The 2025 NCAA Tournament is right around the corner, and there are exciting opportunities for savvy bettors. With potential high returns, exploring long shots is key to capitalizing on this year's bracket.
Three Long Shot Picks to Win the 2025 NCAA Tournament
Making the right bets can significantly enhance your March Madness experience. While some teams dominate headlines as frontrunners, betting on long shots can yield impressive payouts. Here are three standout teams boasting promising NCAA Tournament 2025 betting odds.
Texas Tech NCAA Odds: A Team to Watch
At 40/1 odds at Caesars, Texas Tech is one of the most intriguing long shots in this year's tournament. Finishing second in the competitive Big 12 Conference, the Red Raiders have an impressive resume, including a strong emphasis on defensive play. Their KenPom ranking, currently sitting at No. 7, indicates a solid statistical foundation.
Despite a less than stellar finish to the regular season, Texas Tech possesses the talent required to make a deep run. Their balance between offense and defense makes them a formidable opponent. Betting on Texas Tech NCAA odds at this stage feels like a premium opportunity for bettors looking to back a team with hidden potential.
Factors to Consider:
- Strong Roster: The Red Raiders have multiple players capable of taking over games.
- Recent Form: They may have struggled toward the end of the season, but previous impressive victories still linger.
- KenPom's Insight: The analytical backing from KenPom underscores their capability in the tournament.
Gonzaga Bulldogs Betting: A Sleeping Giant
With odds at 50/1 on DraftKings, Gonzaga offers an attractive betting proposition. Historically, the Bulldogs have been a strong presence in NCAA tournaments, often falling short of expectations despite high seedings. However, the current narrative overshadowing this year's team might be misleading.
Gonzaga is projected as a No. 7 seed, but their statistics suggest they belong further up the seed line. Their Luck Rating is notably around 341st in the nation according to KenPom, indicating they have faced challenges that may not reflect their true potential. Currently ranked as the seventh-best team in KenPom's metrics, Gonzaga embodies the true essence of a long shot who can surprise.
Benefits of Betting on Gonzaga:
- Number Resilience: They maintain a strong performance across various metrics despite tournament history.
- Strategic Play: With the capability to adapt strategies mid-game, they are a risk for any higher-seeded opponents.
Wisconsin Badgers Futures: A Strong Defensive Team
At 65/1 from DraftKings, the Wisconsin Badgers should not be overlooked in your college basketball futures betting strategy. Wisconsin combines strong capabilities on both sides of the ball, with a current ranking suggesting they could be undervalued.
Similar to Gonzaga, the Badgers have experienced tough breaks during the season, capturing a Luck Rating of 272nd. However, KenPom’s metrics place them as 11th, showcasing their impressive statistical prowess. Having recently advanced to the Big Ten tournament final, Wisconsin has proven its resilience and ability to compete at high levels.
Key Reasons to Consider Wisconsin:
- Balanced Play: They excel in both offense and defense, making them unpredictable.
- Potential for Upset: Their current ranking does not align with their statistical capabilities, spotlighting them as potential dark horses.
Why Bet Early?
The window for securing these long shot bets is narrow. Once the Selection Sunday coverage begins, odds on hot favorites may shrink, making it challenging to find value. By placing bets ahead of the bracket reveal, you stand to benefit from any favorable matchups that might arise.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Risk Assessment: Betting on underdogs involves embracing the unpredictable nature of March Madness.
- Research Key Stats: Keeping abreast of performance metrics and player conditions will enhance your betting strategy.
- Monitor the Field: Surveying how other teams fare as the tournament approaches helps gauge your long shot's competition.
In a tournament filled with surprises and drama, identifying value in teams like Texas Tech, Gonzaga, and Wisconsin** can set you up for a profitable betting experience. Lock in these odds before the tournament begins, and you may find yourself celebrating significant wins come March.