As spring hits its stride, college sports fans turn their eyes toward one of the most exciting and fast-paced competitions of the season—NCAA Men’s Tennis. With national powerhouses battling on hard courts across the country, the 2025 season has already delivered incredible matches, rising stars, and fierce rivalries. Heading into championship season, there’s plenty to break down—especially as defending champions TCU look to repeat and fend off challenges from perennial contenders.
How the NCAA Men’s Tennis Season Works
The NCAA men’s tennis season runs from January to May, with a format that combines team and individual competition:
- Dual Match Format: Teams compete in dual matches, where three doubles matches are played first (worth one team point total), followed by six singles matches (each worth one point). The first team to four total points wins the match.
- Conference Battles: Each team plays a regular season schedule that includes both non-conference and conference opponents. Strong conference play helps with seeding in both the conference and NCAA tournaments.
- NCAA Tournament: The postseason culminates with a 64-team national tournament. The top 16 seeds usually host the opening rounds. There are also individual singles and doubles championships to crown the nation’s best players.
2025 Season Highlights
This season has been action-packed, filled with dramatic finishes, rising stars, and powerhouse programs showing off their depth and skill. A few standout storylines:
- TCU Looks for a Repeat: The 2024 national champions came into 2025 with a target on their backs—but they’ve embraced the pressure. With elite returning players and a physical, aggressive style, TCU has remained a top-tier force.
- Ohio State’s Consistency: A fixture at the top of the rankings, the Buckeyes have built their season on dominant doubles play and clutch singles performances. They’ve secured wins over top programs and look primed for a deep tournament run.
- Texas Stays in the Spotlight: The Longhorns remain one of the nation’s toughest teams. Their singles depth makes them a nightmare matchup in the postseason.
- Surging from the ACC – North Carolina and Wake Forest: Both programs have shown flashes of brilliance. UNC has pulled off a few top-10 upsets, while Wake Forest has a history of rising during postseason play.
Teams to Watch in the 2025 NCAA Championships
As the championship approaches, several teams stand out as contenders for the national title:
- TCU Horned Frogs (Defending Champions)
With the confidence and experience of a title-winning squad, TCU has the tools to go back-to-back. Their fearless approach, especially in doubles, makes them dangerous in every round.
- Ohio State Buckeyes
Veteran leadership, solid depth, and a well-rounded style have kept the Buckeyes near the top all year. Their consistency and discipline could lead to a breakthrough championship.
- Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns remain am elite team even without who of the top singles players in the nation. Texas has the talent to make another serious run.
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons
This squad knows how to win in May. With a history of NCAA success and a scrappy, never-out-of-it mentality, Wake Forest is a dark horse to watch.
- Georgia Bulldogs
Often underrated, Georgia has climbed the rankings with big wins and a gritty, team-first mentality. They’re one of the most balanced teams heading into postseason play.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Championships in Waco
The 2025 NCAA Championships will be held in Waco, Texas, hosted by Baylor University. From May 15 to May 18, the top teams in the nation will battle not just for wins, but for legacy.
With so many strong squads and rising stars, this year’s tournament is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Keep an eye on both the team competition and the individual singles and doubles brackets, where future pros often make their name known.
Why NCAA Men’s Tennis Deserves More Hype
NCAA men’s tennis features world-class talent—many players are already ranked in the ATP Futures and Challengers circuits. The level of play is intense, the team dynamic adds unique strategy and emotion, and the postseason format guarantees drama.
Whether you’re a tennis junkie or a casual fan, the NCAA tournament is a showcase of elite athleticism, resilience, and school pride. With TCU defending their crown, the 2025 season is set to deliver one of the most exciting finishes in college tennis history.
Learn more at: https://www.ncaa.com/sports/tennis-men/d1
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!