One Shining Moment 2025: A Beautiful Goodbye to March Madness

Every year, March Madness leaves us with unforgettable memories and it all comes together in the most emotional tradition of college basketball: One Shining Moment. The 2025 edition didn’t disappoint. As the Florida Gators cut down the nets after a thrilling win over Houston, fans across the nation tuned in to relive every high and low through the iconic song that has closed the tournament since 1987.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about One Shining Moment 2025 the stories it told, the highlights it captured, and why it continues to be the perfect finale to college basketball’s biggest stage.

What Is One Shining Moment?

One Shining Moment is the emotional music montage that airs right after the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game. It features the most jaw-dropping dunks, buzzer-beaters, celebrations, heartbreaks, and all the grit and glory of March Madness.

Originally written by David Barrett, this song has become a time capsule of the tournament. No matter who you cheer for, One Shining Moment reminds us why we love the madness.

The Story of March Madness 2025 in One Shining Moment

This year’s NCAA Tournament may not have had many Cinderella stories after Round 2, but it still delivered drama, heart, and unforgettable moments and One Shining Moment caught it all.

Here are some standout moments from the 2025 highlight reel:

Florida’s Championship Run

Florida claimed its spot at the top of college basketball once again. Their final game against Houston was a nail-biter, and One Shining Moment closed with the Gators celebrating their hard-fought title victory.

Houston’s Near-Miracle

Kelvin Sampson’s squad gave it everything. One of the most talked-about plays of the tournament—an inbound pass play against Purdue—sent them to the Elite Eight and made the highlight reel’s final cut.

Arkansas on Fire

John Calipari made headlines by leading Arkansas past two legendary coaches—Bill Self and Rick Pitino. It was his first Sweet 16 appearance since 2019, and his team’s fiery run gave us some of the video’s most powerful moments.

Amir "Aura" Khan’s Viral Moment

In a tournament filled with stars, it was a student manager from McNeese—Amir “Aura” Khan who became a fan favorite during the first weekend in Providence. His passion and energy lit up social media and earned him a well-deserved spot in One Shining Moment.

Buzzer Beaters & Records

Derik Queen’s buzzer-beater saved Maryland from a shocking upset, and Alabama set an NCAA record with 25 three-pointers against BYU. These jaw-dropping moments defined the excitement of March Madness 2025.

Final Four Highlights in One Shining Moment

This year’s Final Four saw powerhouses prove their worth.

Cooper Flagg led Duke with highlight-reel plays that looked NBA-ready.
Johni Broome helped Auburn punch their ticket with gritty performances.
Houston and Florida faced off in a national title classic that ended with one of the most iconic finishes in recent memory.

Why Does One Shining Moment Matter So Much?

It’s more than just a highlight reel. It’s a celebration of passion, teamwork, effort, and emotion. It captures not just the wins but the stories behind every shot, pass, and tear. For many players, it’s the last time they’ll play college basketball—and this montage is their curtain call.

No tournament ends without it. Whether your team wins or loses, One Shining Moment brings fans together in celebration of the game.

Who Sings One Shining Moment?

Over the years, artists like Luther Vandross and Teddy Pendergrass have lent their voices to this tradition. While the singer may vary, the heart of the song remains the same—honoring the journey.

The lyrics remind us:

“You always did your best / Cuz inside you knew… / One Shining Moment, you were willing to try.”

Full One Shining Moment Lyrics (2025 Edition)

Here’s a quick look at the lyrics that wrapped up the 2025 tournament:

“The ball is tipped / And there you are…
You’re running for your life / You’re a shooting star…”

It’s emotional. It’s powerful. It’s the perfect goodbye to another incredible March Madness.

Where to Watch One Shining Moment 2025?

You can watch the official video on CBS Sports’ YouTube channel or visit NCAA.com to stream it. It’s also aired right after the national championship broadcast, so if you stayed up late Monday night, you saw it live.

In Conclusion

From buzzer-beaters to bench celebrations, One Shining Moment 2025 reminded us all why March Madness is so special. It’s not just about the final score—it’s about the journey, the effort, and the unforgettable highlights along the way.

And while the tournament may be over, the memories live on... frozen in time, in that One Shining Moment.