The annual spring tradition of the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament, or “March Madness,” has made its anticipated return. The electric atmosphere of college basketball games in March is unmatched, creating a feeling that fans eagerly await each year.
In the 2024-25 college basketball season, many teams have blossomed, while others that were once safe March Madness bracket picks have struggled to meet expectations. To create a well-rounded bracket, it is important to choose dependable, consistent teams along with a few under-the-radar teams to make a deep tournament run.
To provide more insight into what teams should be chosen to make deep runs into this year’s March Madness tournament, an analysis of several teams will be made, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and overall potential for success.

University of Kansas

Coached by all-time great Bill Self, Kansas has made 36 consecutive NCAA appearances since 1989, winning four national championships, most recently in 2022. However, this season has fallen below expectations due to inconsistency. The Jayhawks have struggled to maintain leads and mount comebacks, which was proven when, in early February, Kansas blew a 21-point lead against Baylor University, making it the largest in the school’s history. As a result, they have dropped out of the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since February 2021. Despite the struggling season they have had, Kansas is typically a program that wins high-level basketball games, especially in the tournament. A hard-fought, deep tournament run would not be a complete shock to most, though expectations for this squad are low.

Auburn University

The Auburn Tigers are dominating in the Southeastern Conference, the toughest conference in college basketball this year. Led by Player of the Year candidate Johni Broome, who leads the Tigers in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks, Auburn looks as strong as ever. With 12 upperclassmen and just three freshmen, this team has the advantage in almost every game when it comes to experience. Their balanced attack on the floor is another strength, as they rank number one in the nation in offensive efficiency and 10th in the nation in defensive efficiency, allowing 93.1 points per 100 possessions. In 2019, Auburn reached the NCAA Final Four but lost to the University of Virginia by one point. With a strong strength of schedule, depth, and motivation, all signs are pointing towards the possibility of Auburn’s first NCAA championship victory.

Duke University

The Duke Blue Devils have had a strong season led by freshmen Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. They have dismantled top teams such as Auburn, Louisville, and Arizona, with Flagg leading in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. A five-time NCAA champion, Duke is poised for a deep run after reaching the Sweet 16 last March and the Final Four in 2022. However, their reliance on Flagg and Knueppel raises concerns about handling the pressure of March Madness. Flagg, in particular, has struggled in clutch moments, committing costly turnovers late in games against Kentucky and Kansas, arguably leading to losses against those two teams. The Blue Devils have a shot at an Elite Eight or Final Four run this March, it all depends on whether or not this team can keep their composure in the clutch.

University of New Mexico

The New Mexico Lobos are emerging as a top dark horse in the 2025 Tournament. Led by head coach Richard Pitino, the Lobos play at a very high pace, averaging 82.7 points per game with their explosive playmakers like upperclassmen Donovan Dent and Nelly Junior Joseph making New Mexico a team that could surprise opponents in March. They have secured key wins over San Diego State and Arizona, showing they can show up for the big games. Historically, New Mexico has made several NCAA Tournament appearances, with their best runs coming in 1974 and 1997, when they reached the Sweet 16. Though they haven’t broken through to the Elite Eight, this year’s squad has the talent and depth to make a deep run. If you’re looking for a team capable of busting brackets, the Lobos are a strong bet in 2025.