Underrated March Madness Teams to Watch in 2025
March Madness is nearly here, and while the big-name basketball teams are getting all the attention, smart bettors know that the tournament is not always won by the obvious favorites. If you’re looking to make some savvy National Championship betting picks or shake up your NCAAB predictions, it’s time to focus on the underdogs—the teams flying just below the radar that could surprise everyone.
Here’s a breakdown of five underrated teams that could make waves in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
1. Connecticut Huskies
UConn has had a bumpy season, and it shows in their No. 10 seed projection. Losses to teams like Memphis and Dayton earlier in the season have kept them off most people’s radar. But here’s the thing—don’t sleep on the Huskies just yet.
With a promising offense led by rising star Solo Ball, UConn has shown flashes of brilliance—like their big Quad 1 win against Marquette this February. Combine that with coach Dan Hurley’s fiery leadership and the return of Liam McNeeley from injury, and this squad has serious upset potential. Yes, their defense may be shakier than you’d like, but UConn has proven they can turn up the heat when it matters most. Don’t be surprised if they go deep into March.
Their National Championship betting odds currently sit at +4000, so there’s definitely value to be found in backing the Huskies.
2. Gonzaga Bulldogs
Here’s a team we can’t quit. Sure, Gonzaga has seven losses this season, but they’ve been incredibly close in most of them. Three went into overtime, and none of the losses were by more than six points—talk about heartbreak city.
Despite those setbacks, Mark Few’s team boasts the nation’s fourth-best offense, according to KenPom rankings. If they can tighten up their game in the final minutes and find their winning mojo again, they could easily outperform their No. 8 seed projection. March Madness loves a comeback story, and the Zags might just be the leading actors in this year’s tournament drama.
3. New Mexico Lobos
Richard Pitino’s New Mexico Lobos are having a moment. Despite being a serious bubble team (currently projected as an 11 seed), they’ve got what it takes to cause chaos.
The Lobos’ recipe for success includes a defense that ranks in the top 30 nationally for both steals and blocks, along with scoring powerhouses Donovan Dent and Nelly Junior Joseph leading the charge. Their resounding 19-point win over Utah State earlier this month was a loud statement to those doubting the team’s capabilities. If they keep building momentum, New Mexico could be the bracket-busting squad you didn’t see coming.
4. St. John’s Red Storm
Led by the legendary Rick Pitino, St. John’s has quietly amassed a stellar 19-3 record. Despite that, they’re only projected as a No. 6 seed—largely because their wins lack the “wow” factor March Madness committees love.
But don’t brush them aside. This team’s defense is no joke, sitting fourth in the nation in adjusted efficiency with impressive steal and block rates. With Deivon Smith now back from a shoulder injury, St. John’s is poised to prove their doubters wrong. If they can snag quality wins against Marquette or UConn in the coming NCAAB games, they could enter the tournament with scary momentum to match their elite defensive skills.
5. West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia has had its share of struggles this season, including a three-game losing streak that derailed their momentum. Yet, this team refuses to back down. With notable victories over Gonzaga, Kansas, and Arizona, the Mountaineers have proven they can hang with the big boys.
What’s holding them back is uncertainty. Star player Tucker DeVries has been sidelined for months, and Jayden Stone hasn’t suited up all season. If either returns before the tournament, WVU could have the depth they need to go far. Even without them, their gritty defense has kept them competitive in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball. If they bring that fire into March, their No. 7 seed projection could feel laughably low in hindsight.
Bet on the Underdogs and Watch the Madness Unfold
The beauty of March Madness lies in its unpredictability. Picking the obvious favorites is one way to go, but the road less traveled—trusting the underdogs—could make for a much sweeter payoff. Whether it’s UConn’s redemption arc, Gonzaga’s late-game revenge, or New Mexico’s underdog rise, these teams are primed for tournament glory.
When filling out your brackets or making your National Championship betting picks, remember this list—and don’t be afraid to go bold. After all, it’s not called March Mediocrity.
