As March Madness 2025 approaches, it’s time to turn the spotlight on the top teams to watch in March Madness—with powerhouse programs like Auburn, Duke, and Houston making waves, this year’s tournament promises to be as thrilling and unpredictable as ever.
NCAAB Preview: Betting Top Teams to Watch in March Madness 2025
March Madness: Unlock Your Winning Potential with Top Team Bets
2025 College Basketball Season | 86th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men’s college basketball
March Madness: Tuesday, March 18th – Monday, April 7th, 2025
Betting March Madness Matches
March Madness is just around the corner, and college basketball fans are gearing up for one of the most exciting times of the year.
The NCAA Tournament is famous for its drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.
Every season, fans and analysts eagerly predict which teams will dominate, who might pull off a surprise, and how the bracket will unfold.
In 2025, the tournament is shaping up to be another thriller.
With powerhouse programs like Auburn, Duke, and Houston leading the way, the competition for the national championship is wide open.
At the same time, smaller programs and underdogs are always waiting in the wings, ready to steal the spotlight.
This preview highlights the top teams to watch this March and includes a look at potential betting opportunities for props and futures.
Let’s dive into the top teams and what makes them so dangerous as we head into the NCAA Tournament.
Writer’s Picks for the Top Teams to Watch in March Madness
2025 March Madness Teams to Watch Our for this College Basketball Season
Auburn Tigers
Auburn has been a dominant force in college basketball this season.
With an 18-1 record and a remarkable 11-1 record against Quad 1 opponents, they’ve proven they can win against the best.
Their gritty victory over Tennessee in a low-scoring game showcased their defensive toughness and ability to grind out wins in high-pressure situations.
Johni Broome is the centerpiece of Auburn’s success.
The forward has been a double-double machine, controlling the paint and giving the Tigers an edge on the boards.
His presence makes Auburn one of the most balanced teams in the country, as they pair strong defense with reliable scoring.
March Maddness Picks: Auburn
Duke Blue Devils
The Duke Blue Devils are led by freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, who has taken college basketball by storm.
Flagg leads Duke in nearly every statistical category, including points, rebounds, and assists.
His versatility and basketball IQ make him a nightmare for opposing teams.
Duke’s 17-2 record includes a 13-game win streak, the longest active streak in Division I.
They’ve picked up key wins against ranked teams and are hitting their stride at the right time.
Their only two losses came early in the season against top competition, Kansas and Kentucky.
March Maddness Picks: Duke
Houston Cougars
Houston has been a consistent force in college basketball, and this year is no exception.
Their thrilling double-overtime win over Kansas on the road highlighted their resilience and ability to handle adversity.
With a 16-3 record, they’ve positioned themselves as one of the top teams in the country.
J’Wan Roberts and Emanuel Sharp have been key contributors for Houston.
Roberts’ scoring and rebounding give the Cougars a strong presence inside, while Sharp’s clutch shooting makes him a reliable option in crunch time.
March Maddness Picks: Houston
Tennessee Volunteers
Tennessee remains a dangerous team despite a narrow loss to Auburn.
Their 17-3 record and 5-3 mark against Quad 1 opponents show they’re battle-tested.
Tennessee’s defense is their calling card, as they consistently hold opponents to low scoring totals.
Zakiah Zeigler is the leader of the Volunteers.
His ability to create shots and lead the offense makes him invaluable, especially in tight games.
The supporting cast has stepped up in big moments, making Tennessee a balanced and dangerous team.
March Maddness Picks: Tennessee
Florida Gators
The Gators have been one of the surprise teams this season.
With an 18-2 record and a 12-game win streak against rival Georgia, they’ve shown they can dominate on both ends of the floor.
Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin lead a balanced offense that features multiple scoring threats.
Florida’s ability to spread the floor and knock down threes makes them a tough matchup for any team.
They also have the athleticism to defend against elite guards and forwards, making them one of the more versatile teams in the tournament.
March Maddness Picks: Florida
Iowa State Cyclones
Iowa State’s 17-2 record includes six Quad 1 wins, making them one of the most impressive teams in the Big 12.
They’ve bounced back from a tough loss with two dominating wins, showing they can respond to adversity.
