As the calendar flips to March, the collective heartbeat of college basketball fans quickens—a telltale sign that the madness is upon us. The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament promises a spectacle of athleticism, strategy and unforeseen twists that keep us all on the edge of our seats.
Before heading to the top-rated sportsbooks, let’s embark on a journey through the profiles of the top contenders, blending hard-hitting statistics with a touch of speculative flair.
2025 March Madness Odds
Below, you will find the current odds for the top college basketball teams to win this season’s national College Basketball Championship.
All updated odds are courtesy of Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review).
| The Elite | The Contenders | The Longshots | The Underdogs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke +325 | Auburn +500 | Alabama +1600 | Michigan State +2500 |
| Florida +400 | Houston +700 | Tennessee +1800 | St. John’s +2500 |
Duke Blue Devils (+325)
Under the guidance of third-year head coach Jon Scheyer, Duke has showcased exceptional form this season, boasting a 31-3 record and clinching the ACC tournament title.
Freshman sensation Cooper Flagg has been instrumental, leading the team in various metrics. Despite a mid-season ankle injury, Flagg is expected to be at full strength for the tournament.
Duke’s offense ranks first nationally, complemented by a defense positioned fourth, underscoring their balanced prowess. While skeptics point to losses against Clemson and Kentucky, the Blue Devils have secured significant victories over Auburn and Louisville.
Florida Gators (+400)
The Florida Gators, under Coach Todd Golden’s watchful eye, have chomped their way to a stellar 30-4 record, securing a No. 1 seed. Their offense slithers through defenses, ranking ninth nationally with an average of 84.3 points per game. On the flip side, their defense constricts opponents to 68.1 points per game.
Key player Walter Clayton Jr. orchestrates the offense with finesse, contributing 17.5 points and 4.3 assists per game. This balanced attack positions the Gators as a force to be reckoned with, making their +400 odds a tempting morsel.
Auburn Tigers (+500)
Under the astute guidance of Coach Bruce Pearl, the Auburn Tigers have clawed their way to a formidable 27-4 record, earning the coveted No. 1 overall seed in the South Region.
Their offense roars, averaging 85.4 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 48.3%. Defensively, they’ve built a fortress, holding adversaries to a mere 40.9% field goal percentage. However, recent skirmishes have left scars, with losses to Alabama and Texas A&M raising eyebrows. Yet, their top seeding isn’t just for show; it reflects a squad with claws sharp enough to cut down nets come April.
Houston Cougars (+700)
The Houston Cougars, led by the seasoned Kelvin Sampson, have pounced through the season with a 30-4 record, earning the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region.
Their defense is a steel trap, leading the nation in scoring defense and ranking second in defensive efficiency. Offensively, they are no kittens, placing 20th nationally. Their sharp claws come in the form of a 39.7% three-point shooting accuracy and a disciplined approach, averaging just 9.3 turnovers per game. With odds at +700, the Cougars are prowling for a deep run, and opponents would be wise to tread lightly.
Alabama Crimson Tide (+1600)
Alabama’s depth has been a cornerstone of their success this season.
Mark Sears continues to roll as one of the nation’s top players, while freshman Labaron Philon has made an immediate splash. The return of Chris Youngblood adds further depth, with the team boasting a high-octane offense under Coach Nate Oats. Their current odds of 14-1 offer substantial value, reflecting a squad that could very well surf the crimson wave to championship shores.
Tennessee Volunteers (+1800)
The Volunteers started the season like a Rocky Top rocket, boasting a 14-0 streak. Recent turbulence has tested their mettle, but their defense remains a stone wall, ranking third in adjusted efficiency.
The addition of guard Chaz Lanier has injected fresh energy into their lineup. With odds at 17-1, the Volunteers are a compelling pick for those who believe defense wins championships and that this squad has the grit to grind out victories.
Dare to Be Perfect?
Get ready for the madness! March Madness 2025 is here, and it’s time to lock in your picks. Download our free printable bracket to track every game, predict the winners and compete with friends.
