Although it’s still a long way off, it’s never too early to start thinking about March Madness. It’s one of the most exciting and unpredictable events on the sports calendar, which makes it especially appealing to sports bettors.
This year’s field promises to feature plenty of top-tier talent. Florida, which won the NCAA Tournament in 2025, is right back in the mix, along with runner-up Houston. But does that make them the best bets to cut down the nets in 2026?
OddsTrader has the latest NCAA Championship odds available now, allowing you to get a head start on the competition. Here are the best bets you can make today.Â
Top March Madness Contenders
There are four schools that stand out from the crowd at this stage of the season. It’s most likely that one of these teams will win the NCAA Tournament in 2026.Â
Purdue (+900)
The Boilermakers occupy the top spot in the preseason AP Top 25 poll, and rightfully so. Led by Wooden Award favorite Braden Smith, plus Trey Kaufman-Renn and Fletcher Loyer, Purdue has the firepower to make another deep run.Â
Houston (+1000)
Houston went 35-5 (19-1 Big 12) in 2024-25 and ultimately came up just short in a 65-63 loss to Florida in the NCAA Tournament championship game. LJ Cryer is gone, but the Cougars are again expected to be one of the top defensive teams in the nation. Â
Duke (+1400)
The Blue Devils are bound to have an exciting offense thanks to twins Cameron and Cayden Boozer (yes, that Boozer), who are both projected to be first-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. Coach Jon Scheyer has done well to maximize Duke’s potential since taking over in 2022.
Connecticut (+1400)
UConn was bounced early in the NCAA Tournament this past season, falling 77-75 to the eventual champions. Led by Dan Hurley, the Huskies are back with several seniors and promising freshman two-guard Braylon Mullins.
More Good March Madness Bets
These schools may be overshadowed, but that’s no reason to avoid them altogether. This year’s March Madness winner may well come from this group.Â
Florida (+1700)
The Gators are reigning champions and have a decent chance to repeat. Walter Clayton Jr. has since departed for the NBA, but Florida nabbed top transfer Boogie Fland, who stood out at Arkansas in 2024-25. The Gators will be a two-way force under Todd Golden.Â
Kentucky (+1800)
The Wildcats look intriguing. Otega Oweh is back after an impressive junior season, and he’s joined by former Pittsburgh standout Jaland Lowe and projected lottery pick Jayden Quaintance, who’s still working his way back from a torn ACL. Kentucky will be a tough out come March.Â
Michigan (+1900)
Michigan made great strides in its first season under Dusty May, going 27-10 (14-6 Big Ten) and reaching the Sweet 16. The Wolverines are No. 7 in the preseason AP Top 25 and boast a genuine Wooden Award candidate in UAB transfer Yaxel Lendeborg.Â
BYU (+2000)
BYU is bound to draw plenty of attention this season thanks to freshman AJ Dybantsa, who’s projected to be a top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Cougars also roster 3-point sniper Richie Saunders and intriguing seven-foot big Xavion Staton.Â
March Madness Sleepers
Predicting the NCAA Tournament winner this far out is a tough task, so why not aim for a higher payout? Anything could happen between now and the end of March Madness. Here are a few sleeper bets to consider.Â
Kansas (+3000)
Darryn Peterson is the story for the Jayhawks. The projected No. 1 overall pick in 2026 is a supremely talented guard who will make an immediate impact on offense. It’s also worth keeping an eye on second-year center Flory Bidunga, a stellar rim protector.Â
Arkansas (+3500)
Remember that this is John Calipari’s team now. Karter Knox should shine, as should experienced forwards Malique Ewin and Nick Pringle. Arkansas will play fast and hard on both ends of the floor.Â
UCLA (+3500)
The Bruins are No. 12 in the preseason AP Top 25 and No. 10 in KenPom’s ratings, but they find themselves at a relatively long +3500 to win the title. Don’t sleep on transfer Donovan Dent, who led the Mountain West with 20.4 points per game at New Mexico last season.Â
Find the Best College Basketball Picks
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