As confetti fell on the court in Glendale, Ariz., following UConn’s second consecutive national title, bettors began looking to the 2025 NCAA Tournament championship odds.
Both 2024 finalists, the Huskies and runner-up Purdue, are among the top teams on the FanDuel and DraftKings boards of 2025 contenders.
The top of the list is headed by teams with some significant questions to be answered.
THE TOP FIVE
Duke (+1000 at DraftKings, +1100 at FanDuel) is the favorite. Coach Jon Scheyer has a strong stable of newcomers to mix with potential returning rotation players and transfer-portal additions.
The Blue Devils’ headliner is possibly a generational talent, Cooper Flagg, who helped Duke to the top rating for incoming recruits.
Next on the DraftKings’ list were three teams in a tie at +1400: Kansas, UConn and North Carolina.
Jayhawks coach Bill Self was already planning for the 2024-25 season as his injury-plagued team sat on the ledge of its flameout in the NCAA Tournament last month.
He feels better following South Dakota State sharpshooter Zeke Mayo’s announcement that he will play for the Jayhawks after entering the transfer portal as a top target.
UConn will be challenged to approach the quality of this season’s depth, as rapidly improving freshman Stephon Castle improved so quickly that he is likely assured of becoming an NBA lottery pick in June. Sophomore center Donovan Clingan won’t be too far behind, and Alex Karaban figures to be drafted, too.
The good news for Huskies fans, though, is that Dan Hurley has built a program with nation-best momentum — a place top recruits and transfers want to play.
Another blue blood, North Carolina, has a similar situation with its recruiting pipeline and sustained success.
DraftKings lists Houston, Alabama and Arizona tied for No. 5 at +1600.
FanDuel has Kansas (+1200) just behind Duke, followed by Alabama (+1500), Houston (+1500) and North Carolina (+1500).
THE NEXT WAVE
UConn (+1800) didn’t make the FanDuel top five, but it’s hard to see the Huskies falling much further.
Purdue is at +2800 on DraftKings and +3000 at FanDuel.
Other schools perceived as having a shot at the 2025 title, listed at +3000 or better at one or both of the sportsbooks: Baylor, Iowa State, Gonzaga, Auburn and Arkansas.
The Razorbacks’ odds moved from +7000 to +3000 at DraftKings, clearly a sign of respect for incoming coach John Calipari, who left Kentucky.
The oddsmakers didn’t seem to give as much weight to Calipari’s departure from Lexington, though, as the Wildcats odds moved from +1600 to just +2000 after the announcement.
THE LONG SHOTS
A few traditionally strong basketball schools have been assigned long odds and might be the target of some speculators dreaming of hitting it big a year from now.
Just outside the +3000 threshold are Illinois, Michigan State, Texas and Tennessee — all carrying big-time reputations and the usual high expectations.
Further down is Southern California (+8000 on DraftKings) with new coach Eric Musselman ready to bring a strong transfer class to Los Angeles. Texas A&M (+9000) is aiming to build toward the top. And how about a bounce-back for coach Tony Bennett and Virginia? The Cavaliers are +12000 on the DraftKings board.
One of the best stories of the 2024 NCAA Tournament was the rise of North Carolina State, a No. 11 seed that charged all the way to the Final Four. Looking to bust the sportsbooks? Take a shot on the Wolfpack at +15000 (DraftKings).
THE FINAL KEY
Perhaps most important when trying to beat the books is to be keenly aware of the top-rated transfer players. Keep a close eye on Kentucky’s Aaron Bradshaw and Florida Atlantic veteran star Johnell Davis, who could be the last piece of a championship puzzle for a top contender.
Arizona’s 7-foot center Oumar Ballo, too, could have a significant impact when he decides on his future from inside the transfer portal.
–Field Level Media