Simply click the image below to grab your bracket and start making your selections. Don’t miss your shot at bragging rights—fill yours out today!
Possible Cinderellas
The quest for this year’s Cinderella stories intensifies. Identifying teams poised to defy expectations requires a meticulous blend of statistical analysis, performance trends, and betting insights.
Here, we spotlight five potential bracket-busters, examining their tournament prospects and the betting landscapes surrounding them.
-
BYU Cougars (+8000)
The BYU Cougars have showcased a potent offense, characterized by high shooting percentages and rapid ball movement.
Their experience in high-pressure games adds to their credibility as potential giant-slayers. Currently, sportsbooks list BYU at about +8000 to clinch the championship. Their first-round matchup presents a relatively favorable opportunity, making them an attractive option for those looking to capitalize on potential upsets in the early rounds.
-
Drake Bulldogs (+75000)
Emerging from the Missouri Valley Conference, the Drake Bulldogs have consistently demonstrated resilience and tactical prowess. Their disciplined defense and efficient offense make them a formidable opponent.
Notably, their ability to control the game’s tempo has been pivotal in neutralizing higher-seeded teams. From a betting perspective, Drake’s odds to win the national championship stand at +75000, reflecting their dark-horse status. However, their potential to advance to the Sweet 16 offers intriguing value for bettors seeking under-the-radar picks.
-
UC San Diego Tritons (+75000)
Transitioning smoothly into Division I, the UC San Diego Tritons have turned heads with their tenacious defense and strategic gameplay. Their adaptability and momentum entering the tournament position them as a team capable of disrupting brackets.
With championship odds at +75000, the Tritons epitomize the high-risk, high-reward scenario cherished by seasoned bettors. Their defensive metrics, particularly in limiting opponents’ shooting efficiency, could be the cornerstone of potential upsets.
-
McNeese Cowboys (+150000)
The McNeese Cowboys have emerged as a surprise package this season, boasting a dynamic offense that thrives on perimeter shooting. Their unorthodox playing style has troubled several higher-seeded teams.
Listed at +150000 to win the championship, McNeese offers long-shot value. Bettors eyeing first-round upsets might find the Cowboys’ matchup particularly enticing, especially considering their recent form and offensive versatility.
College Basketball Betting FAQs
Where can I bet on the 2025 NCAA Basketball National Championship?
Answer: The best online sportsbooks are the safest online sportsbooks, which are those licensed in jurisdictions where online sports betting is legal in the United States.
The top-rated books are BetMGM, Caesars and Bet365. All offer a wide variety of NCAAB props, futures and point spreads.
What types of bets are popular with NCAA Basketball?
Answer: The most popular bet is the point spread bet where the underdog is getting points or the favorite is giving points. However, moneylines, where no point spread is involved have grown increasingly popular, as have over/under, or total bets, where bettors can wager over or under on the combined total of the two teams in that game.
Do I have to bet a lot?
Answer: No, the minimum bet is as low as $1 and accounts can be funded with as little as $10 at many of the books across the nation.
Props and Bonuses
You can find a list of prop bets at all of the best U.S.-licensed online sportsbooks found right here at OddsTrader. Online sportsbooks like BetMGM, Caesars and Bet365 all feature props and futures like conference winners, Final Four participants and national champions, as well as offering generous signup bonuses.
Shop for Odds
If you want to compare the various NCAA Basketball odds, then click on the link and you will see the point spreads, moneylines and totals at all of the best books in the industry. Remember, it’s important to be able to compare and contrast lines at a glance so that you get the best odds for your betting buck.
NCAA Basketball Power Rankings
Getting keen insight into how each of the playoff teams stacks up is easy when you check out the OddsTrader NCAA Basketball Power Rankings page. Here you will see the average line, the power line suggested by OddsTrader’s AI algorithms and Bettor’s Edge, which is the difference between the two.
NCAA Basketball Computer Picks
If you go to the OddsTrader NCAA Basketball Computer Picks section you can see what the OT algorithms project and how the results compare to those predictions.