The 2025 NCAA March Madness tournament gave us rivalries, underdog stories and many nail biting matchups, resulting in the Florida Gators taking home their third title in program history on the men’s side and the UConn Huskies winning their 12th national title on the women’s side.  

We had just as exciting matchups in our ship competition, with battles between all our favorite on-screen couples. After a close final round, we finally have a winner to triumph over all the rest. And the couple who hold the most special place in our hearts is… JIARA!! JJ and Kiara from Outer Banks have won Young Entertainment’s 2025 battle of love. 

JJ and Kiara began as friends and members of the close-knit friend group, The Pogues, and each season of Outer Banks explored their at first flirtatious to growing relationship built on trust, protectiveness, loyalty and above all, a love so strong for each other. They both let down their guards when they are around each other and their connection is beyond words. 

Here are some of your favorite quotes of JJ and Kiara talking about one another<3

Kiara: ”You know whatever happens, we’re going to handle it together. We always do.”

Kiara: “He just never really had a home, he’s happy.”

JJ: “Us against the universe.”

JJ: “I already have everything, everything I’ve ever wanted.”

In honor of this perfect pairing, we decided to make a playlist of all of the songs that represent Jiara!

Check it out here:

With the help of all of your votes, we are so happy we can officially crown JJ and Kiara as the King and Queen of this year’s March Madness. Let us know how your brackets measured up and subscribe to Young Entertainment for more exciting young adult content like March Madness.