The riveting action took viewers by storm, too. Monday's national championship averaged 18.1 million viewers on CBS, up 22% year-over-year and the most-watched title game since 2019, when Virginia beat Texas Tech in overtime. During a hectic finish between the Gators and Cougars, viewership peaked at 21.1 million.

Three weeks ago, 24 staffers submitted their predictions for The Athletic’s consensus men’s NCAA Tournament bracket. Eleven voters picked Duke to win the national championship, followed by six for Florida and five for Houston.

The 2025 men's NCAA tournament is down to the final two teams. Florida narrowly defeated Auburn in their Final Four game, winning 79-73. But that's practically nothing compared to Houston coming back to stun Duke 70-67.

Florida's comeback victory over Houston in Monday night's NCAA title game was the most-watched men's championship game in six years with 18.1 million viewers.

It was fitting that Florida arrived nearly two hours late to its on-campus celebration Tuesday. After all, it was exactly how the Gators played while winning the NCAA Tournament. Coaches and players returned to Gainesville roughly 16 hours after rallying to beat Houston 65-63 in San Antonio to secure the program’s third national title.

Florida had little to celebrate and appeared headed for disappointment after a memorable road to the Final Four. Yet, somehow the Gators found their stride in the nick of

Monday's national title bout between Florida and Houston drew 18.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched title game since 2019. The game peaked at 21.1 million viewers and was up 22 percent from last year.

From Walter Clayton to Will Richard to Elijah Martin, John Fanta explains how Florida's Todd Golden constructed the perfect championship roster.

The Cougars may have lost in the NCAA title game to Florida but Houston is already the trendy pick to win it all next season.