So far this year’s March Madness has had a lot of unexpected turns, with several games ending in ways that nobody expected. With the vast amount of upsets during the tournament, this is the first time since seeding began in 1979 that none of the No. 1, 2, or 3 seeds advanced to the men’s NCAA Tournaments final weekend. 

The seed combination at this year’s Final 4 will be the second highest in tournament history. UConn-4, Miami-5, San Diego State-5, and Florida Atlantic-9, adds up to 23, second to the 2011 Final Four. There is no guarantee who will win this tournament, but the odds-on favorite is the UConn Huskies.

The Men’s National Championship odds board says that the UConn Huskies (-125), are the odds-on favorite to win the 2023 NCAA Tournament, followed by the San Diego State Aztecs (between +360 and +400), and Miami Hurricanes (between +450 and +490). But even though the Huskies have the odds, the odds have been wrong before.

It’s no doubt the Huskies have been a favorite, the Huskies have completely dominated four NCAA tournament games, and the only team that has shown capable of slowing them, was Iona in the first half of their first-round matchup. The game ended with UConn winning by 24. One of the reasons for UConn’s success has been their shooting. UConn has shot 39% from three since February first, a mark that ranks in the top 40 nationally in that stretch. And in the Big Dance, the team’s been even better, shooting a blistering 42% on nearly ten makes per game.

San Diego State is playing in the Final Four for the first time in program history, and it’s the Mountain West’s first Final Four team after surviving a 57-56 thriller against No. 6 seed, Creighton, in the Elite Eight.They’ve yet to even make it to the Elite 8, finishing in the Sweet 16 two previous times (2011 and 2014). With a lack of deep NCAA Tournament runs, it’s not surprising that college basketball fans wonder if Brian Dutcher’s team has what it takes to go all the way. Not only is this the first time making it to the Final Four for SDSU, but FAU as well.

Florida Atlantic University has made a historic run this season. The Owls made the NCAA Tournament for only the second time in program history and remarkably, made it to the Final Four in Houston. What’s even more impressive, is that they’re coming in as the No. 9 seed. A No. 9 seed has only made the Final Four two other times, Wichita State(2013) and Pennsylvania(1979). The Owls will try to become the highest seed ever to win the NCAA Tournament. Villanova won it as a No. 8-seed in 1985. 

FAU isn’t the only other team having their first Final Four appearance, but Miami has just made their first Final Four appearance as well. The team has reached the NCAA Championship’s Sweet 16 five times. The Elite 8 twice in consecutive years, and this year marks their first year entering the Final Four. These last games are going to be very exhilarating to watch, each team has had amazing runs this tournament and have worked hard every day to get to the Final Four. Make sure to tune in this weekend!