March Madness kicked off on Thursday, March 20 with a touching tribute to beloved sportscaster Greg Gumbel whose presence and voice became synonymous with the annual college basketball tournament throughout his career. Gumbel died from pancreatic cancer in December 2024 at the age of 78.

CBS opened up its broadcast of the first day of the NCAA men's tournament with the studio panel paying tribute to the late Greg Gumbel. "A void was left that will never be filled," said host Ernie Johnson of Gumbel's passing.