Curtis Jones has been on fire, scoring 30 or more points in back-to-back games.
His offensive explosion gives Iowa State a go-to scorer, while the team’s defense ensures they stay competitive in every game.
March Maddness Picks: Iowa State
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama has been on a roll, winning 11 of their last 12 games.
Their balanced attack features contributions from both starters and bench players, making them a tough team to defend.
Aden Holloway has been a standout for the Crimson Tide, providing a scoring spark off the bench.
With strong play in the backcourt and a physical presence inside, Alabama has all the tools to make a deep run.
March Maddness Picks: Alabama
Kansas Jayhawks
Kansas has faced a tough schedule but remains a top team heading into March Madness.
Their 14-5 record includes several close losses, but their ability to compete in high-pressure games will serve them well in the tournament.
Flory Bidunga is the centerpiece of Kansas’ attack, providing scoring and rebounding in the paint.
With a talented roster and a history of success in March, the Jayhawks can never be counted out.
March Maddness Picks: Kansas
March Maddness Props and Futures to Bet On
1. Winning the National Championship:
Betting on top seeds like Auburn or Duke offers solid value, but dark horses like Iowa State or Florida could provide bigger payouts.
2. Final Four Futures:
Teams with strong defensive metrics like Tennessee or Houston are good picks to make the Final Four.
3. Player Props:
Look for standout players like Cooper Flagg or Curtis Jones to lead the tournament in scoring or rebounds.
4. Cinderella Teams:
Betting on mid-major programs to win a few games is always popular.
Look for teams with strong senior leadership and efficient offenses.
5. Conference Props:
The SEC and Big 12 are loaded this year.
Betting on how many teams from each conference make the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight could offer value.
6. First Four Winners:
If you’re wondering, "What is the First Four in March Madness?"
It’s the opening round where the final teams fight for a spot in the main bracket.
Look for teams with momentum.
7. Top Scorer in the Tournament:
Players from high-powered offenses, such as Johni Broome or Curtis Jones, are good options for this prop.
8. Over/Under Wins by Seed:
Betting on how far a specific seed (e.g., No. 1 seeds) advances can be a fun way to stay engaged.
Betting Conclusion for the Top Teams to Watch in March Madness
The 2025 NCAA Tournament promises to deliver excitement and surprises.
From powerhouse programs to underdog stories, March Madness is the pinnacle of college basketball.
Teams like Auburn, Duke, and Houston are poised to make deep runs, but as always, anything can happen in March.
With so many betting opportunities available, fans can find creative ways to engage with the tournament.
Whether you’re filling out a bracket or placing bets on props and futures, March Madness offers something for everyone.
Bet the NCAAB | College Basketball Live Betting MyBookie Betting Lines for the College Basketball
^ Top^ Top🚨 National Championship tip-off time!
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) January 28, 2025
The 2025 National Championship will tip off at 8:50pm ET – 30 minutes earlier than the typical start time. pic.twitter.com/h39KTt16Q0
Odds of Winning March Madness Final Four
Check out the odds for teams to win the 2025 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament Final Four.
Updated Top 2025 College Basketball National Championship Odds to Win
| Teams | Odds |
|---|---|
| Auburn | +430 |
| Duke | +430 |
| Houston | +900 |
| Iowa State | +900 |
| Alabama | +1300 |
| Tennessee | +1500 |
| Florida | +1700 |
| Kansas | +2500 |
| Marquette | +3000 |
| Kentucky | +3000 |
| Michigan State | +3000 |
| Arizona | +3500 |
| Texas Tech | +3500 |
| Illinois | +3500 |
| Gonzaga | +3500 |
| Purdue | +4500 |
| St. John’s | +5000 |
| Connecticut | +5500 |
| Texas A&M | +5500 |
| Mississippi State | +5500 |
| Michigan | +5500 |
Get the Top Teams to Watch in March Madness Before the Tournament Start
When betting teams on next March Madness, be sure to check out the March Madness picks and compare the best sportsbook odds to maximize your chances of winning.
Sign up now to place your bets and get in on the action today!
Learn More on College Basketball Betting
How does it work?
