Who will win the NCAA Tournament? Start with these 10 teams (plus one) in March Madness
.jpg "The favorites for this year’s NCAA Tournament include the top four (No. 1) seeds: clockwise from top left, Kansas, Houston, Purdue and Alabama.")
Reach the NCAA Tournament bracket and you have a chance to win the national championship.
Technically, that’s correct. But in realty, only a handful of teams have a real shot at the confetti shower and “One Shining Moment” serenade afforded the victor.
Since seeding the field became a thing in 1979, 26 top seeds have won the championship. Other seeds account for 17 titles. The lowest seed to win it all was No. 8 Villanova in 1985.
Starting at the top is the best place to find the most likely candidates to win it all, but among these 10 favorites, we dropped into the seed lines.
In alphabetical order, here are the 10 best bets, plus one, to win the championship.
Alabama
The overall No. 1 seed with dynamic freshman Brandon Miller has the firepower to win its first NCAA hoops title.
Arizona
A great offensive team led by Azuolas Tubelis would push the Crimson Tide in the South Regional final.
Connecticut
The Huskies have gotten great individual performances in their four NCAA title runs since 1999. Jordan Hawkins could be that player this time.
Duke
Under-seeded at No. 5, the Blue Devls lost one of 18 games at full strength and rampaged through the ACC Tournament.
Houston
The Cougars have developed a winning edge under Kelvin Sampson and have the added incentive of wanting to play the Final Four in their home city.
Kansas
The defending national champion isn’t deep but beat more good (Quad 1) teams than anyone in the nation this season.
Marquette
The Golden Eagles fly into the tournament on a nine-game winning streak. Tyler Kolek leads one of the nation’s top backcourts.
Purdue
With 7-4 Zach Edey, who should become the national consensus player of the year, the Boilermakers have a shot against everybody.
Texas
Top 20 rankings in offensive and defensive efficiency attest that the Longhorns have a shot at their first NCAA title.
TCU
When the Horned Frogs put it together, they’re as good as any team in the country. Plus they carry the hunger of last year’s disappointing exit.
UCLA
The Bruins are down their top defender in Jaylen Clark, but coach Mick Cronin gets the best out of this talented team led by Jaime Jaquez.
This story was originally published March 14, 2023 at 6:00 AM.