapestry of the history of the region, while its latest year - 2023-24 uniform refresh injects more energy into the identity of the program. Bears all the reminders of South Carolina proud tradition and toughness, mere reflections of its physical and defensive style of play. 

The burnt orange and white uniforms of Texas are as brazen as their game. Introduced in 1962, the burnt orange made Longhorns distinct and now is synonymous with strength and pride. The modern cuts and performance enhancements of the motion-oriented design of their jerseys reflect the program's commitment to ensuring Texas keeps leading in both style and performance on the court.

Forecasted Winner: South Carolina Gamecocks
The defense and physicality of South Carolina are perhaps too much for Texas. With Kamilla Cardoso in front and their shot-blocking ability, South Carolina should control the paint. Texas plays a fast-break style and uses pressure defense, but the depth and defensive discipline of South Carolina should be the ticket to victory.

Final Thoughts
From the tiger stripes of Auburn, through the championship tribute of Florida, the classic script of UCLA, UConn's Husky heritage, the state pride of South Carolina, and the Longhorn symbol of Texas, these uniforms tell the story of each team's past, present, and future. The stakes couldn't be any higher, so one can expect epic moments during March Madness, both on and off the court.

Your Gear. Your Way.
Check out these amazing college teams custom basketball designs! From sleek logos to bold colors, these designs bring the energy and passion of the game straight to your outfit.

Tailor your gear to match your unique style—add your name, number, team logo and more!  Perfect for players who want to represent their team with pride and individuality.

More designs are coming soon, so stay tuned!

*Author's Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are based on collective commentaries from online sources and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the company or its stakeholders.

NCAA Top 4 Men Uniform References

Auburn Tigers Basketball Uniforms: Auburn Uniforms. (n.d.). Auburn basketball uniforms. Instagram. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/auburnuniforms/p/CvxZKm0MWTS/
Reddit. (n.d.). No more misinformation: The true history of Auburn's uniforms. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/wde/comments/deocfs/no_more_misinformation_the_true_history_of

Florida Gators Basketball Uniforms: 3. On3. (2023, October). Florida Gators hoops unveil new uniforms for 2023-24 season. Retrieved from https://www.on3.com/teams/florida-gators/news/florida-gators-hoops-unveil-new-uniforms-for-2023-24-season/ 4. SportsLogos.net. (2019, September 13). Nike adds gold tab to college basketball uniforms to denote national championships. Retrieved from https://news.sportslogos.net/2019/09/13/nike-adds-gold-tab-to-college-basketball-uniforms-to-denote-national-championships/basketball/

Duke Blue Devils Basketball Uniforms: 5. GoDuke.com. (2006, October 26). Duke Blue Devils basketball uniforms history. Retrieved from https://goduke.com/news/2006/10/26/659286.aspx 6. GoDuke.com. (2020, January 11). Duke basketball unveils special "Brotherhood" jersey. Retrieved from https://goduke.com/news/2020/1/11/mens-basketball-duke-basketball-unveils-special-brotherhood-jersey.aspx 7. SportsLogos.net. (2020, January 11). Duke Blue Devils unveil "Brotherhood" alternate uniforms. Retrieved from https://news.sportslogos.net/2020/01/11/duke-blue-devils-unveil-brotherhood-alternate-uniforms/basketball/ 8. 1000logos.net. (n.d.). Duke Blue Devils logo history. Retrieved from https://1000logos.net/duke-blue-devils-logo/