How can you Bet on March Madness? Let’s Find Out
Betting on March Madness can be both exciting and rewarding, but it’s important to understand the various options available to make informed decisions.
Here’s a quick guide on how you can bet on March Madness:
1. Moneyline Bets
- What it is:
A simple bet on which team will win the game.
The favorite is given lower odds, while the underdog offers higher potential payouts. - How to bet:
Choose your team and place a wager on them to win outright.
For example, if you bet on a favorite with odds of -150, you’ll need to bet $150 to win $100.
An underdog with +200 odds would pay $200 for a $100 bet if they win.
2. Point Spread Bets
- What it is:
A bet on the margin of victory.
The favorite must win by more than the spread, while the underdog can either win or lose by less than the spread. - How to bet:
For example, if a team has a -5.5 spread, they need to win by 6 or more points for your bet to be successful.
If the team is +5.5, they need to lose by 5 or fewer points, or win outright.
3. Over/Under (Total) Bets
- What it is:
A bet on the combined total points scored by both teams in a game.
The sportsbook sets a line (e.g., 145 points), and you bet whether the final score will go over or under that total. - How to bet:
If the combined score of both teams exceeds the line, you win the “over” bet. If it’s below, you win the “under.”
4. Futures Bets
- What it is:
These are bets placed before the tournament begins on outcomes that won’t be decided until the end.
For example, betting on which team will win the NCAA Tournament or predicting who will make it to the Final Four. - How to bet:
Futures bets are typically placed before the tournament or during the early rounds, and the odds can shift as the tournament progresses.
The earlier you place the bet, the higher the odds might be.
5. Parlay Bets
- What it is:
A bet that combines multiple individual bets into one.
All selections must win for the parlay to pay out. Parlays offer higher potential returns but also come with increased risk. - How to bet:
You can combine moneyline, point spread, or over/under bets from different games into a single wager.
6. Prop Bets
- What it is:
These bets focus on specific events during the game or tournament.
Prop bets can be on individual players (e.g., “Will a player score over 20 points?”) or team-specific events (e.g., “Will the game go into overtime?”). - How to bet:
Choose from the wide range of prop bet options offered by sportsbooks and place a wager based on player or team performance.
7. Live Betting
- What it is:
Live betting allows you to place bets while the game is in progress.
The odds change in real time based on the flow of the game. - How to bet:
As the game unfolds, you can place bets on who will win the next quarter, whether a team will cover the spread, or how many total points will be scored in the next segment.
8. Teaser Bets
- What it is:
Similar to parlays, but with the option to adjust point spreads in your favor.
Teasers give you a better chance of winning, but the payouts are lower than regular parlays. - How to bet:
You can shift the spread or total points to your favor (e.g., moving a -7 spread to -4), but your parlay odds will be adjusted accordingly.
Tips for Betting on March Madness:
- Research:
Keep an eye on team performances, player injuries, and other factors that could affect the outcome of a game. - Bankroll Management:
Set a budget for your bets and stick to it to avoid overspending. - Line Shopping:
Compare odds from different sportsbooks to find the best value for your bets.
Whether you’re betting on individual games or making long-term predictions, there are plenty of ways to get involved in March Madness.
The key is to understand the types of bets available and choose the ones that fit your strategy.
I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?
MyBookie Picks for the NCAA Tournament
MyBookie Odds for the College Basketball
MyBookie College Basketball
NCAAB Odds and Lines
| NCAAB Betting |
| March Madness Odds |
| NIT | CIT | CBI |
| National Championship Championship |
NCAAB Must-Know
| John R. Wooden Award |
| March Madness Predictions |
Latest NCAAB Betting Predictions:
- Top Teams to Watch in March Madness 2025: Expert Preview & Betting Insights
- NCAA Betting Strategies for the Final Four: March Madness 2025 Analysis
- Minnesota vs Michigan State: MyBookie College Basketball Odds & Expert Prediction
- St. John’s vs Georgetown Odds, Latest Updates & Insights of MyBookie College Basketball
- The Best Bets for NC State vs Duke: NCAA Basketball Lines, Prediction and Betting Picks
College Basketball Odds | Online Betting
^ Top
