Which teams can win it all?

By Kip Keefer... March 3, 2025

When the field is announced in two weeks for the NCAA basketball tournament, there will be 68 schools selected to participate in the greatest spring ritual March Madness. Which of those 68 actually has a realistic chance to be cutting down the nets as national champions when it’s all said and done?

To answer that question we start in a place that’s obvious, however, this being the focal point is definitely a recent phenomenon.

The SEC has incredibly become the undisputed ruling kingdom in college basketball. With a week to go in the regular season, and the SEC tournament in Nashville starting next week, the league figures to have at least 12, and possibly as many as 14 teams in the tournament. These are unheard of numbers. There are only 16 teams in the SEC.

Candidly, there are only a few teams in the league that are a legitimate title contender in the NCAA tournament. But many of the representatives that will be hooping it up in the early rounds. But the SEC contingent can certainly inflict major damage on contending teams throughout the tournament.

The regular season grind in the league has been so challenging, these teams are battle tested, and ready for all comers. Let’s take a look at the SEC teams that can take it all the way.

One thing to remember, this tournament does not allow for any Significant stumble or off night. It’s one and done if you lose. The road to NCAA basketball championships are filled with the expired dreams of tremendous teams that were knocked off before reaching the hallowed ground of the final four. So when handicapping teams, consistency, and squads that bring it every night, are the most desirable choices.

AUBURN

The Tigers are a wrecking ball, with all the elements from a personnel standpoint to rampage all the way to the final four. Johnoii Broom is a legitimate superstar. but not so much in the traditional sense. This unique player excels in every facet of the game and the supporting cast. and the supporting cast for Auburn is multitalented and extremely deep. They will be the number one overall seed in the tournament, and unlike some Auburn teams of the past, that were very good, you are going to have to play a perfect game to beat this team. Bruce Pearl’s outfit does not self-destruct and beat themselves.

themselves.

May be a little bit questionable Maybe a tad questionable in the wardrobe department

Nate Oats, innovative Tide head coach maybe a tad questionable in the wardrobe department, but the product Bama puts on the floor, his electrifying. A running gunning outfit that can blow a fuse on the scoreboard. There is no such thing as a advised three point attempt. It’s up and down at both ends full speed. When this team plays at the top of their game led by Senior guard Mark Sears, they are a handful and then some. Also extremely deep, playing 10 different players. Perhaps the only element slightly lacking is consistent defensive excellence. Their big man Grant Nelson, is the secret sauce to Alabama‘s chances in the dance. His game reached new levels last year in the NCAA tournament, which took UA all the way to Phoenix and the final four. If this team plays that it’s highest level, they can certainly be a major title contender.

FLORIDA

Do not sell the Gators short. Immensely talented team, capable of scoring consistently and capable of playing shut down defense. Coach Todd Golden, manage to do the seemingly impossible, putting together a game plan to take down the number one team in the country Auburn on the road. This team could make a very long run, and legitimately could go all the way.

TENNESSEE

They say “defense wins championships“ which makes Big Orange a threat. coach Rick Barnes has been down this trail numerous times. Volunteers have been steady if not spectacular all season long and the rigorous SEC jungle. No question this team is capable if things break their way.

HOUSTON

Supremely talented team has stood above a very competitive big 12 all season. This is a team that can make a long run and perhaps even capture the title.

Saint John’s.

Speaking of coaches that have been around this block a timer or two or 12, veteran headman Rick Patino has revived basketball at this traditional powerhouse school. The big east highly competitive with two time defending champion Connecticut, Marquette, Creighton. Another league with battle tested teams

DUKE

Naysayers have acknowledged the tremendous season the blue Devils have put together but many dismiss this team because they are dependent on extremely young players such as freshman sensation Cooper Flagg. Duke has demolished the diminished ACC all season. They should not be written off.

SO YOU ‘RE SAYING THERE’S A CHANCE

MICHIGAN STATE

PURDUE

MISSOURI.

CLEMSON

IOWA STATE

MARQUETTE

MEMPHIS