As March Madness kicks off, it’s clear that momentum is a key ingredient for success in the NCAA Tournament. This year, ten teams are entering the tournament with strong performances behind them. Take the Florida Gators, for instance. They’ve been riding the high of a six-game winning streak, largely thanks to the outstanding play of Walter Clayton Jr. Meanwhile, the North Carolina Tar Heels are making waves too, having etched their names into tournament history after a commanding win against San Diego State in the First Four. Both teams seem well-positioned to carry their energy into the first round of the tournament.
UC San Diego is another team generating considerable buzz. They’ve secured their first NCAA Tournament entry with a remarkable 15-game winning streak, which currently stands as the longest active streak in Division I basketball. Plus, teams like High Point and Drake are also capturing attention, each with plenty of fuel to power through March Madness. The Panthers have been victorious in their last 14 games, while the Bulldogs have clinched wins in 18 of their past 19 matches.
Historically, hitting a hot streak at the right time can make all the difference in March. Since the expansion of the tournament to 64 teams in 1985, 14 of the past 25 national champions have clinched their conference titles—proving that peaking just before the tournament often pays off. In fact, over the last decade, teams seeded 1 through 4 and boasting at least a five-game winning streak have boasted an impressive 78-12 record (.867) in the opening round.
For those seeking the latest insider info, there’s some interesting buzz in the college basketball transfer portal concerning top 2025 cycle players. But for now, here’s a look at the ten teams burning hottest as they gear up for the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament.
