Concept:
The sequence is
\[
25,\ 49,\ 121,\ 169,\ _ _ _ _
\]
These are squares of prime numbers.
Step 1: Write the given terms as squares.
\[
25=5^2
\]
\[
49=7^2
\]
\[
121=11^2
\]
\[
169=13^2
\]
Step 2: Identify the prime sequence.
The primes are
\[
5,\ 7,\ 11,\ 13
\]
The next prime number is
\[
17
\]
Step 3: Find the next term.
\[
17^2=289
\]
Step 4: Final answer.
\[
\boxed{289}
\]