College basketball is heating up in the 2024-25 season. With conference tournaments like the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Southeastern Conference (SEC) for the men’s division, as well as the Northeast Conference (NEC) and Conference USA for the women’s division on the horizon, several programs have emerged as must-watch squads.
From bubble teams fighting to punch their tickets to the Big Dance to blue-blood programs setting the tempo, there’s no shortage of high-stakes action. Fans are eagerly watching as teams battle for dominance on the hardwood, where every possession, game, and tournament performance could define their season.
Here are some squads worth keeping an eye on this year:
Penn State has had a rollercoaster season, with College basketball odds fluctuating as they claw through a grueling Big Ten schedule. The Nittany Lions have pulled off some statement wins against ranked foes but also have struggled with consistency, especially on the defensive end. When their shooters got hot from beyond the arc, they could trade punches with the best in the conference.
Good thing Penn State’s ability to step up in big games makes them a dangerous underdog. If they can tighten up their defense and sustain offensive momentum, they have the potential to pull off upsets and shake up the bracket. Their recent victory over No. 12 Wisconsin on March 8, 2025 marked a major turning point as they secured a dominant 86-75 win, their first Wisconsin's Kohl Center since 1995.
Much like Penn State, Temple Owls have been scrappy all season. They need to rack up quality wins to pad their resume and strengthen their case for an at-large bid. Surprisingly, they found ways to control the pace of play and execute in crunch time, making them a tough out for any opponent. Their ability to hit clutch shots and grind out close games has kept them on the radar.
In particular, Temple thrives in high-pressure moments and has shown resilience in tight contents. Their ability to close games makes them a compelling team to follow as the season winds down. The Best College Basketball Props to Watch include their rebounding dominance and three-point efficiency, both of which played a role in their notable 88-81 victory over No.18 Memphis on January 17, 2025.
The University of Southern California (USC)’s women’s team has been one of the season’s biggest surprises, largely due to the electrifying play of freshman phenom Juju Watkins. A walking highlight reel, Watkins has delivered jaw-dropping stat lines and stepped up in crucial moments, often carrying the Trojans when it matters most.
Transitioning into the Big Ten Conference, the Trojans clinched the regular-season title with an impressive 17-1 conference record, finishing 26-2 overall. Their dominance was further highlight by a decisive 8-67 victory over then-No. 2 UCLAS on March 1, 2025, securing their first Big Ten title in their inaugural years in the conference.
The last on this list is none other than the #1 team in the AP Top 25 Men’s College Basketball Poll—Auburn Tigers. The Tigers have been the team to beat this season, dominating the competition with their fast-paced offense and relentless defense. Their ability to dictate tempo, force turnovers, and capitalize in transition has made them a nightmare matchup for opponents.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Bruce Pearl, who recently became the winningest coach in Auburn history with his 214th victory on January 7, 2025, the Tigers have achieved significant milestones this season. They clinched the Maui Invitational Championship and secured a historic 94-78 victory over No.17 Kentucky on March 1, 2025. Additionally, despite a recent overtime setback against No.7 Alabama on March 8, 2025, they secured the SEC regular-season championship and entered the upcoming SEC Tournament as the top seed.
As the 2024-25 college basketball season reaches its most intense stretch, teams are battling for conference supremacy, tournament bids, and national recognition. While this list highlights some of the most exciting teams making waves now, the story is far from over.
Expect rising unexpected contenders, tournament upsets that will shake the bracket, and unforgettable performances that will define the road to March Madness. The most thrilling moments are still to come, so stay tuned!
