The road to the 2026 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament is already taking shape. With bluebloods reloading, mid-majors rising, and a few surprise contenders emerging, this year’s title race could be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory.

From preseason favorites like Purdue and Houston to value plays such as Alabama and Baylor, bettors have no shortage of intriguing options on the board. Below, we’ll break down the latest championship odds, identify the top favorites, find some dark-horse value picks, and give our prediction for who cuts down the nets next April in Indianapolis.

Let’s take a look at the latest NCAAB Championship odds, courtesy of the top sports betting sites, and make our NCAAB Championship predictions.

Men’s College Basketball Championship Odds

Check out the latest NCAAB Basketball Championship odds, courtesy of Scores and Stats:

Parity has hit NCAA Men’s Basketball and it’s staring right at us with these championship odds. Eight teams are all within striking distance of each other at the top of the NCAAB betting boards.

Like the oddsmakers, the best handicappers are also split over who will cut down the nets as the 2026 National Champions. Keep reading below to see which team we predict to win it all and how they compare to the elite handicappers in our industry-leading membership.

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NCAAB Championship Favorites

The following NCAAM Basketball teams are considered the odds-on favorites to cut down the nets as National Champions in 2026:

Purdue Boilermakers (+950)

Purdue once again enters the college basketball season with championship aspirations — and this time, the Boilermakers finally look equipped to finish the job. After a 24–12 campaign that ended in the Sweet Sixteen, Matt Painter’s team returns nearly its entire core, giving them one of the most experienced and cohesive rosters in the nation. With star guards Braden Smith and Fletcher Loyer back to orchestrate the offense and senior forward Trey Kaufman-Renn emerging as a legitimate All-American threat, Purdue’s continuity could prove to be its greatest weapon in March.

The offseason losses were minimal, with only a few rotational pieces hitting the transfer portal. Painter quickly addressed frontcourt depth by landing Oscar Cluff, a 6’11” Australian center who averaged 17.6 points and 12.3 rebounds at South Dakota State, and Liam Murphy, a 6’7″ sharpshooter who hit 42% from deep at North Florida. Those additions help offset the graduation of Zach Edey, ensuring that Purdue’s size and physicality — trademarks of Painter’s system — remain intact. With Cluff’s rebounding and Kaufman-Renn’s inside-out versatility, the Boilermakers should continue to dominate the paint while improving their spacing.

The backcourt is the heart of this team. Braden Smith may be the most underrated point guard in the country, averaging 15.8 points, 8.7 assists, and 2.2 steals last season while setting the tone as the team’s vocal leader. His ability to control pace, create for teammates, and defend multiple positions makes him invaluable in March. Meanwhile, Loyer provides consistent outside shooting, and the program’s culture of veteran development ensures steady contributions from role players like Camden Heide and Myles Colvin’s replacements. Purdue’s blend of senior leadership, skill, and chemistry is rare in the transfer-portal era — and it gives them the stability that so often wins in March.

This roster feels like a culmination of years of investment in Painter’s system. With three senior starters who’ve grown together through deep tournament runs, Purdue boasts elite experience, toughness, and balance across every position. They have scoring from all three levels, improved athleticism, and the kind of chemistry that can carry a team through the chaos of March Madness. After years of close calls, this could finally be the season the Boilermakers turn their consistency into a national championship.

Houston Cougars (+950)

Kelvin Sampson’s Houston Cougars came within a possession of winning the 2025 national championship, and they’re poised to make another serious run at the title in 2026. Last season, Houston finished 33–4 and captured another Big 12 regular-season crown, powered by the nation’s best defense and elite discipline on both ends. Even after losing leading scorer LJ Cryer and veteran contributors like Terrance Arceneaux and J’Wan Roberts, Sampson’s team looks just as dangerous thanks to a deep mix of proven veterans and elite freshmen talent.

