The opportunity is provided by billionaire Warren Buffett and Quicken Loans offering $1 billion for a perfect March Madness bracket.

For college students, this could be a chance to open doors and pay off college loans and debts. In addition, Quicken Loans will offer $100,000 each to the 20 most accurate
brackets, to be used for buying, refinancing or remodeling a home.

The odds of winning the grand prize are 1:9,223,372,036,854,775,808.

“It’s crazy to think someone could really win a billion dollars and I’m for sure trying my luck,” said senior construction management major Markus Preciado.

Around this time of year, Chico State students are stressed out with midterms, work and graduation. This opportunity will give students a chance to remain sane and get into March Madness this year.

“Man if I won this challenge, I would buy my mom the biggest house ever and pay off all my debts,” said junior communications major Robert Alvarez.

Participants must fill out their bracket by March 18. Until then, students have time to catch up and study over spring break to win this billion dollar challenge.

“I’d buy so many Jordans if I won and I’d pay off my school loans and just live lavish for a while,” said junior men’s track and field long jumper Derek Taylor.

The grand prize involves annual payments of $25 million over the course of 40 years. The grand prizewinner may also elect to receive a one-time payment of
$500 million.

“Whoever wins this challenge will be jumping out their socks out of pure shock and it would be crazy to be on campus and just throw all your papers in the air like Lebron James does before games with baby powder,” Preciado said.

Benjamin Marquez can be reached at [email protected] or @bmarq2424 on Twitter.