2025 Men’s NCAA Tournament: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | March 17, 2025

If you are chasing value in this tournament, two bets stand out—a battle-tested powerhouse and a dangerous sleeper. The South Region is a brutal gauntlet, but whoever survives it will be primed to win it all, and one team has everything lining up at the perfect time. Meanwhile, an overlooked squad led by a legendary coach is built to shock the world, and the odds are too good to ignore.

Need more March Madness content? Click this link.

Write Up Transparency

Be sure to follow me on X/Twitter @C_marchio2 to get my full card every day! Check my Action profile on the Action app @cmarchio. Picks are always FREE.

Last Month in CBB: 48-53 (-4.32 Units)

NCAA Tournament Winner Odds

BetOdds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

Duke: +340

Florida: +375

Auburn: +425

Houston: +650

Michigan State: +1800

Alabama: +1800

Tennessee: +2200

St. John's: +2200

Texas Tech: +2500

Iowa State:  +2800

Arizona: +3500

Wisconsin: +4500

NCAA Tournament Winner Best Bet

Personally, I believe whoever emerges from the South Region will most likely win it all—just as we saw with UConn's grueling path to the national title last year. This region is an absolute gauntlet, featuring Auburn, Michigan State, Iowa State, Texas A&M, Michigan, and Ole Miss.

I am very high on Auburn and Michigan State, but now that the bracket is finalized, I lean toward Auburn overall. The Tigers would be too much for the Spartans if they end up facing off. They have done nearly everything right this season, and the best thing that could have happened to them was losing in the conference tournament. Now, they can focus on the real goal—winning the whole damn thing.

Two weeks ago, I would have said Florida. I grabbed them at +750 back then, but now, with the second-best odds behind Duke, I would rather take Auburn at 4/1. After their win at Alabama, I convinced myself they are the best team in the country.

Best Bet: Auburn (+425) on BetOnline 

Dark Horse Winner

BetOdds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

So, you want a team to win it all at 10/1 odds or higher? Look no further than my Italian bias—we are on St. John's.

Why? For starters, they are one of the best-coached teams in the country, led by Rick Pitino. Sure, they have their flaws from beyond the arc and the free-throw line. However, they boast one of the nation's best defenses and are among the most well-conditioned teams.

I am not usually a fan of teams that push the pace, as they tend to burn out in the tournament. However, the Red Storm are different. They do not just run and try to outscore opponents—they play immaculate lockdown defense. This season, they have held opponents to 65 points per game while scoring nearly 80.

Their path to the Final Four will be tough, with Florida, Texas Tech, and Maryland in the West Region. However, at these odds, they are well worth a shot, especially with the massive chip on their shoulder. You can also grab them to win the West at +650 on BetOnline.

Sprinkle Bet: St. John's (+2200) on BetOnline 

Interested in More Content

Follow me on X @C_marchio2 for all of my picks and sports opinions!

Be sure to check out all things Betting News on X and Twitch!

While you are at it go get some merch at our Betting News Store!

In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below and sign-up for a bonus!

Check Out All of Our Resources at Betting News