Top 5 Teams in the Running for an NCAA Tournament #1 Seed

5. Alabama

The Crimson Tide is among the most exciting teams college basketball has ever seen. Head coach Nate Oats has fully embraced the run-and-gun mentality of basketball's new era, playing at the fastest pace in the country and operating with the second-best offense nationally per KenPom. Alabama has eclipsed 100 points in four of their previous seven games, including in a stunning road victory against Kentucky last weekend. We saw their high-octane offense take over its region en route to the Final Four last season, so who's to say they can't do the same in 2025 and even claim a top seed in the bracket with so many opportunities for quality wins within the SEC?

2. Duke

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Duke's diaper dandies mirror the dominance of their freshmen-led team, which won it all just ten years ago, led by Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones. This time, Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel are getting it done for the Blue Devils, one of the best high-low duos in the country. Durham is home to the nation's longest-active win streak at 12 games, and there simply may not be anyone in the ACC who can disrupt their momentum. Perhaps next month's rare interconference battle against Illinois could threaten Duke's lengthy success.

3. Tennessee

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As previously mentioned, the Volunteers have a golden opportunity to further solidify themselves as a top seed in the NCAA Tournament and perhaps be a contender for the top overall seed with their road matchup against Auburn this weekend. Rick Barnes's group looked poised to be atop a region in March until an absolute drubbing at the hands of Florida, followed by a road loss to Vanderbilt just 11 days later, shook up their resumé a bit. They are still tied for the third-most Quad 1 wins in the country with six, so they remain firmly in the conversation as long as they can get back on track.

4. Iowa State

T.J. Otzelberger has put together one of the most balanced, experienced rosters in all of college basketball this season. The Cyclones are one of two teams in the entire country, along with Duke, ranked in the top ten in both offensive and defensive efficiency on KenPom. They have been a model of consistency throughout the season. Iowa State are a blown second-half lead against Auburn at the Maui Invitational away from being a one-loss program and in serious contention for the top overall seed. With how tough the Big 12 always is, there will be plenty of opportunity down the stretch for Iowa State to play their way into that conversation.

5. Alabama

The Crimson Tide is among the most exciting teams college basketball has ever seen. Head coach Nate Oats has fully embraced the run-and-gun mentality of basketball's new era, playing at the fastest pace in the country and operating with the second-best offense nationally per KenPom. Alabama has eclipsed 100 points in four of their previous seven games, including in a stunning road victory against Kentucky last weekend. We saw their high-octane offense take over its region en route to the Final Four last season, so who's to say they can't do the same in 2025 and even claim a top seed in the bracket with so many opportunities for quality wins within the SEC?