As the 2025 NCAA basketball season concludes, early betting odds for the 2026 National Championship have been released, highlighting Duke and Houston as the frontrunners.
Duke Blue Devils
Despite the anticipated departure of star freshman Cooper Flagg to the NBA, Duke enters the 2026 season as the leading favorite to secure the national title. The Blue Devils concluded the 2025 season with a stellar 35-4 record, narrowly falling to Houston in the Final Four. Betting platforms such as BetRivers, FanDuel, and DraftKings have assigned Duke +1000 odds to claim the championship.
To bolster their roster, Duke has secured commitments from highly-touted recruits, including the Boozer twins, Cameron and Cayden, sons of former NBA star Carlos Boozer. These additions are expected to enhance the team’s championship prospects in the upcoming season.
Houston Cougars
The Houston Cougars, who finished as runners-up in the 2025 NCAA Tournament after a close 65-63 loss to Florida in the championship game, are positioned as the second favorite for the 2026 title. Betting odds place Houston at approximately +1200 to win the championship.
The Cougars are expected to benefit from the return of key players such as Emanuel Sharp and Joseph Tugler, along with a highly-rated recruiting class. These factors contribute to their strong standing in early betting odds.
Other Contenders
Several other teams are emerging as strong contenders for the 2026 championship:
- Florida Gators: As the reigning champions, Florida opens with +2500 odds, despite the anticipated departure of standout Walter Clayton Jr. to the NBA.
- BYU Cougars: BYU has gained attention by signing top high school recruit AJ Dybantsa, potentially boosting their championship prospects.
- UConn Huskies: Despite NBA departures, UConn is in the conversation for the 2026 title, having reloaded with transfers like Silas Demary Jr. and Braylon Mulliins, under the leadership of head coach Dan Hurley.
- Kentucky Wildcats: Emerging as a top contender, Kentucky shares the seventh-best odds with UConn, Arkansas, and Alabama, according to FanDuel. The Wildcats have bolstered their roster with commitments from high four-star recruits Jasper Johnson and Malachi Moreno.
These early odds reflect the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of college basketball, influenced by player departures, recruiting successes, and other offseason developments. As the 2025-2026 season approaches, these odds are subject to change based on team performances and roster adjustments
