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History was made on April 8, 2024, as UConn became the first team to secure back-to-back national championships since Florida achieved the feat in 2006 and 2007. This remarkable accomplishment has stirred the conversation around whether a three-peat is on the horizon for the Huskies next season.

Will Dan Hurley and his formidable UConn squad continue their dominance, or will they finally be dethroned? As the glow of the title game fades into the annals of history and the whirlwind of the transfer portal—alongside the buzz surrounding the coaching vacancy at Kentucky—gains momentum, the focus shifts to the prospects of the 2024-25 season.

With early top 5 rankings showing significant variations from one outlet to another, it becomes crucial to establish a clear framework for analyzing the landscape. To see the full ranking, check out FanDuel Top 25.

Duke Blue Devils

The Duke Blue Devils have all the makings of a team that can win the next March Madness. Despite a somewhat disappointing finish in the Elite Eight last season, the upcoming roster possesses an extraordinary blend of talent that could very well dominate the collegiate basketball landscape.

Although there may be concerns surrounding the point guard position, especially if Jeremy Roach does not return for his fifth option year, Duke’s projected starting lineup, which includes Tyrese Proctor, Caleb Foster, Mark Mitchell alongside Flagg and Maluach, is formidable.

This lineup not only brings scoring ability from all angles but also a defensive tenacity that will be tough for any opponent to break down. Duke’s blend of budding stars and seasoned veterans under Scheyer’s strategic guidance sets the stage for a redemption story culminating in a national title win.

Gonzaga Bulldogs

The Gonzaga Bulldogs are poised for triumph in the next March Madness, boasting a powerhouse team capable of clinching the title. With the dynamic duo of Ryan Nembhard and Graham Ike leading the charge, Gonzaga presents a dual threat both inside the paint and from the perimeter.

Nembhard’s adept playmaking and Ike’s dominance in the post form one of the nation’s most formidable inside-outside pairings. The addition of Pepperdine transfer Michael Ajayi, who averaged an impressive 17.2 PPG last season, alongside the return of Steele Venters from injury, further amplifies their offensive capabilities. Venters, known for his sharpshooting, missed the previous season, but his return is set to provide an added perimeter pop that the Bulldogs lacked.

With a starting lineup that combines scoring prowess, experience, and a well-rounded skill set, Gonzaga, under the stewardship of Mark Few, is a serious contender for the NCAA championship. Their ability to play like a top-tier team, as demonstrated in the final months of the 2023-24 season, underscores their readiness to compete at the highest level and potentially secure the coveted March Madness title.

Kansas Jayhawks

Following a season that fell below expectations, the Kansas Jayhawks are positioned to redeem themselves as a frontrunner for the next March Madness title. Even after a year that ended in disappointment, the potential return of Hunter Dickinson could significantly bolster Kansas’s roster, placing them squarely in the championship conversation.

However, the Jayhawks’ strength doesn’t solely rest on Dickinson’s decision. The team boasts experienced veterans in Dajuan Harris Jr. and K.J. Adams Jr., whose leadership and skills will be invaluable. The incoming transfers, Zeke Mayo and Riley Kugel, bring a dynamic scoring ability from the wings, addressing a critical area of need from the previous season.

Mayo, in particular, comes off an impressive season at South Dakota State, averaging 18.8 PPG, while Kugel adds depth with his 9.2 PPG from Florida. Coupled with the highly anticipated debut of Flory Bidunga, the Jayhawks have a balanced and potent lineup capable of both offensive firepower and defensive resilience.

Under Bill Self’s guidance, this mix of youth and experience, talent and tenacity positions Kansas as a credible threat to clinch the NCAA championship.

UConn Huskies

The UConn Huskies, fresh off a historic title run, face a season of significant transitions, making them underdogs in the quest for a third consecutive NCAA championship. With potential departures of key players, the spotlight turns to Dan Hurley’s ability to rebuild and lead a relatively inexperienced roster to March Madness glory.

Despite losing formidable talents, UConn’s projected lineup, led by Ahmad Nowell and supported by promising yet unproven players like Solomon Ball, Jayden Ross, Jaylin Stewart, and Samson Johnson, holds untapped potential. Nowell, a high-caliber recruit, brings a blend of skill and leadership expected to uplift the team’s dynamics. While it’s challenging to foresee a back-to-back-to-back championship run given the anticipated overhaul, Hurley’s coaching prowess and UConn’s resilient culture shouldn’t be underestimated.

If the young Huskies roster gels quickly, adapting to Hurley’s strategic systems, they may just defy odds and continue their dominant streak on the national stage.

Iowa State Cyclones

The Iowa State Cyclones emerge as strong contenders to win the next March Madness, thanks to T.J. Otzelberger’s exceptional coaching prowess, which led them to secure the Big 12 tournament championship and a notable 2-seed in the NCAA tournament.

The Cyclones boast a formidable backcourt with Tamin Lipsey and Keshon Gilbert returning, both of whom are instrumental in the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. The expected development of Milan Momcilovic signifies an additional threat from both inside and outside the paint. With strategic transfers like Nate Heise from Northern Iowa and Dishon Jackson from Charlotte, Iowa State significantly bolsters its lineup, providing depth and versatility.

If Curtis Jones decides to utilize his final year of eligibility, the team’s experience and leadership will further solidify, enhancing their competitive edge. The collective talent, experience, and strategic acumen under Otzelberger’s guidance set the Cyclones up as a powerhouse capable of navigating the complexities of March Madness for a potential title win.