March Madness is almost here, and college basketball fans everywhere are getting ready for the thrills, upsets, and buzzer-beaters that make this tournament one of the most exciting events in sports. With Selection Sunday imminent (March 16, mark your calendar), it’s time to start analyzing the top contenders for this year’s NCAA Championship.
This year’s field features plenty of powerhouse programs like Auburn and Duke leading the charge, but don’t sleep on potential dark horses. Here’s everything you need to know about the favorites, their strengths, and the narratives that could define this year’s tournament.
1. Auburn Tigers (+340)
After a stunning season with a 27-3 record, Auburn enters the tournament with all the momentum in the world. The Tigers boast the No. 1 offensive rating nationally, and much of their success is thanks to their superstar center, Johni Broome. This guy’s an absolute beast, averaging 18.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game – and dominating on both ends of the court.
Another key to Auburn’s dominance is their ability to control the tempo and handle high-pressure situations, however, depth is where the cracks begin to show. Teams in the tournament with deeper benches might force Auburn to lean a little too heavily on Broome. Can the Tigers silence doubters and go all the way? Their position as favorites sure suggests so. The NCAAB odds back it up too, so keep an eye on Auburn as the madness begins.
X-Factor: Broome. If he keeps putting up numbers like he has all year, Auburn will be tough to beat.
2. Duke Blue Devils (+340)
When your roster includes Cooper Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft, fans and analysts are bound to sit up and take notice. Flagg has been electric in his freshman season and made ACC history with a single-game record of 42 points. At 27-3, the Blue Devils are a serious threat to win it all, blending youth and talent in a way that fans haven’t seen since Zion Williamson’s days in Durham.
Here’s the kicker, though—Duke’s inexperience could hurt them when things get tight. While their talent ensures they can go toe-to-toe with anyone, younger teams are sometimes susceptible to mistakes under March Madness pressure.
X-Factor: Flagg. If this kid continues to shine, Duke is going to be a nightmare matchup for any team.
3. Houston Cougars (+850)
Houston isn’t a flashy team with a ton of hype, but they’re rock-solid and have built a reputation for outworking their opponents. With a disciplined roster and strong defensive core, the Cougars are positioned as a solid dark horse for this year’s tournament.
Houston’s main challenge lies in their offensive consistency. When they’re on, they’re scary good, but streaky shooting could prove costly when the stakes are high. Don’t be too quick to bet against them, though—they’ve got the tools to make a deep run.
X-Factor: Team Defense. Nobody locks down the opposition quite like the Cougars.
4. Florida Gators (+950)
The Gators are another team entering March Madness with lots of momentum. Their balanced roster is their secret weapon—scoring threats all over the court and versatility that keeps opposing defenses guessing make Florida dangerous.
The concern for Florida? Their ability to close games. They’ve shown a few chinks in their armor when handling late-game situations against tougher competition. That said, Florida’s potential is undeniable, and their odds reflect that.
X-Factor: Versatility. Their balanced attack can dismantle almost any defense they face.
5. Alabama Crimson Tide (+1300)
Alabama may not be at the top of most people’s brackets, but underestimating the Crimson Tide is risky business. Their impressive length and athleticism give them an edge on boards and defense. When their shooters catch fire (which they often do), they’re hard to contain.
However, inconsistency has been a storyline for Alabama this season. They’ll need to tighten things up if they want to go far in the tournament.
X-Factor: Three-point shooting. If the Tide can drain from deep, they can upset anyone.
What About the Defending Champs?
The reigning champions, UConn, entered the season as betting favorites—but it’s been a rocky road for the Huskies. With a 20-9 record and struggles in conference play, they’ve dropped far down the odds list (+8000). History suggests repeating as champions is incredibly hard (only 13 teams have done it), so UConn faces an uphill battle to defend their title.
Who Should You Bet On?
Whether betting on Auburn or taking a chance on a sleeper like Alabama, it’s worth remembering one key principle of March Madness—expect the unexpected. There’s a reason it’s called “Madness,” after all. Top teams like Duke and Auburn certainly deserve their favorite status, but the underdog stories of March Madness are just as legendary. Plus, a No. 1 seed wins only 59% of the time, which leaves the door wide open for upsets.
