Six teams that may win it all, from UConn ending its title drought to South Carolina repeating

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament looms, the excitement is palpable. College basketball fans across the country are eager to see which team will come out on top. The field is competitive, and while the usual suspects remain at the top, there are a handful of programs that could make a legitimate run at the title. From historic blue-bloods to emerging powerhouses, the possibilities are endless. Here are six teams that could very well walk away with the NCAA Championship, ranging from a team looking to end its title drought to a defending champion with the ambition to repeat.

1. UConn: Ending the Title Drought

UConn has long been considered a powerhouse in college basketball, boasting four NCAA championships under its belt (1999, 2004, 2011, and 2014). However, since its last title in 2014, the team has faced a series of challenges. The Huskies had some lean years, but now, under Dan Hurley, they are back in the conversation as one of the best teams in college basketball.

What makes UConn so dangerous this season is its all-around dominance. The Huskies have one of the best defenses in the country, and their offense is powered by a dynamic and deep roster. Adama Sanogo, the team’s star center, is a force in the paint, both as a scorer and rebounder. His inside presence is complemented by a guard-heavy backcourt, featuring Tristen Newton, who has emerged as a playmaker and leader for the team. UConn’s depth and balanced attack make it a tough team to prepare for, and it’s clear that Hurley has cultivated a winning culture.

UConn’s title drought could finally end this year. The program has all the tools to make a deep run in the tournament, and their well-rounded style of play could see them march to the national championship.

2. South Carolina: The Reigning Champions with a Shot to Repeat

After capturing its first NCAA championship last season, South Carolina enters the 2025 tournament with the weight of expectations squarely on its shoulders. The Gamecocks are no longer a dark-horse contender—they are the defending national champions, and there is every reason to believe that they can repeat. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has transformed into one of the most dominant programs in college basketball.

The team is built around a suffocating defense and the dominant presence of Aliyah Boston, who is among the most decorated players in the sport. Boston’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, whether it’s through rebounding, shot-blocking, or scoring, makes her a matchup nightmare for any opponent. In addition to Boston, South Carolina boasts a talented supporting cast, including Zia Cooke, who has grown into one of the most explosive guards in the country.

What sets South Carolina apart from other top teams is its consistency and depth. The Gamecocks have the ability to wear down opponents with their defensive intensity and rebounding prowess, and they can also strike quickly with their fast-paced offense. With the experience of last season’s run and a roster full of players who know how to win, South Carolina is one of the favorites to take home the title once again.

3. Kansas: A Legacy of Excellence and Championship Pedigree

There are few programs in college basketball with a pedigree as rich as Kansas. The Jayhawks have won multiple national titles, with their most recent coming in 2022, when they defeated North Carolina in an unforgettable championship game. Under Bill Self, Kansas has established itself as one of the most consistently elite programs in the country.

Kansas enters the 2025 season as a legitimate contender, bolstered by the return of several key players. Jalen Wilson, who was the Jayhawks’ standout during their 2022 run, returns as one of the top players in the nation. His ability to score, rebound, and lead the team on both ends of the floor makes him indispensable. The Jayhawks also have Grady Dick, a freshman who has quickly established himself as a future NBA talent, and KJ Adams, who provides both scoring and versatility in the frontcourt.

What makes Kansas so dangerous is its combination of experienced leadership and young talent. Self has a track record of getting the best out of his players in March, and the Jayhawks’ experience in high-pressure games gives them a distinct advantage over teams that may lack postseason pedigree. Kansas is always a contender, and with their current roster, they are more than capable of adding another championship to their illustrious history.

4. Duke: The New Blue Blood

The departure of Mike Krzyzewski left some wondering what the future held for Duke, but under new head coach Jon Scheyer, the program has shown that its blue-blood status is intact. Duke may have entered a new era, but it hasn’t missed a beat. The team’s blend of elite recruiting and Scheyer’s tactical adjustments has kept Duke in the national conversation.

Duke’s roster this season is loaded with talent. Kyle Filipowski, a versatile forward who can shoot from outside and dominate inside, is one of the most complete players in the country. Paired with a dynamic backcourt featuring Tyrese Proctor and Dereck Lively II, Duke has the weapons to go toe-to-toe with anyone. The Blue Devils’ length, athleticism, and size make them a difficult matchup, and Scheyer’s ability to adapt and get the most out of his players in high-pressure moments will be critical during the tournament.

While Duke’s championship window remains open, it’s the balance between its experienced players and emerging stars that could make them a real threat in 2025. If the Blue Devils can gel and play up to their potential, they will be one of the most dangerous teams come March Madness.

5. Arizona: The Team Everyone Should Be Watching

Arizona has quietly established itself as one of the most dangerous teams in the country. Under head coach Tommy Lloyd, the Wildcats have built a culture of fast-paced, high-scoring basketball. Arizona is always in the mix as a contender, but this season, they have something special. The Wildcats boast one of the most potent offenses in the country, and their balance between scoring and defense gives them a solid foundation for success.

Azuolas Tubelis, a talented forward, has blossomed into a potential Player of the Year candidate, providing scoring and rebounding at an elite level. Arizona also features Kerr Kriisa, a dynamic point guard capable of orchestrating the offense and scoring in bunches. The team’s combination of skilled big men and sharpshooting guards gives them the versatility to compete against anyone, and their high-tempo style of play keeps opponents on their toes.

The key to Arizona’s success will be its defense. While the Wildcats can score with the best of them, they must continue to improve on the defensive end, especially in the post-season. If Arizona can tighten up defensively, their offensive firepower could carry them all the way to a national title.

6. Purdue: A Juggernaut in the Making

Purdue has long been a respected program in college basketball, but in 2025, they have the look of a juggernaut. The Boilermakers boast one of the most complete rosters in the nation, with a mix of size, skill, and depth that is hard to match. Zach Edey, the reigning National Player of the Year, anchors the team with his dominant play in the paint. Edey’s size and skill around the basket make him nearly unstoppable, and his presence in the post forces teams to adapt their entire game plan.

Beyond Edey, Purdue has several talented players who complement him perfectly. Braden Smith, a talented point guard, has emerged as one of the top facilitators in the country, while Fletcher Loyer provides scoring from the perimeter. The Boilermakers also have depth, with players like Mason Gillis and Ethan Morton offering valuable contributions off the bench.

What makes Purdue such a dangerous team is its ability to control the game on both ends of the floor. The Boilermakers can dominate the paint with Edey’s inside presence and are capable of knocking down shots from the outside. With their ability to impose their will and execute at a high level, Purdue is positioned to make a serious run at the championship in 2025.

 The Road to the 2025 NCAA Championship

As we approach the 2025 NCAA Tournament, these six teams—UConn, South Carolina, Kansas, Duke, Arizona, and Purdue—represent the best of the best. Each of these programs has a unique set of strengths, from UConn’s defense to South Carolina’s championship pedigree, and from Kansas’ experience to Arizona’s offensive firepower. The tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with each of these teams capable of cutting down the nets at the end of the season.

No matter which team ultimately claims the title, the road to the 2025 NCAA Championship will be filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. These six teams, each with its own story and journey, are poised to deliver some of the most exciting basketball of the year.