The transfer portal has closed, the NBA Draft is behind us, and college basketball rosters are finally starting to settle. That means sportsbooks are already setting the board for next year’s national title race.
There is still a long road to March, but with most rosters now finalized, it is a good time to check in on the early contenders, rising programs, and which blue bloods are still trying to figure it out.
The Early Favorites
These are the top three betting favorites to cut down the nets in April 2026.
Purdue (+900)
The Boilermakers return five of their top six scorers from a team that reached the Sweet 16. Braden Smith might be the best point guard in the country, and Purdue’s combination of experience and depth has them at the top of the odds board.
Houston (+1000)
With three returning starters and the second-ranked recruiting class in the nation, the Cougars look like a strong bet to return to the Final Four.
Duke (+1100)
Jon Scheyer has quickly built his own reputation, blending returning talent with elite freshmen. This year’s group includes three incoming five-stars along with the return of Isaiah Evans, Caleb Foster, and Patrick Ngongba.
The Blue Blood Question
The portal and NIL era have changed how elite programs build. Tradition matters less than ever, and a few of college basketball’s legacy brands are feeling it. The question is whether these schools can reload fast enough to contend in 2025–26.
UConn (+1500)
Do not let last year’s dip distract from the program Dan Hurley is building. With Solo Ball and Alex Karaban returning and Silas Demary Jr. joining via the portal, the Huskies will be dangerous once again.
Kentucky (+1800)
The Wildcats had one of the strongest portal classes in the country and retained Otega Oweh after the NBA Draft process. This is arguably the most talented roster in college basketball.
Kansas (+2500)
Flory Bidunga is the only returner from last year’s team, but he was once the top-ranked recruit in the country and now looks to lead this squad. It may take time, but the ceiling remains high.
Michigan State (+3500)
After an Elite Eight run, Tom Izzo brought back four of his top eight scorers. The Spartans may not have reloaded loudly, but continuity could make them dangerous.
North Carolina (+4500)
Hubert Davis enters the season under pressure. After nearly missing the tournament last year, UNC has only two returning players and will rely heavily on its portal class and five-star freshman Caleb Wilson.
Familiar Faces in the Mix
Some teams may not necessarily be considered blue bloods, but they have been knocking on the door or winning big in recent years. A few of those teams look poised to stay in the mix again.
Florida (+1600)
The defending champions added Xavian Lee and Boogie Fland to replace Walter Clayton in the backcourt. With several frontcourt players set to return, the Gators should remain balanced and dangerous.
Auburn (+3000)
The Tigers are coming off one of their best seasons ever. Tahaad Pettiford is back, and Bruce Pearl landed a top-ten transfer class. The value here is intriguing.
Gonzaga (+5500)
Mark Few always delivers a quality team, but the current roster does not seem to have the same juice as recent seasons. At this price, it might still be worth a flier.
The New Faces
Some teams have rarely, if ever, appeared near the top of the title odds. This year, a few outsiders are making noise.
Michigan (+1500)
After exceeding expectations last season, the Wolverines return with the second-ranked transfer class. Expectations are rising, and for good reason.
BYU (+1700)
The Cougars made a strong March run and then landed AJ Dybantsa, one of the top recruits in the country. The buzz is real. Whether it is justified remains to be seen.
Louisville (+2200)
Pat Kelsey is rebuilding the Cardinals quickly. Louisville has the fourth-ranked portal class and a few key returners from last season. The foundation is taking shape.
St. John’s (+1700)
Rick Pitino went portal hunting and landed six transfers, giving the Johnnies the top-ranked transfer class. If he can make the pieces fit, this group has real upside.
Parting Shot
It is still early, but the title picture is already starting to take shape. Purdue and Houston look like the most complete teams, while Duke and Kentucky are betting on talent to carry them. A few surprise programs are rising fast, and the blue bloods are still trying to prove they belong in the new era.
Whether you are looking for value plays or just want to know who is expected to contend, the 2025–26 season is already giving us plenty to think about.
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