5 underrated teams that could win the 2025 NCAA championship ft. Duke

The 2024-25 college basketball season is set to begin on Nov. 4. The field is wide open as the defending champion UConn Huskies will look to replace four of their five starters this season, with Alex Karaban as the lone starter to return.

The AP Top 25 Poll released last Monday with the Kansas Jayhawks sitting atop the preseason rankings for the second straight year. Here's a look at five teams that look underrated but have a strong chance to win the NCAA Championship.

5 underrated teams with chances to win the 2025 NCAA championship

#1: Duke Blue Devils

The Duke Blue Devils have plenty of hype entering the season due to the addition of Cooper Flagg. Despite their strong roster, they enter the season ranked seventh in the nation after reaching the Elite Eight last season.

While they are underrated in the AP Top 25 Poll, the Blue Devils have +950 odds of winning their sixth title in program history—and first without Mike Krzyzewski.

#2: Arizona Wildcats

The Arizona Wildcats enter the season ranked tenth in the preseason AP Top 25 Poll after reaching the Sweet Sixteen last year. Their odds of winning the second national title, and first since 1997, sit at +2500 entering the season.

#3: Baylor Bears

The Baylor Bears fell short of expectations last season as they were bounced in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

They enter the 2024-25 season ranked eighth in the nation with +3000 odds of winning their second national championship in program history.

#4: Arkansas Razorbacks

The Arkansas Razorbacks made one of the biggest moves of the offseason as they hired John Calipari after he spent the previous 15 seasons leading the Kentucky Wildcats.

They failed to reach the postseason last campaign after three consecutive appearances, finishing under .500 for the first time since 2009-10.

The Razorbacks enter the season ranked 16th in the nation with +4000 odds of winning their second championship—and first since 1994.

#5: North Carolina Tar Heels

The North Carolina Tar Heels were able to advance to the Sweet Sixteen last season after missing the postseason for the first time in two decades.

They enter the 2024-25 campaign ranked ninth in the nation with +2500 odds of winning their seventh national championship in program history.