The Cougars return their defensive backbone and backcourt leadership with Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp — two senior guards who perfectly embody Sampson’s system. Uzan, a transfer from Oklahoma, was named Second-Team All–Big 12 last season after averaging 11.4 points and 4.3 assists while shooting 43% from three. Sharp, meanwhile, enters his third season as one of the most efficient two-way wings in the country, having earned Big 12 Tournament MVP honors behind 12.6 points per game and a reputation as a clutch shooter. That level of continuity at guard gives Houston the kind of stability that most college programs can only dream of.

Houston’s frontcourt is equally formidable. Joseph Tugler, last year’s Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, anchors the paint with elite rim protection and rebounding, while 5-star freshman Chris Cenac Jr. provides a dynamic new scoring option at power forward. At 6’10”, Cenac brings athleticism and floor-spacing Houston has lacked in recent years, complementing Tugler’s physicality with versatility. Add in freshman guard Isiah Harwell, one of the top recruits in the nation, and Sampson suddenly has the balance of veteran steadiness and youthful explosiveness needed to navigate March.

The formula hasn’t changed — relentless defense, toughness, and execution — but this group’s ceiling might be higher than ever. With three starters back from last year’s runner-up squad and a recruiting class loaded with NBA-caliber talent, Houston once again profiles as one of the nation’s most complete teams. Sampson’s culture guarantees elite defensive effort, and the Cougars’ expanded offensive upside makes them even scarier. If the freshmen adapt quickly and the veterans maintain their edge, Houston has every tool to finally finish the job and deliver the school’s first national title in 2026.

UConn Huskies (+1300)

After winning back-to-back national titles in 2023 and 2024, the UConn Huskies endured a relative “down year” by their lofty standards. Still, a Round of 32 exit to eventual champion Florida hardly qualified as a collapse, and all signs point to Dan Hurley’s squad reloading for another deep tournament run in 2026. The Huskies lost a few key contributors — including 2025 first-round NBA Draft pick Liam McNeeley, and veteran starters Hassan Diarra and Samson Johnson — but they return a trio of proven playmakers in Solo Ball, Alex Karaban, and Tarris Reed who form one of the most experienced and balanced cores in the country.

Hurley’s program has made a habit of thriving through roster turnover, and this year looks no different. Solo Ball has quietly become one of the Big East’s most dangerous shooters, knocking down 42.5% of his threes in conference play while providing steady perimeter defense and secondary playmaking. Karaban, who averaged 14.4 points and 5.5 rebounds last season, remains the steady hand that keeps UConn’s half-court offense humming, while Reed gives them an interior anchor capable of controlling the glass and defending multiple positions. Together, this trio supplies UConn with scoring versatility and the kind of chemistry that can carry a team through the volatility of March.

Depth shouldn’t be an issue either. Jaylin Stewart and Jayden Ross return as rotation wings with high upside, while transfer additions and a pair of Top-30 freshmen add scoring punch and energy off the bench. As always under Hurley, the Huskies are built on defensive identity — an area that slipped last year when they finished just 75th in KenPom’s defensive rankings. A return to top-50 form on that end would immediately make UConn one of the most complete teams in the nation again.

Hurley’s track record speaks for itself. With 165 wins at UConn and two national titles already under his belt, few coaches are better at building teams that peak at the right time. This version of the Huskies feels much more balanced than last year’s streaky group — veteran, deep, and driven to reclaim their place atop college basketball. If the returning stars stay healthy and the defense finds its bite again, UConn absolutely has the tools and pedigree to capture a third championship in four years at +1300.

Kentucky Wildcats (+1300)

A new era in Lexington has quickly taken shape under Mark Pope, who replaced John Calipari after his 15-year run with the Wildcats — and so far, the results have been impressive. In his first season at the helm, Pope led a roster largely built through the transfer portal to a 24–12 record and a trip to the Sweet Sixteen. Kentucky reestablished itself as one of the SEC’s toughest outs, and with another offseason overhaul blending returning leaders, star transfers, and elite recruits, the Wildcats have the firepower to take the next step in 2026.