Houston Cougars Basketball Uniforms: 9. UniSwag. (2025, January 24). Houston Blue debuts for University of Houston men's basketball. Retrieved from https://www.uniswag.com/blog/houston-blue-debuts-for-university-of-houston-mens-basketball1 10. SportsLogos.net. (2025, January 24). Houston Cougars unveil new "Houston Blue" basketball uniforms. Retrieved from https://news.sportslogos.net/2025/01/24/houston-cougars-unveil-new-houston-blue-basketball-uniforms/basketball/ 11. Reddit. (n.d.). UH plans to buck NFL, add alternate blue uniform. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/CFB/comments/1chm379/uh_plans_to_buck_nfl_add_alternate_blue_uniform/ 12. Houston Chronicle. (n.d.). Houston Cougars "Luv Ya Blue" jerseys history. Retrieved from https://www.chron.com/sports/college/article/houston-cougars-luv-ya-blue-jerseys-20051914.php 13. PaperCity Magazine. (n.d.). Houston dedicates season to Reggie Chaney. Retrieved from https://www.papercitymag.com/culture/houston-dedicates-season-reggie-chaney-death-forever-teammate-kelvin-sampson-damian-dunn/

NCAA Top 4 Women Uniform References
Elsevier Blog. (n.d.). University of South Carolina Gamecocks Garnet & Black Tradition. Retrieved from https://elsevier.blog/university-of-south-carolina-gamecocks-garnet-black-tradition/
Gamecocks Online. (2013, October 11). South Carolina Men’s Basketball Uniform Reveal. Retrieved from https://gamecocksonline.com/news/2013/10/11/south-carolina-mens-basketball-uniform-reveal/
Gamecocks Online. (2013, October 11). Gamecock Men’s Basketball Unveils New Under Armour Uniforms for 2013. Retrieved from https://gamecocksonline.com/news/2013/10/11/gamecock-men-s-basketball-unveils-new-under-armour-uniforms-for-2013/
The State. (2019). South Carolina Men’s Basketball Unveils Updated Uniforms for 2019-20 Season. Retrieved from https://www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-mens-basketball/article233348697.html
Gamecocks Online. (2023, September 19). Men’s Hoops Unveils New Uniforms for 2023-24. Retrieved from https://gamecocksonline.com/news/2023/09/19/mens-hoops-unveils-new-uniforms-for-2023-24/
Wikipedia. (n.d.). UCLA Bruins. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCLA_Bruins
SportsLogos.net. (n.d.). UCLA Bruins Logos. Retrieved from https://www.sportslogos.net/logos/list_by_team/882/UCLA_Bruins//1000
Pinterest. (n.d.). UCLA Bruins Misc Logo. Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/ucla-bruins-misc-logo--33706697196537803/
UCLA Bruins. (2016, March 1). UCLA Bruins Basketball Uniform Evolution. Retrieved from https://uclabruins.com/news/2016/3/1/210762018
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Pauley Pavilion. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauley_Pavilion
eBay. (n.d.). UCLA Bruins Basketball Jersey. Retrieved from https://www.ebay.com/itm/326420215561
Alcalde Texas Exes. (2011, August). Longhorn Logo Turns 50. Retrieved from https://alcalde.texasexes.org/2011/08/longhorn-logo-turns-50
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Texas Longhorns Men’s Basketball. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_Longhorns_men%27s_basketball
Dick’s Sporting Goods. (n.d.). Nike Youth Texas Longhorns Replica Basketball Jersey. Retrieved from https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/nike-youth-texas-longhorns-1-burnt-orange-replica-basketball-jersey-19nikynctxsrgbblltex/19nikynctxsrgbblltex?srsltid=AfmBOooXz7gfEW2KizrStUDnfweq1dMt1wrX_k9lptZAyY8hAptdDyh6
The UConn Blog. (2025, March 18). UConn Huskies Women’s Basketball Unveils New Uniforms Ahead of NCAA Tournament. Retrieved from https://www.theuconnblog.com/2025/3/18/24388748/uconn-huskies-womens-basketball-unveils-new-uniforms-ahead-of-ncaa-tournament
SportsLogos.net. (2025, March 21). UConn Women’s Basketball Unveils New Uniforms for NCAA Tournament. Retrieved from https://news.sportslogos.net/2025/03/21/uconn-womens-basketball-unveils-new-uniforms-for-ncaa-tournament/basketball/