The Men’s March Madness bracket features many teams that are undeniably thrilling to watch but the two that stand out the most are:

Duke “Blue Devils”: Duke is the 1st ranked team in the east, led by star freshman and the 2024-25 ACC player of the year, Cooper Flagg. Flagg averages 18.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists and 48.8% on FG’s. Last year Duke was famously upset in the elite 8 by 11 seed NC state, and I think this is their year to come back and win it all. Duke is led by many NBA prospects and I think this is their tournament to lose.

Florida “Gators”: Florida is the 1st ranked team in the west led by star senior guards Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin. Florida is not just powered through their star senior guards as they have a lot of depth. Florida won back to back March Madness tournaments in 2006 and 2007 and has a similar team this year led by senior guards and forwards, which makes them the favorites of many to win the tournament.

Two  of the most exciting teams in the Women’s March Madness tournament are UConn and South Carolina.

UConn “Huskies”: UConn won 4 consecutive March Madness tournaments in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 and has put together similar teams and playing concepts in these past few years making them my favorite to win. UConn is led by senior guard Paige Bueckers, one of the most notable players in women’s college basketball averaging 18.7 points, 4.4 rebounds,  4.8 assists and 53.6% on FG’s. UConn is my favorite to win the tournament as this could be their stars last year to win one.

South Carolina “Gamecocks”: The gamecocks are coming off of a march madness win last year, led by Ashlyn Watkins and Maddy McDanie, they are looking to repeat. South Carolina has been a competitive team in the Women’s tournament for years, and are looking to capitalize on it this year.

See who wins it all at the National Championship. For Women’s, tune in April 6th at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. For Men’s, tune in April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.