2025 NCAAM Champ Week Predictions: Who Will Claim the Conference Titles?

The 2025 NCAAM Champ Week is in full swing, and the stakes couldn't be higher. With 31 conference tournaments taking place across the country, teams are vying for automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. ESPN's team of experts—Jeff Borzello, Myron Medcalf, Joe Lunardi, and Neil Paine—have weighed in with their predictions for each tournament. Here's a breakdown of their insights and analysis.

Ohio Valley Conference

• Borzello: Little Rock
• Lunardi: Southeast Missouri State
• Medcalf: SIU Edwardsville

Why Southeast Missouri State? The Redhawks are riding momentum with a 10-game winning streak and lead the OVC in foul shooting and fewest turnovers. Their balance makes them a strong contender.

Why Little Rock? The Trojans boast the conference's best defense and have already proven they can compete with the top teams, including a win over Southeast Missouri.

Why SIU Edwardsville? Ray'Sean Taylor, averaging 19.2 PPG, is the league's best player and could carry the Cougars to victory.

Big South Conference

• Consensus Pick: High Point

Why High Point? The Panthers are the class of the Big South, leading in both offensive and defensive efficiency. Their 11-game winning streak makes them the team to beat.

Atlantic Sun Conference

• Borzello & Medcalf: North Alabama
• Lunardi: Lipscomb

Why Lipscomb? Jacob Ognacevic, the conference's best player, gives the Bisons the edge in a tight race.

Why North Alabama? The Lions are on a hot streak, winning eight of their last nine games. Their momentum could carry them to the title.

Missouri Valley Conference

• Consensus Pick: Drake

Why Drake? Despite skepticism after last year's Indiana State snub, Drake's impressive record and defensive dominance make them a favorite in Arch Madness.

Summit League

• Borzello & Lunardi: South Dakota State
• Medcalf: St. Thomas-Minnesota

Why South Dakota State? Oscar Cluff, the league's best player, and a top defense should lead the Jackrabbits to the championship.

Why St. Thomas? Johnny Tauer’s team has the league's best offense and is ready to make history in their first D-I tournament appearance.

Southern Conference

• Borzello: East Tennessee State
• Lunardi: UNC Greensboro
• Medcalf: Chattanooga

Why East Tennessee State? If healthy, the Buccaneers, led by Quimari Peterson, have shown they can compete with the league’s best.

Why UNC Greensboro? Defense wins championships, and UNCG leads the SoCon in defensive efficiency.

Why Chattanooga? An 11-game winning streak and the league's best offense make the Mocs a strong contender.

Stay tuned for more analysis as Champ Week continues, with predictions for the Big Ten, SEC, and beyond. Who will punch their ticket to the Big Dance? Only time will tell.