BROOKLYN, NY – March 24: The March Madness logo on the floor before a second round NCAA Tournament game between the Connecticut Huskies and the Northwestern Wildcats at Barclays Center on March 24, 2024 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Porter Binks/Getty Images)
Here are the nine teams best positioned to win the March Madness tournament in 2025:
1. Auburn Tigers
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 25: The Auburn Tigers logo show on a pair of shorts during a Maui Invitational college basketball game against the Iowa State Cyclones at The Lahaina Civic Center on November 25, 2024 in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Tigers hold onto the top spot after a tough road win at Ole Miss. They are the class of a loaded SEC.
2. Duke Blue Devils
DURHAM, NC – DECEMBER 18: A detail view of Nike basketballs prior to the game between the Elon Phoenix and the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
The Blue Devils took their rival UNC to the woodshed over the weekend. Tyrese Proctor is playing some of the best ball of his career.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 06: The Alabama Crimson Tide logo shown on a chair of shorts during the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game against the Connecticut Huskies at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Like Auburn, the Crimson Tide continue to roll through SEC play. Grant Nelson is shooting 35% from three, which is scary for the rest of the country.
4. Houston Cougars
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 18: A detailed view of the “Jumpman” logo on a Houston Cougars jersey against the UAB Blazers during the first half in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 18, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
The Cougars have officially climbed back into position for a number-one seed. The overtime loss to Tech was one of the better losses of all the upsets this weekend.
5. Tennessee Volunteers
CHAPEL HILL, NC – NOVEMBER 29: A detailed view of the “T” logo of the Tennessee Volunteers as they line up for the National Anthem before playing the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 29, 2023 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 100-92. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
The shorthanded Vols put it on Florida with a classic Ricky Barnes defensive performance. They are still holding onto the #1 spot it Defensive Efficiency.
6. Florida Gators
CHARLESTON, SC – NOVEMBER 22: The Florida Gators logo on a pair of shorts during a second round Charleston Classic basketball game against the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes at the TD Arena on November 22, 2019 in Charleston, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
A lackluster performance on the road against Tennessee raised some eyebrows. Still, the overall body of work is very impressive.
7. Michigan State Spartans
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – JANUARY 21: A view of the Michigan State Spartans logo on their uniform during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on January 21, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
The Spartans had their 13-game win streak snapped on the road at USC. Expect Coach Izzo and his program to bounce back.
8. Texas A&M Aggies
CONWAY, SC – NOVEMBER 18: The Texas A&M Aggies logo on a pair of shorts during a second round game of the Myrtle Beach Invitational college basketball game against the Colorado Buffaloes at HTC Center on November 18, 2022 in Conway, South Carolina. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Aggies continue to impress on the defensive end and on the glass. With Wade Taylor back, the offense is starting to become more efficient.
9. Marquette Golden Eagles
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: The Marquette Golden Eagles logo shown on a pair of shorts during the Big East Basketball Tournament Semifinals against the Providence Friars at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Golden Eagles continue their quiet quest to the Big East regular season crown. The offense has been a bit shaky, but Shaka always has this team locked in defensively.
