March Madness Opening Odds: Duke The Favorite

• Duke (+340), Florida (+375), Auburn (+425), and Houston (+650) have the shortest odds to win March Madness.
• The next closest odds are two seeds Michigan State and Alabama, both at +1800, followed by the other two seeds Tennessee (+2200) and St. John’s (+2200)

DAYTON, Ohio – The NCAA Tournament officially tips off Tuesday night with First Four action in Dayton. Now that the bracket has been released, let’s take a look at who has the best shot to win the title, according to college basketball sportsbooks online.

2025 NCAA Tournament Odds (BetOnline)

• 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

SEC Dominance

Though Duke has the shortest odds to win the national championship, Auburn secured the top overall seed in the bracket. Florida secured a one seed as well and the conference also represents half of the two seeds with Tennessee and Alabama.

The SEC also set a record for most teams in a conference to ever qualify for a single NCAA Tournament in the same season with 14 teams.

Florida has the best odds of any SEC team, and for good reason. Walter Clayton Jr. has been playing at an elite level all season long and led the Gators to a conference title, beating both Alabama and Tennessee on the way.

Auburn has been ranked first overall in the country multiple times throughout the season and was the favorite to win the SEC before falling to Tennessee. The Tigers have the second most efficient offense in the country (behind Florida) according to KenPom and rank 12th in defensive efficiency.

Alabama was without Grant Nelson for the majority of the game against Florida and it was too much for them to overcome, resulting in a 22 point loss to the Gators. The undisclosed leg injury puts Nelson in jeopardy of missing more time.

Ultimately, Alabama’s chances to win the title hinge on Nelson’s ability to play, and if he is available, there are few teams who can keep up with the Tide’s pace.

Tennessee made a somewhat unexpected run to the conference tournament championship, upsetting first seeded Auburn in a thriller. The Volunteers elite defense and experienced roster makes them a scary matchup for any team in March.

Top Seeds

Duke won the ACC Tournament without Cooper Flagg who has been dealing with an ankle injury, but looks to make his return to the NCAA Tournament and lead Duke to their first national title in a decade. Legal sports betting sites like the Blue Devils to go all the way.

Houston won the Big 12 Tournament rather easily and could look to make noise behind an elite defense and hyper-efficient three point shooting offensive attack.

Michigan State was the favorite to win the Big Ten but lost in the semifinal to Wisconsin. The Spartans have one of the best defenses in the country, but have concerns on offense.

St. John’s won the Big East Tournament in dominant fashion, winning each game by at least 16 points. The Red Storm could spell trouble for most teams in the tournament.

News tags: ACC Tournament | Alabama Crimson Tide | Auburn Tigers | Big 12 Tournament | Big East Tournament | Big Ten Tournament | College Basketball | Cooper Flagg | Duke Blue Devils | Florida Gators | Grant Nelson | Houston Cougars | Iowa State Cyclones | March Madness | Michigan State Spartans | NCAA Tournament | SEC Tournament | St. John’s Red Storm | Tennessee Volunteers | Texas Tech Red Raiders | Walter Clayton Jr