2025 Sweet 16 Predictions and Betting Odds for March Madness

Maryland Terrapins vs. Florida Gators: Florida -6 (-115)

The Florida Gators needed everything in the tank in the Round of 32 against the UConn Huskies. Florida ousted UConn by a score of 77-75 to end the Huskies’ three-peat bid.

Walter Clayton Jr. has been on fire in this tournament and had another strong showing against the Huskies. He poured in 23 points after lighting Norfolk State up for 23 points in the opening round. Despite the close call against UConn, the Gators likely match up better against Maryland.

The No. 4 seeded Terrapins had a close call in the Round of 32 as well. They needed a buzzer-beater to down the Colorado State Rams for a 72-71 win. It was actually the first buzzer-beater of the tournament this year (if we exclude the First Four).

Maryland will have to be in much stronger form to do the same against the Gators.

This is what March Madness is all about 🔥 pic.twitter.com/50VFJdAASr

— The Sports Geek (@TheSports_Geek) March 24, 2025

With Clayton Jr. rolling at the moment, it’s hard to bet against the top seed. As the court general of the third highest-scoring offense in the NCAA, Clayton Jr. is likely to come up clutch in the second half. Florida has scored 85.7 points per game entering the Sweet Sixteen.

Clayton Jr. should be in for a big game, but the real mismatch has to be in the frontcourt. Look for Alex Condon and Thomas Haugh to play a critical role in the paint against the Terrapins. Florida got their bad game out of the way versus UConn, and now I see them rolling.

Maryland will make this a competitive game through the first half, but I expect Florida to pull away for an eight-point win. With this in mind, consider Florida -6 for your 2025 Sweet 16 betting picks!

Michigan Wolverines vs. Auburn Tigers: Michigan +8 (-115)

Two rounds after Michigan were the trendy pick to be upset by UC San Diego, the Wolverines are in the Sweet 16 and a win away from the Elite 8! Michigan had to fight and claw for a win against UC San Diego but survived for a 68-65 victory.

They were underdogs against Texas A&M but made easy work of the Aggies. The team that we saw against UC San Diego was much better in the Round of 32. Dusty May’s squad pulled away to defeat the Aggies in a 91-79 final. When Michigan is confident, they can play with any team in the nation.

They’ve been up and down and gone through hot streaks throughout the season. The win over Texas A&M, a strong opponent, should get the Wolverines going. Michigan got hot at the right time for the Big Ten Tournament. They defeated Wisconsin in an impressive defensive display for a 59-53 win.

Auburn is the top-rated team in the country and the overall No. 1 seed. How could the Wolverines beat Auburn in the Sweet 16? I think the source of Michigan’s success will come from Daniel Wolf and Vladislav Goldin. These are two big bodies that Michigan can give the Aggies some issues.

Vladislav Goldin is All-Big Ten! He was voted to the first team by the media, while earning second-team honors by the coaches; he adds all-conference second team honors from the Associated Press

Release:​ ​https://t.co/CD19UuRjfV#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/w8KEqGgbva

— Michigan Men's Basketball (@umichbball) March 11, 2025

The Tigers’ defense hasn’t been unbreakable this season. They’re 81st in the NCAA, with an average of 69.4 points against per game. Michigan should be able to lean on Wolf and Goldin to keep the Wolverines within striking distance. Auburn ranks seventh with 83.8 points per game, but Michigan has done their part with 78.3 points this season.

This one could go down to the wire, so taking the points is the best side here. In short, as one of the best Sweet Sixteen 2025 picks at +8, the Wolverines are worth a look against Auburn!

Purdue Boilermakers vs. Houston Cougars: Purdue +8 (-115)

In another Big Ten vs. No. 1 matchup, the Purdue Boilermakers will look to take down the Houston Cougars. Although Purdue doesn’t have the same talent from last season, which took them to the national title game, they are being overlooked.

Big Wins.

👉 8 of Purdue's last 9 wins in @MarchMadnessMBB have been by double-digits. pic.twitter.com/5Z1fUzue7r

— Purdue Men's Basketball (@BoilerBall) March 23, 2025

Purdue put out the fire of a potential Cinderella story with a 76-62 win over McNeese State in the Round of 32. The underdog had plenty of confidence entering the matchup after ousting Clemson, but couldn’t overcome a superior Boilermakers squad.

The Boilermakers finished fourth in the Big Ten with a record of 24-11. Despite the 11 losses, Purdue is playing their best basketball at the right time. The Boilermakers faltered versus Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament, though were in solid form in wins over USC and UCLA recently.

It’s a tough matchup for the offense against an aggressive Cougars’ defense. However, Purdue has the personnel in the back and frontcourt to give Houston a big battle. Zach Edey is no longer at Purdue, but Trey Kaufman-Renn has done his best to replace him.

Trey Kaufman-Renn in Purdue's win over McNeese:

— 22 PTS
— 15 REBS
— 3 ASTS
— 1 BLK
— 1 STL
— 7/12 FG
— 8/10 FT#NBADraft pic.twitter.com/bNDpszIxmq

— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) March 22, 2025

Kaufman-Renn is averaging 20.3 points per game on 59.9% shooting. The big man is going to be the key to beating the Cougars in this one. If he can dominate the paint, the odds of Purdue winning go up significantly. In addition to Kauffman-Renn, guard Braden Smith is a huge factor in the backcourt.

Smith is second in the NCAA in 2024-25, with 8.5 assists per game! He’s also an efficient scorer with 16 points per game. With Kauffman-Renn and Smith, the Boilermakers should manage to land enough blows to cover the spread.

In short, Purdue +8 is one of our best men’s March Madness Sweet Sixteen predictions and picks!