As the NCAA Tournament approaches, teams across the country are hitting their stride, making statements, and solidifying their spots in the field. Some squads have been dominant all season, while others have battled adversity to emerge as dangerous contenders.
This year’s tournament will be as unpredictable as ever, from red-hot teams riding winning streaks to programs that have defied expectations. With Selection Sunday fast approaching, here are some of the most intriguing teams to watch as they look to make a deep run in March Madness 2025.
Florida Gators
The Gators have become the third SEC team projected as a top seed, and their resume justifies that recognition. They have put together a strong season, demonstrating their ability to compete at a high level in conference play. However, their recent 20-point loss to a short-handed Tennessee team on Saturday raised some concerns about their consistency.
Despite that setback, Florida has already proven it can beat the Volunteers, having secured a win against them earlier in the season. The Gators have a crucial opportunity to solidify their positioning when they face Auburn on Saturday, a game that could further validate their status as a top seed. FanDuel’s odds on March Madness currently reflect Florida’s strong position, though their upcoming performances will determine whether they remain among the top favorites.
Texas A&M Aggies
Texas A&M remains a strong contender for a double-bye in the SEC tournament, steadily bolstering its resume with key victories. The Aggies have accumulated seven Quad 1 wins, the fourth most in the nation, highlighting their ability to compete at a high level against quality opponents. They have been in excellent form recently, winning four of their last five games, with their only setback coming heartbreakingly on a last-second shot against Texas.
Now, they find themselves in one of the more favorable stretches of their conference schedule, presenting a golden opportunity to extend their winning ways. If the Aggies can continue capitalizing on their matchups, they’ll solidify their SEC tournament positioning and strengthen their case for a favorable seed in the NCAA tournament.
Texas Tech Red Raiders
Texas Tech is the hottest team in the Big 12 right now, riding a seven-game winning streak that includes a statement victory over Houston last weekend. The Red Raiders, currently ranked No. 8 in the NET rankings, have completely turned their season around after some early setbacks, proving they belong among the conference’s elite.
Their impressive resume is bolstered by some of the best wins in Big 12, and they hold a unique distinction—being the only team to have defeated both Arizona and Houston, the two teams sitting atop the standings. With their recent surge, Texas Tech has firmly established itself as a legitimate contender in the conference and is building a strong case for a high seed in the NCAA tournament.
St. John’s Red Storm
Look who’s sitting atop the Big East—Rick Pitino has St. John’s thriving and New York City buzzing. The Red Storm have surged to an impressive 11-1 conference record and are riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since the 1984-85 season. Their momentum is fueled by their best victory of the year, a statement win over Marquette, further solidifying their standing as a serious contender.
With 20 wins already under their belt, St. John’s is in a strong position, but there’s still room to boost its NCAA tournament resume. With only two Quad 1 wins, the Red Storm can significantly enhance their tournament seeding by capitalizing on upcoming high-caliber matchups.
Arizona Wildcats
Who would have predicted that Arizona would be in the thick of the Big 12 title race in mid-December? After a rocky 4-5 start, the Wildcats have completely turned their season around, catching fire with a dominant 12-1 run that has propelled them back into national relevance. Along the way, they have secured five Quad 1 victories, proving their ability to compete with the best.
Their latest triumph, an overtime thriller against Iowa State, was another statement win that further solidified their tournament resume. With their recent surge, Arizona has positioned itself well for a top-four seed in the NCAA tournament, which could provide a significant advantage.
If they continue their strong play, the Wildcats could earn the opportunity to open the tournament closer to home out West, setting the stage for a deep postseason run.
UCLA Bruins
UCLA found itself on the NCAA tournament bubble after a rough start to January, struggling to secure wins. However, the Bruins have completely flipped the script, surging into single-digit seed territory thanks to an impressive six-game winning streak.
Their latest statement victory came on Tuesday against Michigan State, the top team in the Big Ten, further proving their resurgence. A big part of their turnaround has been revitalizing their offense, which has finally found its rhythm at the right time. With their recent momentum, UCLA is now firmly in contention for a double-bye in the conference tournament, setting itself up for a strong finish to the season.
Final Words
With March Madness 2025 fast approaching, these teams have positioned themselves as ones to watch, each bringing a unique story into the tournament. Whether it’s a powerhouse like Florida aiming for a top seed, a surging Texas Tech squad proving its dominance in the Big 12, or a revitalized UCLA team peaking at the right time, all of these programs have the potential to make serious noise in the postseason.
As conference tournaments wrap up and Selection Sunday finalizes the bracket, the stage will be set for thrilling matchups, Cinderella runs, and unforgettable moments. Expect the unexpected—because in March, anything can happen.
