2025-26 Men’s College Basketball Season: Top Contenders and Betting Odds
The 2025-26 men’s college basketball season officially kicks off with an exhilarating night featuring 100 games across the nation. As universities across the country set their sights on the ultimate prize—the national championship title in April 2026—only one team will emerge victorious.
Preseason Rankings: Who’s Leading the Pack?
The AP Top 25 rankings have named some of the perennial powerhouses as frontrunners. Leading the pack:
- Purdue
- Houston
- Florida
- Connecticut
However, sportsbook predictions reveal interesting variations from these rankings, pointing to teams with stronger betting odds for the national championship.
2026 College Basketball Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Purdue | +750 |
| Houston | +900 |
| Duke | 13/1 |
| Kentucky | 13/1 |
| Connecticut | 14/1 |
| Florida | 14/1 |
| Texas Tech | 16/1 |
| Michigan | 16/1 |
| St. John’s | 16/1 |
| BYU | 18/1 |
Odds provided by BetMGM.
Insights on the Favorites
While being recognized as a contender is promising, past performance shows that early favorites don’t always secure the title. The last team to win while entering the season as the favorite was Baylor in 2021, while the last traditional season favorite to win was North Carolina in 2009.
Let’s delve deeper into the teams garnering much attention:
Purdue (+750)
Purdue enters the season looking to build on last year’s close call, where they narrowly lost to Houston in the Sweet 16. With guard Braden Smith anticipated as a contender for the Wooden Award (+450), Purdue ranks top in offensive projections according to KenPom.
Houston (+900)
Under head coach Kelvin Sampson, Houston has consistently proven strong, boasting the top defense in the nation, according to metrics from both KenPom and Bart Torvik. Despite losing in the championship game last season, they remain a formidable choice for bettors.
Duke (13/1)
Duke is always in the spotlight and this year is no exception. They feature the much-anticipated Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, with the former being a notable candidate for the Wooden Award (+700). The Blue Devils are currently placed No. 2 in Torvik’s rankings.
Kentucky (13/1)
Despite their talent, Kentucky faces early challenges with injuries to key players. Guard Jaland Lowe is sidelined due to a shoulder injury, while forward Jayden Quaintence is recovering from an ACL tear. Nevertheless, they hold a strong presence in preseason rankings, standing fourth in KenPom’s metrics.
Florida and Connecticut (14/1)
The Florida Gators, last year’s national champions, have experienced roster changes but are expected to bounce back. With returning players like Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon, they have the potential to make a significant impact. Similarly, Connecticut remains a force to reckon with, and both are worth considering at 14/1 odds.
Betting Landscape: Why It Matters
Understanding the betting landscape can give fans and bettors a strategic edge. Contrary to general belief, early favorites don’t always translate to tournament success. Exploring the odds could reveal value in underdogs or changing dynamics as the season progresses.
Conclusion
As the season launches, excitement fills the air with potential upsets, dramatic moments, and emerging talents. Teams like Purdue and Houston are already making headlines, while programs like Duke and Kentucky hope to rise up following rough patches. Stay tuned, as each game unfolds new narratives that shape the quest for the coveted championship title.
For the latest updates on betting odds, insights, and college basketball analysis, check platforms like ESPN and NCAA.