The backcourt looks especially dangerous. Otega Oweh, who averaged 16.2 points and 4.7 rebounds in his first season with Kentucky, returns as the centerpiece of Pope’s offense. A veteran two-way wing with relentless energy, Oweh can take over games as both a scorer and defender, and he’ll shoulder even more responsibility as a senior. Joining him is Jaland Lowe, a breakout transfer from Pittsburgh who posted 16.8 points and 5.5 assists per game last season while earning All-ACC honors. Lowe’s quickness and playmaking give Kentucky the dynamic floor general it lacked a year ago. Add in Denzel Aberdeen, a transfer from Florida with strong leadership and shooting touch, and the Wildcats boast one of the deepest guard rotations in the nation.

The frontcourt remains a work in progress, but it’s loaded with upside. Pope and his staff are counting on versatile forward Amari Williams to provide energy and rim protection, while Quaintance — a 7-foot freshman recovering from injury — could become a difference-maker once fully healthy. The coaching staff also has faith in Garrison’s defensive consistency and Moreno’s long-term potential. The key will be finding the right combinations early in the season to maximize spacing and rebounding. If the frontcourt can hold its own, Kentucky’s guard-driven attack should overwhelm opponents with pace and versatility.

Simply put, there’s a new identity in Lexington — and it’s working. Pope’s teams play fast, share the ball, and defend with purpose, all while balancing veteran experience with youthful energy. After reestablishing Kentucky as a national factor last spring, he’s assembled a deeper and more complete roster this time around. The Wildcats are once again built to make a March run, and with Oweh, Lowe, and Aberdeen leading the charge, this group has the balance and grit to end Kentucky’s championship drought in 2026.

The Best NCAAB Championship Value Bets

The following men’s College basketball teams are our picks for the best betting value based on their rosters and current odds:

Alabama Crimson Tide (+3500)

Nate Oats has turned Alabama into one of the nation’s most consistent offensive juggernauts — and even after losing several key pieces, the Crimson Tide are once again positioned as a dangerous value pick entering 2026. Oats has led Bama to four straight Sweet Sixteen appearances (including a Final Four run in 2024 and an Elite Eight berth last year), all while developing one of the most explosive scoring systems in college basketball. The Tide led the country in scoring last season at 90.7 points per game, and even with roster turnover, their offensive ceiling remains sky-high.

The backcourt will once again drive Alabama’s success. Labaron Philon Jr., a rising sophomore, is poised for stardom after a breakout freshman year in which he averaged 10.6 points and 3.8 assists while flashing elite court vision and shot creation. He’ll be joined by Aden Holloway, a transfer from Auburn who hit 41% from deep last season and brings veteran savvy to a young group. The Tide’s backcourt gets even deeper with Jalil Bethea, a former 5-star Miami recruit who brings dynamic athleticism and scoring punch once healthy. Together, that trio gives Alabama a blend of speed, shooting, and ball-handling that fits perfectly in Oats’ uptempo, space-heavy system.

Up front, Alabama will lean on Taylor Bol Bowen, a 6’10” transfer from Florida State who averaged 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game last season. His rim protection and energy complement sophomore Aiden Sherrell, another key piece from last year’s recruiting class. Sherrell’s ability to stretch the floor as a big makes him a perfect fit in Oats’ modern offense, while Bowen’s defensive instincts bring much-needed stability inside. The Tide may lack traditional post size, but their positional versatility allows them to dictate matchups on both ends of the court.

There’s no question Alabama’s offense will be elite again — the key will be whether this new-look roster can defend well enough to win late in March. With Philon, Holloway, and Bethea leading one of the most skilled guard rotations in the nation and Oats’ proven ability to maximize transfer talent, the Tide have all the tools to remain among the country’s top contenders. At +3500, Alabama offers tremendous value as a team that can not only win shootouts but also has the depth, coaching, and momentum to make another Final Four push.

Baylor Bears (+5000)

Scott Drew has built one of college basketball’s most resilient programs, and 2026 will test that reputation like never before. The Bears enter the season with an entirely new roster after losing all 14 players from last year’s team — a stunning level of turnover even by transfer-portal standards. Despite that, Drew’s track record suggests Baylor won’t be down for long. The program’s culture of player development and adaptability has consistently kept them competitive in the Big 12, and Drew’s ability to build cohesion quickly makes this roster one of the most intriguing wild cards in the country.

