2025 March Madness Predictions, Odds: Duke, UConn Open As Favorites; Kentucky Among Early Picks
According to the latest March Madness 2025 odds from our top March Madness betting sites, the Duke Blue Devils are favored to win the NCAA Tournament next year. These odds were released ahead of the national championship game on Monday.
After UConn’s win in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, the top sports betting sites have quickly revealed the odds for March Madness 2025, with familiar favorites topping the list for college basketball fans.
After reaching the Elite Eight in 2024, the Duke Blue Devils are favored to win the championship in 2025 with the shortest March Madness odds. With odds ranging from +1000 to +1200 on various sports betting apps, there is a nearly 10% chance that Jon Scheyer will lead his team to their first title since 2015.
At the same time, UConn’s chances of achieving a third consecutive victory vary between +1400 and +1800. They are ranked second on certain boards, but are behind teams like Kansas, North Carolina, Alabama, and Houston on others. Purdue, with odds as high as +3000, is dealing with uncertainty as their star center Zach Edey is likely to enter the NBA draft.
The initial odds are shaping up for an exciting college basketball season ahead, with high-stakes matchups and teams competing for a chance at March Madness glory in 2025.
Here is a preview of the early 2025 March Madness predictions and opening title odds for next season to complement our Purdue vs. UConn prediction and other men’s national championship expert picks.
March Madness odds 2025
(Odds updated April 8)
| Team | DraftKings | FanDuel |
|---|---|---|
| Duke | +1000 | +1200 |
| UConn | +1400 | +1800 |
| North Carolina | +1400 | +1500 |
| Kansas | +1400 | +1200 |
| Houston | +1600 | +1500 |
| Arizona | +1600 | +2000 |
| Alabama | +1600 | +1500 |
| Baylor | +1800 | +3000 |
| Kentucky | +2000 | +2000 |
| Iowa State | +2200 | +4000 |
2025 March Madness favorites
Duke Blue Devils
Top odds: +1200 on FanDuel
Duke is expected to be the favorite in any season, but next year’s team is exceptionally talented and is poised to be a top contender throughout the entire season.
In 2024, the Blue Devils are excited to welcome the top recruiting class in the country, led by standout prospect Cooper Flagg. Flagg is widely expected to be the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Joining him are four other top-25 recruits, adding even more talent to the team. There is also a possibility that returning starters Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor could be part of this exciting group.
Should Duke’s current starters choose to leave next season, Coach Scheyer will still have a wealth of talent to work with in the 2024-25 season. The real question is whether this group will have enough experience to compete in a time when upperclassmen are thriving.
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UConn Huskies
Top odds available at FanDuel: +1800
The early price on Connecticut is difficult to overlook, especially since they are one game away from securing consecutive national titles.
The Huskies are expected to part ways with NBA prospects Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle, who played vital roles in the team’s recent tournament success. However, Jordan Hawkins and Adama Sanogo emerged as standout players in the 2022-23 season, seamlessly filling the void left by the departing stars and leading UConn to a successful campaign.
Being transparent, it is challenging to consistently replace top-tier talent and make it back to the Final Four, especially for three years in a row. However, if there is any coach who can achieve this feat, it is Dan Hurley and his championship staff. They have the ability to keep the team competitive and in contention for another deep tournament run.
I am happy to take advantage of this price and make an early purchase.
2025 March Madness long shots
Kentucky Wildcats
DraftKings offers the best odds at +2000.
The biggest shock of the offseason came just before the national championship game when it was revealed that Kentucky head coach John Calipari would be leaving for Arkansas. Will this impact the Wildcats’ chances of success in the upcoming season?
Although Calipari continues to excel as one of the top recruiters in the nation, his team has only advanced past the second round once since 2019, experiencing a first-round exit in 2024. Kentucky’s leadership now has the opportunity to search throughout college basketball for a high-caliber coach to enhance a roster that is poised to bring back top talent in 2023-24.
Despite the potential loss of some prior commits, Calipari has already secured three top-50 recruits, including five-star center Jayden Quaintance, with signed letters of intent. Additionally, Kentucky has two solid commitments from other top-25 players.
With the right coaching hire, this Wildcats team has the potential to be a formidable force.
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Arkansas Razorbacks
Top odds: +4000 on FanDuel
Why not consider betting at 40/1 on Calipari’s ability to rebuild a title contender quickly as he transitions from his old team to his new one, showcasing his skills as one of college basketball’s top recruiters and coaches?
Calipari has typically focused on recruiting rather than the transfer portal, but it is likely that he will target some top players from this year’s portal in his first year at Fayetteville. With only three scholarship players expected to return in 2024-25, he will have plenty of chances to do so.
This is not the ideal strategy for a confident bettor, especially considering Calipari’s recent struggles in March. However, at these odds, we are aiming for a high-risk, high-reward play rather than a sure thing. Few teams in this price range offer as much potential as the one that just made a groundbreaking head coaching hire.
Iowa State Cyclones
Top odds: +4000 on FanDuel
Predicting sustained success for a college basketball team from year to year is challenging. However, I find it difficult to believe that Iowa State would be downgraded to a fifth-tier contender after their impressive performance in the 2023-24 season.
The nation’s top-ranked defense, led by head coach T.J. Otzelberger, excelled in forcing turnovers on an impressive 25.3% of opponents’ possessions. This defensive prowess is not a coincidence, but rather a result of Otzelberger’s strategic vision and the team’s unwavering commitment. With the right blend of talent and dedication, this defensive style has the potential to shape programs for years to come.
The transfer portal is unpredictable, but Iowa State is expected to retain its top four players from a team that won the Big-12 Tournament and contended for a No. 1 seed in March Madness. With odds of 40/1, it’s a promising situation.
Past March Madness winners
| Year | Team | Preseason odds |
|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | UConn | +8000 |
| 2021-22 | Kansas | +1400 |
| 2020-21 | Baylor | +800 |
| 2019-20 | Cancelled | |
| 2018-19 | Virginia | +1350 |
| 2017-18 | Villanova | +2700 |
| 2016-17 | North Carolina | +1900 |
| 2015-16 | Villanova | +2500 |
| 2014-15 | Duke | +900 |
| 2013-14 | Connecticut | +6500 |
| 2012-13 | Louisville | +700 |
March Madness FAQs
Who is the March Madness 2025 favorite?
The Duke Blue Devils are currently considered the front-runners to win the 2025 NCAA Tournament, with odds of +1000 to +1200 suggesting a likelihood of winning between 7.69% and 9.09%.
Who won March Madness last year?
In the 2023 NCAA Tournament, UConn emerged victorious with a 76-59 win over the San Diego State Aztecs.
Where will March Madness be next year?
The Alamodome in San Antonio will host the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament on April 5 and 7.
March Madness betting odds pages
Here are our best March Madness betting sites:
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- DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
*Bonuses are not valid in Ontario. If you are 21 or older and have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Related pages
- Best Sports Betting Sites | Best Underscoreg Promos (U.S. only)
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