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2026 College Basketball National Championship Odds and Expert Predictions

by Joey House - 4/9/2025

College basketball National Championship odds Solo Ball UConn Huskies

While the echos of "One Shining Moment" are still ringing after Florida's thrilling come-from-behind 65-63 victory over Houston, the oddsmakers have already posted the odds for the 2025-26 college basketball season. These "way-too-soon odds" are just that: way-too-soon. The transfer portal and NBA Draft will wildly change the composition of the majority of rosters. However, it's never too early to try and grab a few long shots for eye-popping odds. Exactly 365 ago, the first odds released saw the Gators at +5500. UConn was +8000 or better when they started their back-to-back run.

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2026 Futures for the 2025 Final Four Teams

Duke (35-4, 1-Seed Lost to Houston in Final Four) +1000

Although he hasn't made an official decision, it's widely believed that 2025 National Player of the Year, freshman forward Cooper Flagg, will declare for the NBA Draft and most likely become a lottery pick. However, don't cry too much for the Blue Devils, as they are the number one-rated recruiting class for the second straight season. Highlighting this top group of incoming freshmen are a pair of Duke legacies. Cayden and the 2025 Gatorade HS Player of the Year, Cameron Boozer, hope to win a National Championship like their father, Carlos Boozer, did in 2000-01 when Duke defeated Arizona.

Houston (35-5, 1-Seed Lost to Florida National Championship) +1200

Houston is set for another strong season with a top-tier recruiting class ranked No. 2 by most outlets and No. 1 on On3.com. Freshmen Chris Cenac Jr. and Isiah Harwell will join returning double-digit scorers Emanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler. The departure of L.J. Cryer and J'Wan Roberts will create gaps. Milos Uzan could turn pro now that he ranks No. 40 in ESPN's NBA Draft board after a stellar second half of the season. This could lead Kelvin Sampson to seek an experienced point guard through the transfer portal. With three top-20 prospects joining the roster, Houston looks ready for another competitive run.

Florida (36-4 1-Seed Won 2025 National Championship) +2500

Coming off a stellar season, Florida must rebuild after losing pivotal members of their championship lineup. Todd Golden's prowess in retooling the backcourt will be essential, with Walter Clayton Jr., Will Richard, and Alijah Martin heading out the door. Alex Condon's possible jump to the NBA as a near first-round pick adds complexity, but the No. 8-ranked recruiting class, according to On3.com, offers fresh talent. Thomas Haugh seems ready to shine, and Rueben Chinyelu brings reliability to the interior.

Auburn (32-6 1-Seed Lost to Florida in Final Four) +2500

After reaching its second Final Four in school history, Auburn faces a plethora of questions about a squad laden with seniors. True freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford will be one of the most exciting players in the nation next season if he elects not to enter the draft. The same goes for Pettiford's senior backcourt mate, Chad Baker-Mazara, who has a year of eligibility remaining but could decide to forgo it to enter the draft. Head coach Bruce Pearl added a dynamic scorer with UCF transfer Keyshawn Hall and the 19th-rated recruiting class.

Strong Longshots

UConn (24-11 8-seed Lost to Florida in 2nd Round) +1400

UConn's 2024–25 season was a rollercoaster of frustration, starting with a winless Maui Invitational and ending with a loss to Florida that halted their two-year championship run. Still, Dan Hurley and the Huskies are poised to rebound in 2025–26, especially with a strong transfer portal haul and their No. 3-ranked recruiting class per On3.com. The backcourt looks explosive, with Solo Ball returning amid preseason All-America buzz, elite freshman Braylon Mullins arriving, and Georgia transfer Silas Demary Jr. stepping in as a Tristen Newton-esque point guard. Tarris Reed Jr. offers double-double potential, but adding depth and convincing Alex Karaban to stay for his senior year will be key priorities for another title push.

Arkansas (22-14 10-seed Lost in Sweet 16 to Texas Tech) +2000

Arkansas turned a rollercoaster 2024–25 season into a late surge under John Calipari, clinching an NCAA tournament bid and reaching the Sweet 16 before an overtime loss to Texas Tech. That postseason spark sets the stage for a strong follow-up, with four of the top six minutes-players, including projected top-50 draft picks Boogie Fland and Adou Thiero, expected back. Top-10 recruits Darius Acuff and Meleek Thomas, part of the No. 4-ranked recruiting class, add scoring flair to the backcourt alongside potential returners like D.J. Wagner, Billy Richmond III, and Karter Knox. Calipari's priority this spring will be bolstering the frontcourt to round out a promising roster.

Michigan State (30-7 2-seed lost to Auburn in Elite Eight) +3500

Tom Izzo delivered a masterclass in coaching during the 2024–25 season, leading Michigan State to a 30-win campaign, their first since 2019, a Big Ten regular-season title by three games, and an Elite Eight run. Despite the likely departure of star freshman guard Jase Richardson, a projected first-round NBA draft pick, the Spartans return significant pieces, including point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., big man Jaxon Kohler, and rising junior Coen Carr, a potential breakout star if he can harness his athleticism consistently. With the No. 19-ranked recruiting class adding depth and key frontcourt players back, Izzo's squad could reload for another strong season, though adding wing scoring through the transfer portal will be crucial.

 

List of Notable Teams

Louisville: +1700

Purdue: +1900

Brigham Young: +2000

Kentucky: +2000

Kansas: +2000

Alabama: +2000

Texas Tech: +2000

Michigan: +2500

St. John's: +2500

Tennessee: +2500

Gonzaga: +3000

Iowa State: +3000

Arizona: +4000

Baylor: +4000

UCLA: +4000

North Carolina: +4000

Creighton: +6000

Texas: +6000

Illinois: +7000

Wisconsin: +7000

Villanova: +9000

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