Baylor’s new-look lineup leans heavily on experienced transfers and high-upside recruits. Obi Agbim, the Mountain West Newcomer of the Year, averaged 17.6 points per game at Wyoming and projects as the team’s primary scorer. Dan Skillings Jr., a proven veteran from Cincinnati, brings defensive toughness and shot-making on the wing, while 5-star freshman Tounde Yessoufou could be the next Baylor one-and-done star. The frontcourt rotation, featuring Caden Powell (Wyoming/Rice) and Juslin Bodo Bodo (High Point), provides size and athleticism that fit perfectly in Drew’s switch-heavy defensive scheme. Collectively, this roster has played more than 500 Division I games — an underrated advantage when trying to establish chemistry on the fly.

What Baylor lacks in continuity, it makes up for in experience, versatility, and leadership. The Bears’ offensive system — emphasizing tempo, spacing, and attacking mismatches — should allow scorers like Agbim and Yessoufou to thrive immediately. Drew’s history of getting the most out of transfer-heavy teams gives this group real sleeper potential, especially in a Big 12 that’s deep but not top-heavy beyond Houston and Kansas. If the newcomers can gel by March, Baylor’s ceiling looks much higher than its +5000 price suggests — a testament to one of the sport’s most dependable coaches and his ability to turn chaos into consistency.

NCAA Men’s Championship Longshot

Hubert Davis enters his fifth season in Chapel Hill facing both pressure and opportunity — and this year’s roster might finally give him the formula to deliver on North Carolina’s (+6000) championship expectations. After a few up-and-down seasons that have ranged from a national title game appearance to missing the NCAA Tournament entirely, the Tar Heels appear to have reestablished balance on both ends of the floor. Davis has built this team around length, athleticism, and shooting — the three pillars of every great Carolina squad. With a reloaded frontcourt and improved spacing, UNC should be right back in the national conversation come March.

The headliner is Caleb Wilson, a five-star freshman center and Gatorade National Player of the Year from Georgia who’s expected to be a one-and-done lottery pick. At 6’10”, Wilson brings explosive athleticism, rim protection, and a refined offensive touch that fills a major need after last year’s lack of frontcourt scoring. He’ll be joined by Henri Veesar, a transfer from Arizona and one of the top rim protectors in the Big 12, who shot 67% from the floor last season and provides veteran stability down low. Sophomore Jonathan Powell, meanwhile, could be the team’s breakout star — an athletic forward with a high ceiling and elite shooting stroke who can create off the dribble or stretch defenses from deep. That trio gives UNC the interior presence and offensive versatility it lacked a year ago.

This version of North Carolina looks far more cohesive than the inconsistent lineups of years past. Davis’ squad finally has the depth, balance, and two-way identity needed to compete deep into March. Between Wilson’s inside dominance, Powell’s scoring versatility, and Veesar’s defensive edge, the Tar Heels have the makings of a legitimate contender

NCAAM Basketball Championship Predictions

If you’re hunting for the cleanest blend of floor and ceiling, Houston is the play. Kelvin Sampson returns elite guard continuity with Uzan and Sharp, keeps the nation’s trademark defense intact with Joseph Tugler patrolling the paint, and layers in real upside via five-star Chris Cenac Jr. and blue-chip freshman Isiah Harwell. That mix of veteran shot creation, rim protection, and instant-impact freshmen gives the Cougars multiple ways to win in March—grind-it-out rock fights or late-game shotmaking—without relying on a single star to carry them.

Just as important, Houston’s identity travels. They rebound, take care of the ball, and stack stops—traits that hold up in neutral-site gyms and late possessions. After finishing a possession away from last year’s crown, this roster is deeper and more dynamic, with better half-court scoring than past Cougars teams. At +950, you’re buying one of the country’s safest Final Four probabilities with legitimate title equity—and that combination makes Houston the best bet on the board.

Bet: Houston Cougars (+950)

Who won the Men’s College Basketball Championship?

The following is a list of the most recent Men’s College Basketball Championship winners: