Early Odds and Predictions for March Madness 2024

The 2022-23 NCAA basketball season is officially in the books. UConn prevailed over San Diego State in the Division I title game, so I want to look ahead and offer you my way too early March Madness 2024 predictions.

This year’s NCAA tournament was extremely chaotic and entertaining. In a field of 68 teams, anything can and will happen. Could a new contender emerge in 2024? Let’s determine which teams have the best chances of winning it all.

I first want to examine the main favorites before I dive into my predictions for March Madness 2024. Several teams that were good this past season could be a lot better. Although UConn will have a talented squad again, winning consecutive championships is extremely rare.

I’m going off the early odds for March Madness for my predictions. There are no favorites in the traditional sense. These teams have the best chances of winning the tournament based on what could happen a year from now.

• Head Coach: Jon Scheyer
• Conference: ACC
• 2022-23 Record: 27-9

Duke is another team that heavily relies on freshman players. However, their recruiting class is as good as it gets entering the 2023-24 season. The Blue Devils have five recruits ranked in the top 20 according to 247Sports Composite. Three of them are McDonald’s All-Americans.

Forward Mark Mitchell announced his return to the team for his sophomore season. Junior guard Jeremy Roach, however, may test the waters and enter the draft. Kyle Filipowski, Duke’s best player in 2022-23, will also likely take his talents to the NBA.

Despite several one-sided losses, Duke was a solid team throughout the year. They suffered from injuries but still won 27 games in 2022-23. They played their best basketball during a 10-game winning streak that ended against Tennessee during the NCAA Tournament.

The Blue Devils are already extremely good, and with a top recruiting class, they’ll be a true contender next season. After winning the ACC tournament under first-year head coach Jon Scheyer this season, Duke could be the team to beat in 2024.

• Head Coach: Matt Painter
• Conference: Big Ten
• 2022-23 Record: 29-6

Despite a disappointing finish to the season, Purdue will be competitive once again. The Boilermakers return several key playmakers, including Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer. The college also landed Myles Colvin, who’s a four-star recruit out of Indianapolis.

The big question for Purdue is whether Zach Edey will play another year in college. Edey, who stands at seven feet and four inches in height, recently won the National Player of the Year award. His return would make Purdue a true contender once again.

Losing against a No. 16 seed in the NCAA tournament was devastating, to say the least. However, Purdue could recreate the same blueprint by Virginia from several years ago. The Cavaliers also lost against a No. 16 seed before winning a championship the next season.

Playing with a chip on your shoulder can be very powerful, especially in a tournament that’s often decided by mental strength and the ability to deliver when it matters the most.

I also want to discuss a few sleepers that you should consider before submitting your March Madness 2024 predictions. New contenders often emerge every year in college basketball. You never know which team will exceed expectations.

• Miami (+2800). After advancing to the Final Four, Miami has a solid squad right now. Keeping the roster intact during the offseason will be the main challenge for the Hurricanes.
• Michigan State (+2500). The Spartans are losing several talented veterans. However, Michigan State is also bringing in one of the best recruiting classes ever under head coach Tom Izzo. I
• Texas A&M (+5000). The Aggies caught fire during the second half of the season in 2022-23. Most of the team’s core players are probably returning, including Wade Taylor and Julius Marble.
• Arkansas (+2500). The Razorbacks have two incoming freshmen ranked within the top 25 recruits. However, Arkansas also loses two key players, with Nick Smith Jr. and Anthony Black both likely entering the NBA Draft.
• Auburn (+5500). The Tigers made the most of their roster this past season, which had many limitations. With several key players returning for 2023-24 with more experience, Auburn should be in a position to succeed.

Upsets happen all the time during the NCAA tournament. March Madness is often extremely chaotic, and predicting which team will come out on top is difficult. With your early predictions, make sure that you look at every team that could do better than expected.