March Madness isn’t just about filling out a bracket. It’s about predicting the chaos before it even starts. Futures bets let you lock in teams before the odds shift, giving you a shot at big value if you pick the right squad early. But choosing wisely is key with powerhouse programs, rising underdogs, and potential Cinderella stories in the mix.

Now is the moment to be ahead of the game, whether you are supporting a leading contender or searching for a sleeper with upset potential. Let’s break down the best futures bets and who might be worth your money.

Duke Blue Devils

Duke has emerged as the clear favorite to win the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, overtaking Auburn, which has struggled with recent losses to Texas A&M and Alabama. Duke, currently on an eight-game win streak, solidified its position with a crucial win over North Carolina.

Other top contenders include Florida (+700), Houston (+750), and Alabama (+1000), while defending champion UConn is a long shot at odds of +5500. If UConn were to win, it would be the first team since UCLA (1967-1973) to secure three consecutive titles.

With tournament time approaching, now is the perfect time to Bet on March Madness and take advantage of shifting odds.

Auburn Tigers

Auburn has been dominant all season, starting with a 51-point blowout win over Vermont and building an impressive résumé. The Tigers are on pace to break records for Quad 1 and 1+2 wins, proving their strength against top competition. Statistically, KenPom rates their offense as the best in 28 years, thanks to a unique mix of size, shooting, and ball security.

Johni Broome leads the team and is a frontrunner for national player of the year, but Auburn’s depth is a major asset, with five other players averaging double-digit points. They’re as battle-tested as any team and are a serious contender to win it all in San Antonio.

History suggests that championship teams need NBA-caliber stars. Every title winner since 2010 has had at least one first-round draft pick, and the last seven champions featured a top-15 selection. Auburn lacks a guaranteed first-rounder.

Broome might sneak into the late first but land in the second round. While experience matters, Duke’s roster boasts more future pros, which may give them the edge. Still, Auburn’s depth and efficiency could make them an exception to the rule.

Florida Gators

The Gators are one of the toughest teams in the country. The No. 5 Gators (26-4, 13-4 SEC) have now beaten Alabama and Auburn on the road, solidifying their position as a serious threat heading into the postseason. The victory secured Florida a No. 2 seed and a double bye in the SEC Tournament while strengthening their case for a No. 1 seed in March Madness.

Walter Clayton Jr. has emerged as a reliable point guard, leading the team with his scoring and playmaking. Alongside him, Will Richard and Alijah Martin provide additional perimeter shooting, while Florida’s depth ensures stability even in the face of injuries.

With multiple big men, including Alex Condon, Rueben Chinyelu, and Thomas Haugh, Florida’s size gives them an edge in rebounding and rim protection. Their physicality was displayed against Alabama, as they outrebounded the Tide 50-35.

The Gators thrive in transition, ranking among the nation’s best in fast-break points. Their ability to push the tempo and share the ball makes them a nightmare matchup in March.

Houston Cougars

The Houston Cougars have claimed the top spot in the latest rankings from BartTorvik. This analytical site evaluates teams based on projected win percentage against an average opponent on a neutral court. Houston earned a BARTHAG rating of .9824, the highest in the country, reflecting their offensive and defensive efficiency.

Houston’s adjusted offensive efficiency is 125.9, while their defensive efficiency is 88.7, making them one of the most well-rounded teams in college basketball. The site ranks Auburn (No. 2), Duke (No. 3), Florida (No. 4), and Alabama (No. 5) just behind them.

Individually, Houston guard Emanuel Sharp is ranked 40th nationally in PRPG!, a player efficiency metric. The Cougars have dominated, winning 16 of their last 17 games and leading the Big 12. With their strong performance, Houston remains a serious contender for a top seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Alabama Crimson Tide

This Alabama squad is deeper, more talented, and more complete than last year’s Final Four team. With Mark Sears leading the charge, they have one of the best guards in the country, plus a strong frontcourt that dominates the boards.

Experience is also on their side. This veteran-heavy lineup knows what it takes to win in March. They’ve already knocked off elite teams, racking up five top-25 KenPom wins, including a statement victory over Houston. And while defense was their weakness last year, they’ve made big strides, no longer ranking outside the top 100 in defensive efficiency.

Alabama doesn’t shoot them all that well for a team that lives and dies by the three. They’re outside the top 100 in three-point percentage, and some of their key players struggle from deep. In crunch time, too much of the offensive burden falls on Sears. If they go cold from beyond the arc, it could spell trouble.

Lock in Your Bets Now

March Madness futures betting is all about spotting value before the odds shift. Duke, Auburn, Florida, and Houston all have strong cases, but anything can happen in tournament play. Now is the perfect moment to place your bets and take in the excitement, whether you’re betting on the favorite or the underdog!

John Mali Director of Media Relations

Director of Media Relations at AboutBoulder.com

john@aboutboulder.com