As the NCAA Tournament heads into its climactic Final Four in San Antonio, Kentucky fans are left to watch with mixed emotions. The Wildcats may have headed home early, but there’s still a chance to witness greatness in the making. This year, for only the second time in NCAA history, all four No. 1 seeds have made it to the Final Four. Here’s a guide for Kentucky fans trying to decide who to root for (or against) as the national championship approaches.
The Contenders
No. 1 Auburn (South)
Next Game: vs. Florida on Saturday, 6:09 p.m. ET, CBS
Auburn has been one of the most dominant teams in the SEC this season, and their march to the Final Four has been impressive. The Tigers secured their spot by defeating top-tier teams like Michigan State and Michigan. With coach Bruce Pearl at the helm, Auburn has a shot at their first-ever national title, and their aggressive style could be a draw for fans of high-intensity basketball.
Why Cheer for Auburn: Rooting for Auburn means supporting an SEC team in the championship, which could provide a silver lining for Kentucky fans. Auburn has never won a national championship, and Bruce Pearl’s exuberant celebrations would be entertaining to witness.
Why Not Cheer for Auburn: After their decisive win over Kentucky in Rupp Arena, Auburn’s success could sting for Wildcats fans. A national championship would add further to Auburn’s stature in the SEC, something Kentucky fans would rather not see.
No. 1 Florida (West)
Next Game: vs. Auburn on Saturday, 6:09 p.m. ET, CBS
Florida is another SEC powerhouse, with a dynamic roster that features standout performances like Walter Clayton Jr.’s game-winning shot in the Elite Eight. The Gators also boast a solid win over Kentucky earlier in the season, making them an intriguing team to watch.
Why Cheer for Florida: Florida’s under-the-radar approach and strong finish to the season make them a more palatable SEC team compared to Auburn. Additionally, if Florida were to win, Kentucky’s impressive victory over them would shine brighter.
Why Not Cheer for Florida: Florida’s offense is somewhat similar to Kentucky’s system under Mark Pope, which could potentially lure more players to consider the Gators. Furthermore, head coach Todd Golden has faced controversy regarding unresolved investigations, which makes rooting for Florida more complicated.
No. 1 Duke (East)
Next Game: vs. Houston on Saturday, 8:49 p.m. ET, CBS
Led by superstar Cooper Flagg, Duke is loaded with talent and has cruised through the tournament. The Blue Devils have been dominant on both ends of the court, making them a team to watch for those who enjoy high-level basketball. If you’re a fan of elite talent and the blueblood programs, Duke is a team to cheer for.
Why Cheer for Duke: With the most talented roster left in the tournament, Duke represents the pinnacle of college basketball. A victory by Duke could also serve as a subtle reminder of Kentucky’s early successes under coach Calipari, as Duke’s game style closely mirrors the teams Calipari led in the past.
Why Not Cheer for Duke: For most Kentucky fans, rooting for Duke is a hard pill to swallow. The Blue Devils’ success, even without Coach K, could be seen as a symbol of Kentucky’s missed opportunities. The rivalry is strong, and Duke winning it all would only fuel the animosity between the programs.
No. 1 Houston (Midwest)
Next Game: vs. Duke on Saturday, 8:49 p.m. ET, CBS
Houston is the underdog in this group, making their first appearance in the Final Four in decades. They’ve already made a huge impact, taking down Tennessee to prevent them from reaching the Final Four for the first time in their history. With a well-rounded squad led by J’Wan Roberts, Houston is a team that could win it all in a feel-good story.
Why Cheer for Houston: Houston’s journey to the Final Four has been a compelling underdog story, and their lack of a national title makes them an easy team to root for. They also defeated Tennessee, which is a victory in itself for many fans who didn’t want to see the Volunteers advance.
Why Not Cheer for Houston: The fact that Houston is now in Kentucky’s region and made it farther than the Wildcats might be hard to digest for some fans. However, with no major controversies or glaring issues, Houston is probably the most neutral team for Wildcats fans to support.
The Final Verdict
With Kentucky out, the Final Four teams are all vying for attention. Whether you choose to cheer for a fellow SEC team, root for a new champion, or simply watch the chaos unfold, the 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Four promises plenty of drama. The big question remains: who will you be rooting for? Or perhaps, more importantly, who will you be rooting against?
