March Madness 2024: NCAA Dark Horses to Watch This Basketball Season

Bloomington, IN – As the 2024-25 men’s college basketball season approaches, teams across the nation are gearing up for what they hope will be a successful run in March Madness. Andy Katz recently shared his top 10 Final Four dark horses, and several teams that fell outside his preseason Power 37 rankings could surprise fans this year.

One team to watch is Indiana, which enters the season with renewed energy under head coach Mike Woodson. After a challenging campaign last year, finishing 19-14 and missing the NCAA tournament, the Hoosiers have made significant moves in the offseason. They have brought in elite talent such as Oumar Ballo from Arizona, along with standout guards Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle. Coupled with returning players like Malik Reneau, Indiana boasts one of the most versatile lineups in the Big Ten.

Meanwhile, Arkansas is looking to rebound after a tough year, where they finished 16-17 overall and struggled in the SEC. New head coach John Calipari has reshaped the roster, bringing in transfers such as Johnell Davis from Florida Atlantic. With new talent in place, the Razorbacks have the potential to become a formidable contender.

Kentucky, under the guidance of former Wildcat player Mark Pope, also enters the season with high hopes. With a completely revamped roster featuring transfers like Lamont Butler from San Diego State, the Wildcats are eager to make a statement this season.

In the Big Ten, Rutgers will be a team to keep an eye on. With a talented roster that includes McDonald’s All-Americans Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey, the Scarlet Knights are set to make waves this year after finishing 15-17 last season.

The Creighton Bluejays also look ready for another deep run. After a Sweet 16 appearance last season and a strong 25-10 finish, they return key players like Ryan Kalkbrenner and add transfers that could help maintain their momentum.

Other teams that could surprise include Arizona, who consistently wins under coach Tommy Lloyd, Illinois with its new roster mix, and Ohio State looking to build on last season’s NIT success. Don’t overlook Florida, poised to bounce back in the SEC with significant talent, or Cincinnati as they aim to leverage their depth in the Big 12.

With the season just around the corner, it promises to be an exciting year filled with potential surprises as these teams set their sights on March Madness.