With arguably the greatest sporting event in history right around the corner, it’s about time to narrow down the top teams in college basketball. March Madness is one of the largest tournaments in the world, featuring 64 teams from division 1 basketball, with the last standing team being named national champions. With that being said, what teams are most likely to prevail? I will be ranking the top 10 college basketball teams to win March Madness.

10. St. Johns (19-3)

• St John’s record might be a little deceiving, as they have only played one ranked team (Baylor) and lost by one. However, they have shown to be dominant in other competitions. They might not have the star power as other teams, but almost every year a team like them makes a run for the chip.

9. Purdue (17-5)

• Unlike St. Johns, Purdue has been a powerhouse over the past decade. They have also played seven ranked teams this year and came out on top in four of them. They have shown that they can beat the good teams but not beat them consistently.

8. Michigan State (18-3)

• Michigan State is one of the most well-rounded teams, with their leading scorer only averaging 13.5 points per game. Another thing that makes Michigan State dangerous is their coaching. Their coach, Tom Izzo, has been in the sport for a long time and has proven he knows how to win.

7. Marquette (18-4) 

• Marquette is currently second in the Big East behind only the 10th team on this list. Led by star Kam Jones, the Golden Eagles are a team that could do some damage at the end-of-year tournament. Unlike some other teams on the list, their strength of schedule is relatively weak.

6. Houston (17-4)

• Houston is currently sitting at the top of the big 12 conference. They have only suffered four losses on the year, with three out of the four being against ranked teams. On the other hand, they have only beat one ranked team. So many questions remain to be answered if they are legit contenders.

5. Florida (18-3)

• Florida stands 5th in the Southeastern Conference. The Gators suffered all three of their losses to other SEC competitors. Florida started the season 13-0 and have slowed down a little since the start of conference play.

4. Tenessee (18-4) 

• Tennessee is currently ranked 4th in the AP poll. Similar to Florida, they started the season of 13-0 and have recorded a 5-4 record since then. Tennessee just recently beat Florida, hence the reason they are listed ahead of them.

3. Alabama (19-3)

• After suffering only three losses on the season, the crimson tide sits in second place of the SEC. Star Guard, Mark Sears, leads this Alabama team and their fast-paced style game. Last season, a pretty similar Alabama team worked its way into the final four.

2. Duke (19-2)

• Duke is currently standing at the top of the ACC. They are led by star freshman talent Cooper Flagg. Duke suffered a heart breaking loss to NC State in last year’s tournament. They are looking to make that next step this year, and continue building their legacy.

1. Auburn (20-1)

• The Tigers are currently ranked number one in the AP poll, and have the best record in all of college basketball. Their lone loss came to the second team on this list. Auburn is led by Johni Broome, who is a favorite to win player of the year.