The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship has come down to an exciting final showdown: Florida vs. Houston. Both teams are No. 1 seeds and have had an incredible journey through this year’s March Madness tournament, which has largely been dominated by the favourites.
The big question: Who will be crowned the 2025 NCAA champion? Let’s break it down — from how to watch the game to expert predictions and each team’s championship history.
How to Watch Florida vs. Houston: TV, Streaming & Schedule
Whether you’re watching on TV or online, here’s everything you need to know to catch the action live.
Game Details
Date: Monday, 7 April 2025
Time: 8:50 PM ET (7:50 PM CT)
Venue: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Watch on TV or Stream Online
TV Channel: CBS
Streaming Platforms:
Paramount+
DirecTV Stream
FuboTV
Make sure to check your local listings or app availability if you’re outside the United States.
Match Preview: What to Expect in the Championship Clash
This title game is expected to be closely contested, as both Florida and Houston bring strong, balanced squads to the court.
Florida Gators: Road to the Final
Came back to defeat Texas Tech in a tight game.
Followed it up with a powerful win over Auburn in the semi-finals.
This is Florida’s fourth appearance in a national title game.
Houston Cougars: Journey to Glory
Pulled off a thrilling comeback against Duke.
Have displayed incredible resilience and team spirit throughout the tournament.
Looking to win their first-ever NCAA championship.
Betting Line & Odds: Who’s Favoured to Win?
According to the latest odds:
Florida Gators are 1.5-point favourites over Houston Cougars.
Both teams share an impressive 35-4 season record.
While Florida holds a slight edge, the narrow margin suggests this game could go either way — a true thriller in the making!
Expert Predictions: Who Will Take the Title?
Yahoo Sports’ Take
Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports believes Houston may finally break their championship curse:
“Florida has no real weaknesses. They’re deep, composed, and have played tough teams all season. But Houston’s toughness under Coach Kelvin Sampson is something special. In a game like this, that edge might be enough.”
Key Factors to Watch
Depth and defence: Florida have proven they can handle pressure late in games.
Grit and momentum: Houston has bounced back from past heartbreaks and looks determined to make history.
NCAA Championship History: How Have These Teams Fared Before?
Florida Gators
National Titles: 2 (2006, 2007)
Previous Final Appearances:
2000 – Lost to Michigan State
2006 – Beat UCLA
2007 – Beat Ohio State
After a few quiet years, the Gators have returned with fire in 2025 and are now one step away from a third national championship.
Houston Cougars
Never won a national title
Final Appearances:
1983 – Lost to NC State (54–52)
1984 – Lost to Georgetown (84–75)
Since then, Houston have made consistent appearances in the NCAA tournament and even reached the Final Four in 2021. In 2023 and 2024, they were knocked out in the Sweet 16 despite strong regular seasons. 2025 might finally be their year.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Make History?
This game is more than just a championship – it’s a battle of grit, strategy, and redemption.
Will Florida lift the trophy for a third time?
Or will Houston finally capture their first-ever NCAA title after decades of trying?
One thing is certain: basketball fans are in for a treat.
Quick Summary
| Category | Florida Gators | Houston Cougars |
|---|---|---|
| Season Record | 35-4 | 35-4 |
| Championship Wins | 2 (2006, 2007) | 0 |
| Title Game Experience | 3 previous appearances | 2 previous appearances |
| Current Odds | -1.5 favourites | Underdogs by 1.5 points |
References
Yahoo Sports: Frank Schwab’s NCAA Championship Preview
CBS Sports & NCAA Official Schedule
NCAA.com historical records