Bracketology Odds To Make NCAA Tournament: Indiana In, ‘Bubble’ Xavier?

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Written By Eli Hershkovich | Last Updated March 2, 2025

Among the bevy of available college basketball odds, FanDuel Sportsbook provides a betting market for select teams on the bubble of the 2025 NCAA tournament. As we approach Selection Sunday on March 16, many questions remain regarding big-named programs, such as Indiana and Xavier, and their March Madness aspirations. Let’s investigate the latest bracketology odds, the No. 1 seed betting market, and a Final Four dark horse.

Click any odds below to place a wager. We highly recommend sifting through the best sportsbook promos at the best sports betting sites.

bracketology odds: to make NCAA tournament

ncaa Tournament odds	Bet $5 Get $150
Baylor	-360
Indiana	-210
Ohio State	-170
Nebraska	-140
georgia	-140
North Carolina	+145
Texas	+160
Xavier	+185
Oklahoma	+250
SMU	+280
Cincinnati	+340

Last Updated on 03.01.2025

Editor’s Note: Remember to bookmark this article. When odds are available for matchups involving the abovementioned teams, they will appear below.

Indiana’s Rise & Baylor’s Fall

Few expected the Hoosiers to land on the NCAA tournament bubble at this point in the season, and no one considered the possibility of the Bears missing the Big Dance. Despite a turbulent campaign, which included Mike Woodson’s end-of-season resignation, Indiana has landed within the projected field after consecutive wins versus Purdue and Penn State. Last week, it was on the outside looking in, improving its implied probability by nearly 41 percentage points.

Baylor has slightly better bracketology odds, yet it’s dropped three straight, including an inexplicable loss at Colorado. That outlines its problematic small-ball five against lengthier foes. Since 6-foot-10 Josh Ojianwuna suffered a season-ending knee injury on Feb. 8, the Bears have graded in the fifth percentile of defensive rebounds per game (via CBB Analytics).

As promising of a prospect as VJ Edgecombe has developed into, Baylor may miss the tournament if it continues to stumble down the stretch.

On Saturday, the Bears face Oklahoma State while the Hoosiers square off against Washington.

Xavier’s Massive Opportunity

The Musketeers are plus money to receive a tournament bid, but they would drastically improve their chances by knocking off Creighton at the Cintas Center. In their first duel, Sean Miller’s squad failed to cover as 6.5-point dogs. This time, it should take advantage of some home cooking in a motivational spot.

Various analytical projections have the Musketeers pegged as short favorites.

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betting odds for No. 1 Seed(s)

No. 1 seed odds	Bet $5 Get $150	Up To $1,000 Bonus Bets
Houston	-500	-250
Alabama	-120	-180
Florida	+110	+105
Tennessee	+220	+200

Last Updated on 02.27.2025

Will Alabama Get Picked Off?

With Houston set to be favored in its last three regular-season games, the Cougars will likely join Auburn and Duke atop the field. Their 71.4% implied probability in this betting market illustrated that. Then again, I disagree with Crimson Tide’s pricing as an odds-on favorite for the final No. 1 seed.

Unlike Houston, Alabama is projected as an underdog in two of three contests before the SEC tourney, including Saturday’s road test against Tennessee. Sandwiched between those contests is a home affair versus Florida, which is also in the mix in this market. The Tide will be a short favorite at best.

Bettors who expect the Vols to take care of business this weekend should consider wagering on their +220 odds to snag the last remaining one-seed.

You could also bet on the Gators (+110), but I’m less bullish on their short-term prospects with a hungry Aggies team lurking.

Bracketology Odds: Final Four Dark Horse

Speaking of Texas A&M, the market has soured on Buzz Williams’ group following three consecutive losses. Even though the Aggies’ shooting slump could cost them a seed or two come Selection Sunday, it’s provided bettors with another opportunity to buy low on their Final Four odds.

During the last month, Texas A&M has posted a -8.5% net 3-point clip — the third-worst in D-I behind Illinois and Mississippi State. If Alabama’s Final Four run taught us anything last season, a shooting slump is just that.

For context, the Tide shot 38.8% from long range through early February before enduring negative variance to end the regular season. Once the Big Dance arrived, Mark Sears and Co. rediscovered their shooting stroke en route to Phoenix.

The Aggies aren’t usually connecting on a heavy dose of triples like Alabama. But because of their prowess for creating extra possessions, they could string together a deep run if their shooting simply regresses to the mean.

Make Your March Madness Picks

Per the table, Texas A&M’s best Final Four odds are +1200 at FanDuel Sportsbook. For additional March Madness odds, click “Show all bets.”

Join TheLines.com’s free sports betting Discord — with over 5,000 community members and our staff sharing bets daily.

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