Expert picks for NCAA winner

CARLSBAD, Calif. — The 2025 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship is underway.

Thirty of the top men’s college golf teams from across the country are at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s North Course in Carlsbad, California, battling it out for the right to become national champions. Auburn is the defending national champ, and the Tigers return to Omni La Costa as the No. 1 team in the country off a win at the NCAA Auburn Regional.

But there are numerous teams looking to knock Auburn from the top, and in match play, anything can happen. But first, teams will battle it out over 54 holes of stroke play, where the top 15 teams advance to Monday’s final round. After 72 holes, the top eight teams make match play. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be contested on Tuesday, with the championship match set for Wednesday.

Here’s a look at Golfweek expert predictions for which team will take home the trophy, who will win medalist honors and the eight teams who will make match play:

2025 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship: Team champion

Lance Ringler, Golfweek College Golf Expert: Arizona State

Cameron Jourdan, Golfweek Assistant Editor: Oklahoma State

2025 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship: Individual champion

Lance Ringler, Golfweek College Golf Expert: Caden Fioroni, UNLV

Cameron Jourdan, Golfweek Assistant Editor: Luke Clanton, Florida State

2025 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship: Match play teams

Lance Ringler, Golfweek College Golf Expert: Auburn, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Texas, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Florida State, Illinois

Cameron Jourdan, Golfweek Assistant Editor: Auburn, Oklahoma State, Texas, Arizona State, Oklahoma, Florida State, Virginia, Illinois