Top Contenders and Bubble Teams in March Madness 2025
Favorites Emerge for National Championship
With just a month remaining until Selection Sunday, the race for the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship has four clear frontrunners: Auburn, Duke, Houston, and Alabama. These teams have consistently performed at a high level, solidifying their status as the ones to beat come March Madness.
Updated Odds to Win National Championship
As of February 12, BetMGM has Auburn as the slight favorite to cut down the nets, with odds set at +850. Duke trails closely behind at +1000. Houston (+1200) and Alabama (+1400) round out the top four.
Conference Odds
The odds for each team to win their respective conference tournament provide further insight into their chances of reaching the NCAA Tournament:
- ACC: Duke (+250)
- Big 12: Kansas (+175)
- Big East: UConn (+160)
- Big Ten: Purdue (+275)
- Pac-12: Arizona (+150)
- SEC: Auburn (+450)
Bubble Teams Hover Near NCAA Tournament Cutline**
As conference play intensifies, a number of teams find themselves on the bubble of NCAA Tournament qualification. With just four weeks remaining until Selection Sunday, these squads are in a heated battle for the coveted 68 spots:
- Xavier: +125 to make NCAA Tournament
- Mississippi State: +135
- Oklahoma State: +180
- Rutgers: +200
- Florida State: +250
- Georgia Tech: +350
Recent Struggles for Favorites
While Auburn and Duke have been the consensus favorites for much of the season, both teams have suffered recent setbacks. Auburn lost a close game to Kentucky, while Duke fell to Virginia. These defeats serve as a reminder that even the top teams are vulnerable as the road to the Final Four intensifies.
Outlook for the Next Month**
With conference play reaching its peak, the next month will provide crucial opportunities for teams to solidify their NCAA Tournament credentials. Key matchups and conference tournaments will shape the final field of 68. Teams like Auburn and Duke will look to regain their momentum, while bubble teams will strive to perform at their best and earn an automatic bid or an at-large berth.
