2025 NCAA Tournament Regional Previews & Best Bets

March Madness officially begins with the Round of 64 after the First Four concluded, so let’s take a quick peak at the bracket and give you our regional previews, bringing you our expert’s best bets along the way. We won’t waste anytime, just a quick synopsis from our fellas before it all kicks off.

So be sure to check out  our NCAA Basketball picks page for all of our expert’s best bets!

South Regional Preview

Regional Semifinals Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Colby Marchio: I’m sticking to my guns and taking the Auburn Tigers to win it all in this region. I’ve already got a 5/1 future on them to take the whole enchilada. Despite the talent in this region, the only real threat I see for Auburn is Michigan State—whom I have tremendous respect for—but I think the Tigers would be too much for the Spartans. The only thing (or person) I believe standing in Auburn’s way is head coach Bruce Pearl, infamous for choking in the tournament. They have all the tools, and they’ve shown they can beat the best away from home. It’s tough not to back this team to the promise land.

For more analysis, check out my piece below.

Best Bets: Auburn to Win the Region (+100) BetOnline

Check out our NCAA Tournament Futures here!

Nate Hornung: It certainly feels like this is Auburn’s region to lose. I had thoughts on the Iowa State Cyclones, but without Keshon Gilbert and a banged up Tamin Lipsey, they are off my radar. Although people may hate to hear it, I could see North Carolina stringing some wins together and sneaking their way into the second weekend.

Aside from Auburn, I do like Michigan State and Michigan. Sparty losing in the Big Ten Semifinals was the best thing to happen to them. They got hot slightly too early, but now are ready for a run in the Big Dance. As for the Wolverines, I could see them heating up just like Dusty May did with the FAU Owls two years ago, and Michigan has the bodies to hang with Broome down low.

West Regional Preview

Regional Semifinals Location: San Francisco, CA

Colby Marchio: In what I think is one of the toughest regions in the tournament, the Florida Gators are my pick to make it out. Chalky? Sure, but I’m holding a 7/1 ticket for them to take down the nets in April.

“Colby, how many futures do you have?” Me? Oh, I have three—Auburn, Florida, and St. John’s at 22/1 for my love and respect for the Italian Stallion, Rick Pitino.

Back to business: the Gators might be the best team in the entire country, and I think they’re even better than Auburn. They are the complete package. Sure, they’re a faster-paced team—which typically worries me—but I don’t want my pick to run out of gas before the Final Four. The Gators play pure lockdown defense; they run hard, and once they’re back on defense, they’re going to give their opponents the clamps. Since February 1st, they’ve maintained a top-five offense and a top-20 defense. I love this team so much. Give me the chalk.

Best Bets: Florida to Win the Region (-130) BetOnline

Nate Hornung: Talk about a region of death. Not only do we have the Florida Gators, who might be the hottest, most complete team in College Hoops at the moment. We also have UConn and Dan Hurley still trying to three peat as the 8 seed, St. John’s and Ricky P as the 2 seed, with a Round of 32 matchup against Coach Cal and the Hogs or Bill Self and the Jayhawks. Not to mention Texas Tech, Missouri, Drake, and Maryland could all find a way to win a few games.

Look out for Colorado State to the Sweet 16 even though I don’t see anyone taking down the Gators. It might be a chalky March, folks, but enjoy it all the same.

East Regional Preview

Regional Semifinals Location: Newark, NJ

Colby Marchio: I have to lean with Wisconsin for a couple of reasons. How healthy is Duke? Without knowing that, I can’t fully back them to go the distance. And Alabama’s defense simply doesn’t exist—don’t try to argue it’s good based on advanced statistics. I’ve seen them play; they don’t play defense. They try to outscore their opponents, and that isn’t sustainable in the tournament. They could even lose to Saint Mary’s in the second round.

The Badgers have ranked as the 16th best offense and defense since February 1st. They’re also one of the most lethal three-point shooting teams in the country, hitting threes at the 16th highest rate during that span. I hope this Wisconsin team gets to play the Crimson Tide in the Sweet Sixteen— that game could easily reach the 200s.

With all these factors, I believe the Badgers look the best in this spot, as the other two favorites have too many red flags in my opinion.

Best Bets: Wisconsin to Reach Elite Eight (+340) BetOnline

Nate Hornung: I love what Colby said about the Badgers and also see them advancing to the Elite Eight. To take it one step further, I don’t hate the Badgers to win the region at 10-1. They have the offense and defense to play with anyone, and as long as they are shooting alright, they should come out on top.

Ultimately, this is Duke’s region to lose, but with Cooper Flagg’s injury, there are too many question marks surrounding that team for me to bet a future on them. Wisconsin matches up well to both Alabama and the Blue Devils, making me lean their way in this region. Alabama is fresh off a Final Four run, but the lack of defense could catch up to them against the Badgers, if not, certainly against Duke.

Midwest Regional Preview

Regional Semifinals Location: Indianapolis, IN

Colby Marchio: Does Houston have a cakewalk to the Final Four? Or can Tennessee finally get over the hump? Either way, I can’t stand either team. Both play too slow and can’t win a shootout. Oh, and one of them is coached by Rick Barnes… gross.

I want a long shot in this region. Give me Clemson to make the Final Four. I fully endorse taking the Tigers to reach the Sweet 16 and Elite 8, both at plus money at the time of this write-up.

Why Clemson? Even if they have to get past Houston to get there, the path isn’t impossible. They have McNeese in the first round—a game they should win. Then likely Purdue, who has had the worst two-point defense in the country since February 1st. The Boilermakers don’t play defense. Clemson does. If they take down those two, they’d likely face Houston, and in that spot, I think the Tigers could outplay the Cougars.

I’m never too high on Houston—their offenses never stay efficient in the tournament. Since February 1st, they’ve struggled to score inside at a high clip. They also don’t get to the line well while sending their opponents there at a high rate.

What about Tennessee? Rick Barnes. Next question.

For the price—and my lack of respect for the other teams in this region—I am riding with the Tigers.

Best Bets: Clemson to Win the Region (+1200) BetOnline

Nate Hornung: I don’t have very many strong opinions other than I could see someone sneaky making a run. Whether than be Purdue getting hot at the right time, or maybe even Illinois finally figuring things out.

Who knows, but I think it’s wide open. I’ll go ahead and say that I would pick Houston if you forced me to place a future, but I’d rather just bet the games individually. The Wildcats of Kentucky scare me with their injury prone stars and unwillingness to play defense. However, that style would play right into an over in a potential Round of 32 matchup with the Illini.

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